Despite having put the finishing touches on 311's forthcoming Soundsystem, singer-guitarist Nick Hexum isn't about to kick his feet up. The frontman has been busy remixing (No Doubt's "Marry Me" and a track for British DJ Carl Cox) and co-producing (Grasshopper Takeover, Libra).|

According to 311 manager Adam Raspler, Hexum's extracurricular activities will be tabled when Soundsystem gets released Oct. 12 and the quintet embarks on a three-month club/theater tour. The Hugh Padgham-produced album will be 311's first studio effort since 1997's Transistor. The first single, "Come Original," will precede the album's release.

In related news, the band's web site (www.311.music.com) will get a massive facelift on Aug. 20. Included among the spectacle will be band-contributed information, flash and animation elements, bulletin boards, voting for favorite video, song and album and possibly sound clips from Soundsystem.

BLAIR R. FISCHER
(August 4, 1999)