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Nick Hexum

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Nick Hexum
Hexum performing in 2023
Hexum performing in 2023
Background information
Birth nameNicholas Lofton Hexum
Also known asDJ Lofton
Born (1970-04-12) April 12, 1970 (age 54)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
OriginOmaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboard
  • bass
  • programming
Years active1985–present
Labels
Member of
  • 311
  • The Nick Hexum Quintet
Children3
Websitewww.311.com

Nicholas Lofton Hexum (born April 12, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter and rapper, currently the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the multi-platinum alternative rock band 311 and The Nick Hexum Quintet.

Early life

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Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to father Dr. Terry Hexum, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and cardiovascular and neuroscience researcher, and mother Pat,[1] Hexum went to Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska. School led Hexum to music programs, such as Westside Jazz Band, where he met Chad Sexton. Hexum views his first rock 'n' roll performance as a junior high talent show under the name The Clash.[2]

In 1985, Hexum also started a band with school friends. This is the first group where he had another member of 311 as a bandmate. Tim Mahoney was the lead guitarist in the group. Other members included Ward Bones, Andy Gray, Lon Breslow, and Ed Birmingham. Their band was called The Eds after their drummer. They performed at school functions, even winning local battle of the bands. The group played together for a few years before disbanding.[3]

In 1988, Hexum linked with Mahoney and jazz band friend Chad Sexton to form a band named Unity. The line-up changed when they graduated highschool. Mahoney and Sexton decided to head to college. Chad Sexton returned from a short stint at University of Nebraska and Unity was revived without Mahoney. Hexum, Sexton, Ward Bones, and Marcus Watkins formed this new line-up and moved to Los Angeles to make an effort for recognition. However, this group soon parted ways.

Hexum moved to Germany for a brief stint in 1990. After a few months, he got a call from Sexton. He had linked up with Aaron Wills and Jim Watson.[4] Their band, Fish Hippos, had a gig with Fugazi on June 10, 1990 at Sokol Auditorium in their hometown on Omaha, NE and he invited Hexum to join the band. Hexum agreed, but said they needed to change the band's name. They settled on 311 and announced that from stage. The band views this show as their birth.

311

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Main article: 311 (band)

311's birth is viewed as their first show together at Sokol Auditorium on June 10, 1990. At that time, they were entirely independent and Hexum served as the band's manager and distributor. He took out a student loan and used the money to record in a local, professional studio and 311 released three independent albums, Dammit!, Unity, and Hydroponic on Hexum's own independent label What Have You Records.

In 1992, the band felt they'd done all they could on the local scene and moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a record deal. Since Hexum had been proactive on the business end, demo tapes had been sent to many record labels. One made its way to producer Eddy Offord, who took interest in working with the band. All of this culminated in 311 signing a record deal with Capricorn Records. In 1993, 311 released their first major label album, titled Music.

311 has released 14 major label records without a change in the band's line-up.[5] They have performed over 2,000 shows in 29 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Hits include "Down", "Love Song", "Amber", "All Mixed Up", "You Wouldn't Believe", "Creatures (For a While)", and many more.[6]

Outside Ventures

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From his own clothing line [7] to his non-profit awareness group,[8][9] Hexum has held many interests outside of music. The two worlds combined in the early 2022 when Hexum became a Chief Artist at a start-up tech company called SKP.[10]

SKP (a play on the word 'escapee') was designed to help music artists bypass the major label network and find the tools they need without sacrificing their rights. To do this, they've created a network where young artists can get the help a major label would provide, such as distribution and marketing, without the need to sign a major label contract. The upcoming artists can retain their own equity and control over their own music and direction.[11][12]

Hexum is also part owner of Union Omaha, a soccer team in his hometown on Omaha, NE.[13][14]

Personal life

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Hexum in 2007

Hexum is a middle child. His siblings are Angela, Zack, and Patrick.

Zack is a songwriter and musician in his own right, with album releases and scoring credits.[15] He has toured with his brother for the Hexum Brothers Rock For Kerry (2005) and for the Nick Hexum Quintet (2014) and has recorded and wrote for 311 on "Reggae Got Soul" (recorded horns) and "Forever Now" (songwriting credits).

Patrick passed away fighting an opiod addiction.[16]

Hexum married his wife Nikki on New Year's Eve 2008. They have three daughters, Echo, Maxine and Harlow.

Their oldest daughter, Echo, was born in a home birth on August 29, 2009.[17] Echo has taken up piano, even performing live with her father at 311 Day 2020.[18]

Their second daughter, Maxine, was born May 1, 2011, which happened to occur on Nikki's birthday. Due to the absence of the family's midwife, Hexum performed the delivery.[19]

Their third daughter, Harlow, was born September 16, 2014.[20] Harlow has numerous acting credits, including in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Alya Fitz.[21]

Hexum has been known to support numerous charities, such as MusiCares,[22] ChooseLove,[23] Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation[24] and others.

Discography

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with 311

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with The Nick Hexum Quintet

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with George Clanton

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as Nick Hexum

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  • "Ocean Eyes" (2021, single)
  • "St. Judy's Comet" (2021, single)
  • "Don't Know What" (2021, single)

Hexum has announced an upcoming solo album to be released in 2025. He has described this venture as acoustic / americana.[25]

Guest appearances

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References

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  1. ^ "UNMC researcher cheers on musical sons - UNMC". App1.unmc.edu. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  2. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXf8vMyZk0Y
  3. ^ https://311archive.com/archive-pre-311/
  4. ^ https://311archive.com/archive-pre-311/
  5. ^ Omaha World Herald | https://omaha.com/entertainment/the-bands-that-have-kept-their-original-lineups-the-longest/article_3bbaec1d-d8ba-56a1-b8b7-c283ed3d9472.html
  6. ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/311/chart-history/hsi/
  7. ^ Ginsing Clothing | https://web.archive.org/web/20040318175652/http://www.ginsingclothing.com/
  8. ^ Liberal Hexum | https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=1654278
  9. ^ LA Times| https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-sep-07-wk-pop7-story.html
  10. ^ https://www.skp.io/
  11. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOkPVwm8Wxc&t=2425s
  12. ^ https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/interviews/nick-hexum-no-rockstar-attitude-just-sweat-and-gratitude/
  13. ^ https://www.unionomaha.com/news/2023/09/28/311s-nick-hexum-joins-union-omaha-ownership-group/
  14. ^ https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1285980
  15. ^ https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/writer/406622384/HEXUM%20ZACHARY
  16. ^ "311: Renowned Alt. Rock Band Wraps Up Two Sold Out Concerts For '311 DAY 2018'". Screamer Magazine. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  17. ^ Hexum, Nick [@NickHexum] (2009-08-29). "Echo Hexum was born at home today at four in the morning. Words cannot describe how amazing it was. Time to go to bed..." (Tweet). Retrieved 2020-02-23 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-IyMxNC5bY&pp=ygUOMzExIGVjaG8gaGV4dW0%3D
  19. ^ "311's Nick Hexum Delivers Daughter Maxine". People. June 16, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  20. ^ Hexum, Nick [@NickHexum] (2014-09-16). "Healthy baby girl Harlow born into the Hexum family at 3:42 on 9/16/14. 7 lbs. 15 oz. Overjoyed!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2019-07-28 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11097287/
  22. ^ https://grammy.com/news/band-of-merrymakers-holiday-single-supports-musicares
  23. ^ https://x.com/NickHexum/status/1499074474108493832
  24. ^ https://abc7ny.com/nick-hexum-blood-cancer-multiple-myeloma-empire-state-building-run-up/1181292/
  25. ^ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SdgoIn7_Ht4
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