NICK HEXUM: MUSIC, PERSONAL GROWTH, AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION
New solo project from Nick Hexum of 311 gets grassy
Nick Hexum opens up about his latest creative journey, the inspiration behind his new music, and the deeply personal themes that drive his artistry. The artist discusses his decision to release new work independently, the stories behind the songs, and his love for organic, Americana-inspired sounds.
Q: You’ve recently decided to release new solo music. What inspired this decision?
A: After I read Rick Rubin’s book “The Creative Act”, I realized it was time. I just said to myself: I’m putting it out. I’m not gonna sit and wonder whether it’s good enough. Rick talks about how frequent releases are key for an artist to not get stuck in perfectionism. I’m taking action and walking through the fear of not being approved of. It’s about being honest with myself and not letting those fictional stories we tell ourselves hold us back.
Q: Your second song, “Work of Fiction,” touches on the need for approval and self-honesty. Can you tell us more about that?
A: “Work of Fiction” is about identifying those fictional narratives we create that keep us stuck. It’s about getting real with yourself and allowing others to help you see the truth. The song is a reflection on how we often seek validation and how freeing it is to let that go.
Q: You mentioned Mary Gauthier’s book *Saved by a Song* as an influence. How has her work impacted your songwriting?**
*A: Mary Gauthier talks about how cathartic and relatable it is to write about the most painful parts of your life. When you go into those dark caves and explore them, people feel that honesty. My song “Lonely Existence” is a brutally true first-hand account of what it’s like to be stuck in addiction and secrets. It’s raw, but it’s real.*
Q: Your song “1978” seems to evoke nostalgia. What’s the story behind it?
A: “1978” is a nostalgic look at a pre-technology childhood, growing up in the Midwest. Co-written with my sister, Angie, it’s a portrait of what like was like when I was 8 and she was 10. We were all about building forts, playing dodgeball, and all those simple joys of a way of life that’s gone by. It’s a tribute to that time and place. And, to keep in all in the family, my oldest daughter, Echo plays the piano part! The music video uses our actual super 8 home movies shot by my dad.
Q: “Cosmic Connection” feels particularly timely. What message are you hoping to convey with this song?
A: “Cosmic Connection” is about looking past our differences and focusing on our similarities. In this divisive time, it’s a reminder that we’re all connected. It’s a song about clinging to hope and finding unity despite the chaos.
Q: You’ve emphasized that this isn’t a solo departure from 311. Can you clarify your intentions with this new project?
A: Absolutely. 311 is still my priority, and everything is going great with the band. This isn’t a reaction to frustration or anything like that. It’s an additional creative outlet for me to explore very personal topics and experiment with mellow, organic, timeless instruments.
Q: Speaking of organic instruments, you’ve mentioned falling in love with Americana and acoustic sounds and now your playing mandolin. What sparked this shift?
A: I’ve always loved artists like Madeline Peyroux and k.d. lang, that slightly jazzy alt-country vibe. But working with Sierra Ferrell and Kenny Feinstein really deepened my appreciation for organic instruments. I think I’d been denying my Nebraskan roots for a long time, always eager to be part of coastal culture. But there’s a lot of Americana in my background, and I’ve finally embraced it. Acoustic guitars, pedal steel—it’s been incredibly exciting and inspiring.
Q: What’s next for you creatively?
A: I’m opening a new avenue to release lots of songs. This project allows me to explore deeply personal themes and dive into styles that resonate with my roots. It’s a new chapter, and I’m fired up about where it’s headed.*
Sierra Ferrell Queen of Americana
Sierra joins water tower band and nick hexum (311) AT SQUARE DANCE IN L.A.
Americana singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell showed up unexpectedly to an old-time square dance at the Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood, California on Tuesday, February 4th, just two days after she won 4 Grammys at the 2025 Grammys, & sang an impromptu song with vocalist & guitarist Nick Hexum from the rock band 311. The two musicians were introduced on stage for the first time by Kenny Feinstein of the Los Angeles bluegrass band Water Tower. Ferrell was delighted to meet Hexum & sang a snippet of 311’s hit single “Amber” to him before leading the full band in a stirring rendition of the traditional song “Drunken Hiccups.” Prior to this Ferrell participated in the square dance & was seen dancing with members of her entourage as well as other attendees. Nick Hexum/311 & Water Tower posted a video of the night on Instagram.
Photo Left to right: Jordan Lake-banjo, Walter Spenser-bass, Sierra Ferrell-vocals, Joey Bergland-fiddle, Kenny Feinstein-Guitar, Nick Hexum-Guitar
Photo Credit: Robin Frenette
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FEATURED EVENT : TOPANGA BANJO & FIDDLE CONTEST & FOLK FEst
about the lineup
We love this long-standing festival but it is so hard to get in all the good acts, delicious food and workshops crammed in one day. We suggest you make your way to these three acts who clearly cover three sub-genres of folk music, especially if your new to this festival.
HOGSLOP STRING BAND - Old time string
The Hogslop String Band is a Nashville based old time string band comprised of four energetic young musicians hailing from Georgia and Tennessee. They have graced the stage of the Grand Ol Opry and getting ready to release a brand new album.
CRYING UNCLE BLUEGRASSBAND-Progressive grass
The Crying Uncle Bluegrass band consists of brothers Miles Quale (fiddle) and his brother Teo Quale (mandolin) along with Ian Ly (2023 National Flat Picking Guitar Champion and Andrew Osborne (bass). The come from the California Bay Area in Alameda County, which is known for producing great bluegrass acts like Laurie Lewis, Molly Tuttle, AJ Lee and more. They won the 2023 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year award and were honored to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
THE HONEY BUCKETS BAND- High Energy Bluegrass
The Honey Buckets are one of those bands you must see for bragging rights on how you saw them before they got big. They are quickly rising to the top in 2025 with a resent album, bigger festival bookings, headlining venues, epic camp jams. They refer to themselves as a "Southern California singe-mic bluegrass band raised on heavy metal and smog". In reality they are a true high-energy bluegrass band with fast licks and fun originals. Their cleverly marked campsites are go tent for the super talented who can keep up with them and jam packed camp crawler who are mesmerized by the plethora of talent. Expect dancers of all ages as they perform at this years Festival.
aLBUM REVIEW - LIVING IS - MIKE RUFO
ALBUM REVIEW: LIVING IS -MIKE RUFO: A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE LOVE AND RESILIENCE
Mike’s album opens with *“Living Is,”* a track that feels like the first breath of a new day. The gentle picking of the guitar, paired with the elegant sweep of a fiddle, sets a tone of quiet reflection.As the accordion weaves its way into the melody, it becomes the glue that holds the song together, grounding it in warmth and nostalgia.When the drums finally kick in, it’s as if the song has found its heartbeat. Mike’s voice is smooth, comforting, and wise, urging listeners to pause and reflect on their own lives—the love they’ve let in, the choices they’ve made. The bridge transports you to an old-world Irish countryside, where the air is thick with history and emotion. By the end of the song, you feel as though Mike has taken your hand and promised to guide you through the album’s journey. His voice carries the weight of a life well-lived, filled with love, grief, pain, and wonder.
The mood shifts with *“New Day,”* a track that feels destined for the main stage of a bluegrass festival. The harmonies are perfectly arranged, each voice blending seamlessly with the next. The dobro solo is full of attitude, mirroring the pain and resilience Mike sings about. The song’s dynamics are masterfully orchestrated—quiet moments give way to explosive crescendos, and the fiddle solo, supported by a drum feature, feels like a celebration of life itself. By the final chorus, the audience is clapping along, the drums drop out, and the band comes back together in a triumphant finale. It’s an anthem of renewal, a reminder that every day is a chance to start anew. You can almost hear the crowd singing along, their voices rising in unison under the open sky.
Then comes *“Hit Back Hard,”* a track that feels like a sun-soaked road trip with friends. It’s the kind of song you’d blast on the way to the beach, windows down, surfboards strapped to the roof. Mike surprises listeners with a rap verse, but it’s not what you’d expect—it’s classy, cool, and perfectly woven into the fabric of the
song. The chorus soars, and suddenly you’re transported to 1994, riding shotgun in a beat-up van, the radio playing a song that feels both nostalgic and brand new. It’s a testament to Mike’s versatility and his ability to blend genres without losing his authenticity.
*“Some Will Fly”* introduces a reggae-infused groove, a breath of fresh air that showcases yet another side of Mike’s musical palette.The band’s carefree bounce feels like a nod to Bob Marley, yet the production is undeniably modern. The chorus is infectious, easy to sing along to, and the message—*“some will fly and some will cry”*—strikes a delicate balance between joy and sorrow. Mike reassures us with the line, *“get you some love and spread it round, give it back when you’re done,”* a gentle reminder of the power of love and connection. The breakdown at the end, with its simple yet profound declaration—*“we just need to be loved”*—feels like a warm embrace for anyone navigating grief or loss.
*“The Reckoning”* opens with a cool guitar riff before launching into a 90s inspired groove. The chorus is both soaring and wistful, with Mike singing, *“If you tell me how to make you well,”* a line that tugs at the heartstrings. The cello on the bridge adds a layer of emotional depth, pulling you deeper into the song’s narrative. By the final chorus, a gospel choir joins in, echoing the sentiment,*“how to make you well,”* and the message hits even harder. It’s a song about hope, healing, and the power of listening—perfect for a long drive to the desert or the beach, where the open road invites introspection.
*“Our Maria”* feels like a classic Rolling Stones track, with its swaggering rhythm and sing-along chorus. *“Oh Our Maria, we long to see ya”* is a chant that unites the crowd, lighters swaying in the dark. The band is tight, the drummer and bassist locked in like they’ve been playing together for decades. The fiddle solo gives way to an uplifting bridge, where Mike reminds us, *“your mother loves you so.”* It’s a message that resonates deeply, especially for those who have lost their mothers. Mike’s own grief over his mother’s passing infuses the song with raw emotion, but he approaches it with grace and love, teaching us how to navigate loss with humility.
*“Lilacs and Lies”* is a cinematic love song, its mysterious chords and doubled fiddle conjuring images of an old-world Irish countryside. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the female vocalist who joins Mike adds a perfect counterpoint to his voice. It’s a song that feels timeless, as though it could soundtrack a love story from centuries past.
*“How I Feel”* channels the spirit of the Barenaked Ladies, with its folk-rock vibe and infectious energy. It’s the kind of song that would light up a festival crowd, hundreds of hippies dancing under the shadow of snow-capped mountains. The breakdown jam section is pure joy, a moment of collective celebration. The harmonies are spot-on, and the chorus is so catchy you’ll be singing along by the second listen.
*“All That’s Real”* sees Mike channeling his inner rock star, belting out high notes and delivering fiery guitar riffs. Yet, even here, he shows restraint, choosing simplicity over virtuosity to serve the song. *“I just wanna feel what I feel”* is a lyric that captures the essence of Mike’s philosophy—embracing life’s ups and downs with honesty and soul.
The album takes a somber turn with *“The Letter,”* a song that begins with the imagery of a rainy day and a town swallowed by floodwaters. Mike’s voice carries the weight of loss as he sings, *“Ma and pa went to their maker, never made it to the undertaker.”* It’s a heartbreaking moment, but Mike’s gentle delivery and the band’s supportive instrumentation provide a sense of solace. The fiddle break gives you space to process the pain, and by the end, you feel as though Mike has held your hand through the storm.
The album closes with *“I Saw the Devil,”* a bluesy, harmonica-driven track that feels like a defiant laugh in the face of death. Mike’s ability to confront dark themes with hope and humor is on full display here. He flirts with the pain of existence, but never lets it consume him. By the end of the album, Mike has become more than a musician—he’s a spiritual guide, a mentor, and a friend. His music is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of grief and loss, there is always light.
Mike’s album is more than a collection of songs—it’s a journey through life’s highs and lows, a celebration of love, and a guide to navigating grief with grace. It’s an album that stays with you long after the final note fades, a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect us all. -Kenny Feinstein
support live music
AJ LEE & Blue Summit with Water Tower Band
AJ Lee and Blue Summit Announce to Southern California shows with Water Tower band. Friday March 7th at The Venice West in Venice, CA and and a second show at the famed Pappy & Harriets in Pioneertown. This will be the first time for both bands to perform and this iconic desert scape venue on March 8th. Performers such as Paul McCartney, Lizzo, Orville Peck, The Psychedelic Furs, Lucinda Williams, Robert Plant, Cohered and Cambria, Everclear and Countless others. You can check Ticket availability at www.PappyandHarriets.com
los angeles folk festival features Emmylou harris, the milk carton kids and more @ Bellweather l.a.
This is a two day festival with Music and Comedy at LA's Premier independent music venue. Join 14-time Grammy Award winner and Century Award recipient EMMYLOU HARRIS and three time Grammy Award nominees The Milk Carton Kids as they welcome friends and folk family to the Bellwether for the Los Angeles Folk Festival. Two Days of music, Comedy, and special guests Madi Diaz, era Sola, Paper Wings, Harrison Whitford, Whitmer Thomas, Madison Cunningham, Courtney Marie Andrews, Tommy Print, Peter One and The Sklar Brothers. tickets available at www.Ticketmaster.com
huck finn jubilee is confirmed for 2025 at Bonelli bluffs in san dimas Oct 3-5 2025
Huck Finn Jubilee, California's premier bluegrass festival, as we celebrate our 45th year!
Since its inception in 1978, the Huck Finn Jubilee has been dedicated to promoting and preserving bluegrass music, and we're proud to have hosted some of the most renowned bluegrass artists in the world. Our festival features nationally touring acts and up-and-coming artists, ensuring a diverse and dynamic lineup that will keep you tapping your toes all weekend long.
And with plenty of kid's activities, food trucks, vendors, jamming, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This year's festival will occur on October 3-5th, 2025, at the beautiful Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort in San Dimas, California. With stunning views of the surrounding hills and a serene lake, it's the perfect setting for a weekend of music and relaxation.
Billy strings merchandise Craze
Billy Strings Phenom
Billy Strings continues to shatter boundaries in 2025, solidifying his place as a musical trailblazer. What began with his groundbreaking bluegrass releases quickly evolved into a genre-defying fusion of jam grass, captivating audiences worldwide. His meteoric rise made him the go-to collaborator for legends like the Grateful Dead and Carlos Santana, as well as modern icons like Post Malone and Chris Thile. With a force reminiscent of the Beatles, Billy Strings revitalized the often-overlooked world of grassy music, injecting it with raw energy and innovation.
Born from a challenging upbringing marked by struggles with addiction, Billy found solace in the heartfelt lyrics and fiery bluegrass licks he learned from his father. His journey from hardship to triumph has resonated deeply with fans, making him a household name in the music industry and earning him countless awards and accolades. His music reflects the full spectrum of life—youth, adulthood, and now fatherhood—connecting with global audiences on a profoundly personal level.
Billy is the embodiment of contrasts: humble yet electrifying, kind yet rebellious, approachable yet a virtuoso on the strings. He’s more than a musician; he’s a lifestyle. His dedicated followers, known as"Billy-Goats," flock to his concerts, devour his "How to Play Like Billy" YouTube tutorials, and embrace his message of resilience in the face of adversity. Beyond music, he’s a gentleman angler, a beacon of hope, and a relatable figure who radiates warmth and authenticity. Whether you know him personally or simply through his music, Billy has a way of leaving you with that unmistakable warm-and-fuzzy feeling. And let’s not forget the merch! Fans can’t get enough of Billy Strings-branded everything—bedspreads, pillows, workout gear, puzzles, rugs, toys, and accessories. It’s not just merchandise; it’s a way to
carry a piece of that Billy magic wherever you go. Speaking of which, I don’t know about you, but I’m counting down the days until I can strut in my new Billy Strings x Nike tennis shoes. See you at theconcert, Billy-Goats! ~ Joanne Ledesma
WERE LAUNCHING A PODCAST 2025. all grass music
whats coming:
INTERVIEWS
We talk to the movers and shakers in bluegrass from top acts to producers and instrument builders.
TRADE SHOW & GEAR
We will be sharing new gear, new tools, new techniques with behind the scenes visits with Martin Guitars, Thompson Guitars, National Guitars. We will also be behind the scenes at NAMM with the latest in instruments, and products for the Grassy musicians. More from IBMA 2024.
ENTERTAINMENT
We will be podcasting from festivals, concerts and events nationally like Grass Valley Fathers Day Festival, Huck Finn Jubilee, Hardly Strictly and more.
DIAL A GRASSER
We will be making random calls to industry artists, manufacturers and songwriters to spill the latest on projects, stories, and insight
YOU
We will answer your submitted questions on the bluegrass scene reach out via contact page