Who Is The 311 Lead Singer Now? Inside Nick Hexum’s Current Life, Music, And Net Worth

The alternative rock explosion of the 1990s produced dozens of bands that burned bright and quickly faded away. However, few groups managed to capture a permanent, fiercely loyal subculture quite like the Omaha, Nebraska-born band 311. Fusing reggae, heavy rock, rap, and funk, the band established a completely unique sonic footprint. At the center of this genre-bending powerhouse is their iconic frontman and rhythm guitarist.

If you are wondering who the 311 lead singer is now and what he is up to today, the answer is both reassuring and impressive: Nick Hexum remains the primary lead singer of 311, a position he has held continuously since the band’s formation in 1988. Alongside co-vocalist Doug "SA" Martinez, Hexum continues to tour the world, write new music, and manage an array of successful entrepreneurial ventures.

The Frontmen of 311: Nick Hexum and SA Martinez Today

Unlike many of their 90s alternative rock peers, 311 has never undergone a single lineup change since their classic roster solidified in 1992. Nick Hexum serves as the primary songwriter, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist. Born on April 12, 1970, Hexum has spent more than three decades commanding stages with his towering 6'4" frame, smooth baritone vocals, and signature positive lyricism. His melodic sensibilities have defined the band's most massive radio hits, including "Amber," "Down," "All Mixed Up," and their famous cover of The Cure's "Love Song."

Working in perfect tandem with Hexum is co-lead vocalist and turntablist Doug "SA" Martinez. While Hexum provides the melodic anchor and rhythmic guitar patterns, Martinez injects the band's tracks with rapid-fire hip-hop flows, soaring falsettos, and mysterious, sci-fi-inspired lyrics. This dual-vocal dynamic prevents the band from sounding stagnant, allowing them to shift seamlessly between heavy rap-rock anthems and breezy, laid-back reggae jams.

Today, both frontmen are in their mid-50s but show no signs of slowing down. They maintain rigorous physical fitness regimens and vocal training to ensure their live performances match the high-octane energy of their youth. This commitment to their craft has allowed 311 to remain a highly profitable, self-sustaining touring machine that performs dozens of shows every year.

Where Is Nick Hexum Now? Current Activities and Business Ventures

Nick Hexum currently resides in Southern California, having previously spent time living in Hawaii and Los Angeles. He is a dedicated family man, married to his wife Nikki Hexum since 2008, with whom he shares three daughters: Echo, Silk, and Harlow. Hexum's transition from a wild, touring rock star in his twenties to a health-conscious, family-oriented father in his fifties is heavily reflected in his current lifestyle and creative output.

Beyond his ongoing musical commitments with 311, Hexum has diversified his professional life into several lucrative business sectors:

Wellness and Fitness: Hexum is a passionate advocate for physical health, utilizing strict exercise routines, biohacking, and specialized diets (including low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles) to maintain his physical stamina on tour. The Cannabis Industry: Capitalizing on 311's long-standing counterculture appeal, Hexum launched the "Uplifter" brand, which designs and distributes high-quality vaporizer pens and CBD/cannabis products. Real Estate and Investing: Hexum has quietly built a robust real estate portfolio, investing in residential properties across Southern California and Hawaii. The Nick Hexum Quintet: When he wants to step outside the sonic boundaries of 311, Hexum occasionally performs and records with his side project, the Nick Hexum Quintet, which explores traditional jazz, swing, and bossa nova styles.

The Dual-Vocal Powerhouse: A Comparative Breakdown

To fully appreciate the enduring success of 311, it is essential to look at how Nick Hexum's role compares to and complements that of SA Martinez. Their contrasting styles create a balance that few other multi-vocalist bands have ever successfully replicated.

Performance Feature Nick Hexum Doug "SA" Martinez Primary Role Lead Vocals, Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Songwriter Co-Lead Vocals, Turntables, DJ Vocal Range & Style Smooth Baritone, Melodic Reggae, Crooning Rapid-fire Rap, High-pitched falsetto, Sci-Fi harmonies Stage Presence Commanding, rhythmic, centered High-energy, constant dancing, dynamic movement Key Songwriting Themes Positivity, love, personal growth, unity Mysticism, space, social commentary, abstract thoughts Side Projects The Nick Hexum Quintet, Solo pop/reggae tracks Ghostwolf (indie/synth-pop project)

The Evolution of 311's Sound and Legacy

The longevity of 311 is directly tied to Hexum’s forward-thinking approach to the music business. After fulfilling their long-term major label contracts, Hexum and his bandmates took full control of their intellectual property. Today, they operate as an independent entity, releasing music under their own imprint, 311 Records. This independence has allowed them to bypass traditional industry gatekeepers and market directly to their massive, multi-generational fan base.

Their sonic evolution has progressed from the raw, aggressive funk-metal of their early 90s albums like Music and Grassroots to the highly polished, electronic-infused alternative pop of their recent records like Mosaic and Voyager. While some purists long for the heavier guitar riffs of their early catalog, Hexum’s willingness to experiment with modern production techniques has kept the band relevant to younger listeners who discover them via streaming platforms.

Pros and Cons of 311's Modern Live Shows

For fans planning to see Nick Hexum and 311 perform live today, the band's current approach to touring presents unique advantages and minor drawbacks.

The Pros

Exceptional Vocal Preservation: Unlike many of his peers from the 90s grunge and alt-rock scenes, Nick Hexum has taken excellent care of his voice. His live vocals sound remarkably similar to his studio recordings from thirty years ago. Vast and Diverse Setlists: With over 13 studio albums, the band has hundreds of songs to choose from. They rarely play the exact same setlist twice on a single tour, keeping the experience fresh for hardcore fans. Unrivaled Live Energy: The rhythm section of P-Nut (bass) and Chad Sexton (drums) remains one of the tightest in rock history, providing a powerful foundation for Hexum and Martinez’s vocal delivery.

The Cons

Nostalgia vs. New Material: Casual fans attending shows often only want to hear the massive 90s radio hits, which can sometimes crowd out newer, highly creative tracks from their setlists. Ticket Pricing and VIP Packages: As a legacy touring act, ticket prices for major venues and specialized events like the biennial "311 Day" in Las Vegas or the "311 Caribbean Cruise" can be quite expensive for budget-conscious fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About 311’s Lead Singer

How old is the lead singer of 311?

Nick Hexum was born on April 12, 1970. He is currently 54 years old and continues to maintain an active, high-energy touring lifestyle.

Is Nick Hexum still in 311?

Yes, Nick Hexum is still the active lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for 311. He has never left the band since its inception in 1988.

What is Nick Hexum's net worth?

As of 2024, Nick Hexum's net worth is estimated to be approximately $25 million. This wealth is a result of millions of album sales, continuous global touring, songwriting royalties, and successful investments in real estate and the cannabis industry.

Where does Nick Hexum live now?

Nick Hexum lives in Southern California with his wife and three daughters. He previously owned a large estate in Hawaii, which served as a creative retreat for writing music.

Who is the co-singer in 311?

The co-singer of 311 is Doug "SA" Martinez. He provides the rap vocals, falsetto harmonies, and scratching/turntable elements that complement Nick Hexum’s melodic lead vocals.

Experience the Magic of 311 Live

There is no better way to appreciate the enduring talent of Nick Hexum and the rest of 311 than by experiencing their legendary live show in person. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer eager to experience the classic alt-rock movement, their shows offer a positive, high-energy environment that celebrates community and musical diversity.

Head over to the official 311 website to check their latest tour dates, purchase tickets, and stream their newest releases on your favorite music platform today!