311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique sound. After years of consistent touring, 311 have developed a reputation as one of the hardest working, most influential and most entertaining live bands in the U.S.
311 have released ten studio albums, one live album, one greatest hits album and three dvd's - and have sold over 8.5 million albums in the U.S. Seven of their albums have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart...and 9 of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Alternative Rock Radio Chart (including the #1 singles Down, Love Song & Don't Tread On Me. Along with Amber, All Mixed Up, Come Original, Creatures For Awhile, Hey You, and Sunset in July).
311’s newest album, Universal Pulse, released in Summer 2011, was produced by Bob Rock, mixed by Chad Sexton and debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart.
The band's celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide. Since its inception in 2004, 311’s annual summer headlining amphitheatre run, Unity Tour, has become one of the largest modern rock concerts of the summer. Support acts on previous Unity Tours have included Sublime with Rome, The Offspring, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Papa Roach, The Wailers, O.A.R., Matisyahu, and Ziggy Marley. Unity Tour 2012 will feature support from Slightly Stoopid.
311 BIO/HIGHLIGHTS:
* 311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum, vocalist/dj SA Martinez, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Los Angeles.
* 311 has sold over 8.5 million units in the U.S.
* 311 has had 8 albums reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s U.S. Top 200 Sales Chart
* 311 has had 9 singles reach the Top 10 on Billboard’s U.S. Alternative Chart (including the #1 singles “Down”, “Love Song” & “Don’t Tread On Me” along with “Amber”, “All Mixed Up”, “Come Original”, “Creatures (For a While)”, “Hey You” and "Sunset in July")
* 311’s new album, Universal Pulse, debuted at #7 in July 2011 and was produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Aerosmith).
* 311’s new album, due summer of 2011, was produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Aerosmith).
* 311’s sound is a unique hybrid of rock, reggae, hip-hop & funk. A balance of hard rocking anthems and melodic reggae grooves - with an underlying message of unity & positivity.
* After years of incessant touring, 311 has developed a reputation as one of the most influential & most entertaining live bands in the U.S.
* With their celebratory live shows, 311 has earned a massive grassroots following. For the past nine years, 311 has headlined their summer “Unity Tour” in ampitheatres across the U.S.- drawing crowds of 10,000 to 18,000 people in Atlanta, Boston, DC, New Jersey, Los Angeles, St. Louis, West Palm, Charlotte, VA Beach, Denver, etc. The tour is consistently one of the largest modern rock concerts of the summer in the U.S.
* Past 311 tours have included an impressive array of opening acts. Bands such as No Doubt, Korn & Incubus all supported 311 on U.S. tours before they became headliners.
* Support acts on 311’s Unity Tour have included :
Sublime With Rome, The Offspring, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Papa Roach, The Wailers, O.A.R., Matisyahu and Ziggy Marley.
* 311 has always stayed true to their own approach and their underlying message of unity and positivity. That message still rings true for them today…in their lyrics and at their celebratory live shows. Singer Nick Hexum typically ends each show with the words, “Stay Positive and Love Your Life.”
• Every other year on March 11th (“3-11 Day”), 311 holds a special concert event that attracts thousands of 311 fans from around the world. The show includes an extended setlist (5 hours / 60+ songs) and state of the art production. Last year the band sold-out the Mandalay Bay Arena and tickets were sold to fans in all 50 U.S. states and 13 different countries. 311 fans traveled from around the globe to meet each other and to celebrate 311 Day together.
Transistor
311 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
Then there's no luck
Then again if you came for drama then I can't understand a
Music critics
Music critics
Been in a mix
Been in a mix
We're from the grassroots so big up to our friends
Every crew, every clique, and every posse
Big up to all the heads not of hypocrisy
You're a transistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That's what you are
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
311
Brothers from another planet and here once again
Automatic
Automatic
Quantam saints of the universe in a holographic
Cosmic remix
Cosmic remix
From the mysterious blue planet
We can breathe anywhere
Under water, out in space, and in LA
Your polluted air's no problem for these homeys
You're a transistor
Lightning resistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That's what you are
The lyrics of 311's song Transistor are a nod to the band's roots and their approach to music-making. The opening lines of the song serve as a warning to those who are looking for more than just music. The band is saying that if you're looking for something more than just the beats, then you might be out of luck. The use of the phrase "beats for your buck" suggests that the band is primarily interested in creating music that is enjoyable and easy to listen to.
The second verse of the song takes a swipe at music critics and those who claim to be experts in the field of music. The band is saying that they are not afraid of those who have never been in a mix, suggesting that these critics have no real understanding of what goes into creating music. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "you're a transistor, lightning resistor, conducting to the mother star," reinforces the band's belief that music is a universal language that can connect people from all walks of life.
Overall, the lyrics of Transistor are a celebration of the power of music, a nod to the band's roots, and a reminder that there is more to life than just the pursuit of material wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
There are no options for better quality music at a better price
Then there's no luck
In that case, you're out of luck
Then again if you came for drama then I can't understand a
If your intention is to cause trouble, I won't be able to relate to you
Music critics
People who make a living out of critiquing music
Not afraid of a guy who'll tell you he's never been in a mix
We don't find it impressive when someone boasts about never getting involved in musical collaborations or mixtapes
We're from the grassroots so big up to our friends
We come from the origin of music, so we appreciate our fellow musicians
Every crew, every clique, and every posse
We respect all groups and subcultures of music
Big up to all the heads not of hypocrisy
We salute those who stay true to themselves and their music, without being fake or hypocrites
You're a transistor
You function as an intermediary for transmitting music
Lightning resistor
You have the ability to resist the harmful impact of negativity and criticism
Conducting to the mother star
You are communicating with the highest source of creativity, inspiration, and energy in the universe
That's what you are
That is your true essence and purpose as a musician
Renegade sound system 311
We are a rebellious group of musicians who challenge the status quo with our innovative, eclectic sound
Brothers from another planet and here once again
We are different from the mainstream, yet we have returned to offer a unique perspective on music
Automatic
We flow instinctively and naturally, without following any preconceived formulas or patterns
Quantam saints of the universe in a holographic
We are like spiritual messengers who use music as a medium to convey profound messages about the universe and existence
Cosmic remix
We blend various genres, cultures, and influences into a harmonious creation that transcends boundaries and limitations
From the mysterious blue planet
We come from a place of mystery, wonder, and beauty, just like our music
We can breathe anywhere
We are adaptable, flexible, and resilient, and we can thrive in any environment or condition
Under water, out in space, and in LA
We can explore the depths of the ocean, the vastness of the universe, and the diversity of Los Angeles, and translate our experiences into music
Your polluted air's no problem for these homeys
We can overcome the negative aspects of society, such as pollution, corruption, and injustice, and create a positive, uplifting vibe through our music
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD SEXTON, DOUGLAS MARTINEZ, NICHOLAS HEXUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brandon Celaya
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
If you want more beats for you buck there's no luck
Then there's no luck
Then again if you came for drama then I can't understand a
Music critics
Music critics
Not afraid of a guy who'll tell you he's never been in a mix
Been in a mix
Been in a mix
We're from the grassroots so big up to our friends
Every crew, every clique, and every posse
Big up to all the heads not of hypocrisy
You're a transistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That's what you are
(Yeah)
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
311
Brothers from another planet and here once again
Automatic
Automatic
Quantum saints of the universe in a holographic
Cosmic remix
Cosmic remix
From the mysterious blue planet
We can breathe anywhere
Under water, out in space, and in LA
Your polluted air's no problem for these homeys
You're a transistor
Lightning resistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That's what you are
(Yeah)
Alex Harris
If you want more beats for your buck there’s no luck
If you want more beats for your buck there’s no luck
If you want more beats for your buck there’s no luck
If you want more beats for your buck there’s no luck
Then there’s no luck
Then again if you came for drama then I can’t understand
Music critics, music critics
Not afraid of a guy who’ll tell you he’s never been in a mix
Been in a mix, been in a mix
We’re from the grassroots so big up to our friends
Every crew, every clique and every posse
Big up to all the heads not of hypocrisy
You’re a transistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That’s what you are
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311
Renegade sound system 311, 311
Brothers from another planet and here once again
Automatic, automatic
Quantum saints of the universe in a holographic
Cosmic remix, cosmic remix
From the mysterious blue planet we can breathe anywhere
Underwater, out in space, and in L.A.
Your polluted air’s no problem for these homies
You’re a transistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That’s what you are
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
You’re a transistor
Lightning resistor
Conducting to the mother star
That’s what you are
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah
Lady snake84
I'm so proud to be a 90s kid. 311 will always be one of those bands that will be a part of me forever, even to this day. I'm still here for the transistor! 😎
Kelly Kelso
This album is Gold. Takes me back to when life felt like this music!
Memnon
Hell yeah man. 311 may fade but their songs are forever.
Daniel Borrie
What other bands were you into? The grunge era was pretty good too.
Jon O
@Memnon Fade? They still tour every year and haven't lost a step. 311 - 30 years strong!
Jam W
summer of 97.. rockin a cassette in whatever car you had back then....solid shhit :)
David I
This song reminds me of summer 97 and my first car. Driving around my 92 Nissan Sentra blasting this album on tape. Man those were the best days.
Joseph Phillips
David Isordia yessir!!!! Back when life was easy and had little to no care about life at all
EM1045
Lol, the good old days. Trying to rewind to the beginning of the song, back and forth a bunch of times just to have the radio eat your tape. Nooooooo!
Chesapeake Hammock and Outdoors
Being a teen in the 90's was awesome wasn't it ? SO much has changed since then its almost sad. We really were the end of a generation, and of an entirely different era. Proud to be a gen Xer! It's funny, growing up,WE were supposed to be the generation full of slackers and misfits , but I think we turned out pretty damn good compared to the generations that followed us lol. Certainly Not that they are ALL that way, but for the most part I think. I know my wife and I are trying our hardest to raise our kids to be more like US than their peers lol!