Hello again Excitable nation! Who wants to read a new fan spotlight? Let’s get this party started – here is JD Coulter!

JD was introduced to 311 in the year 1998, when a friend of hers had her listen to the blue album. Flash forward a few years later and she stumbled upon “Transistor.” That’s the album that solidified her love for 311. “I remember one of my friends had the ETSD movie on VHS tape, and we would watch it after school, totally intrigued by these diehard 311 fans doing hardcore things like “the milk challenge.” I had to know more, I needed to learn every album. And every album has been the soundtrack to an era of my life at some point. My favorite always changes.”

While JD may have lost count of how many shows she has attended, she believes it’s around 10. First show for her was in 2003 at the Meadowbrook Farm in Gilford, New Hampshire, with O.A.R. and Something Corporate. As for favorite show, she said it’s definitely 311 Day 2014 in New Orleans. “It was my first time to NOLA and Bourbon Street. I got to stay in a haunted bed and breakfast! But my favorite part by far was seeing 311 play with the Unity Orchestra.”

The song that means the most to JD is “Eons.” As for favorite lyric, this one was actually her yearbook quote and it’s from Hostile Apostle: “Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions.”

JD is the age of 36 and was born and raised in Connecticut. She tries to catch 311 shows in the New England area whenever she can. ” I’ve been married for 8 years to my husband Andrew. I have a 15 year old son, Dylan. He is my world, and also a 311 fan!”

Fun fact about JD is that she loves hiking and exploring the outdoors. She also said writing is her passion. “I’m writing a poetry book.” As for guilty pleasure, she loves nerdy stuff and crossword puzzles.

As for other musicians JD can be found jamming out to, they include the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Modest Mouse, and Radiohead. She also likes hip-hop as well. “Super eclectic.”

For her message to the band, JD would like to say: “Thanks for reaching me with your positivity and attaching your music to my memories.”

Now here is her simple but awesome message to all the other 311 fans:

“Don’t worry, be happy.”

---

Many thanks to JD for being a part of the fan spotlight! As always, my love and gratitude goes out to everyone who reads these fun little quips. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my Excitable friends! Who is ready for a new fan spotlight? Let’s meet Carlton Matthews!

It was right before Carlton’s freshman year of high school when he first heard 311. He was in drum line and one of the older guys drove him home after practice, blasting 311 as they drove. “After hearing Amber and Come Original, I was hooked and had to know more. I was drawn to their music because they fused all of the genres of music I love and made their own sound. They immediately had my attention and respect.”

Show count for Carlton is at 44. His first show was August 1, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri, at The Pageant. As for favorite event, he said it’s the cruises, especially the one in 2019. “. I had my best friends from STL with me, and I loved seeing The Urge bring a bit of home on board as well!”

For favorite song, Carlton said it often changes for him. Currently it’s the song “Lose.” Some of his favorite lyrics include “Nothing in life is above being honest” and and “Life’s not a race.”

Carlton grew up in O’Fallon, Illinois, which is just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Music was a big part of his childhood. His parents play instruments, his mother sang in the church choir, and his godfather’s son was the church drummer. “I grew up listening to mostly gospel music (shoutout to Fred Hammond!) and Hip Hop, but my mom would also play a lot of Prince and Lauryn Hill in the car. With so many musical influences around, I started expressing myself by mimicking my godfather’s son and drumming on everything around the house. To my mother’s relief, I finally started band at school in 5th grade and kept with it throughout high school, which led me to Murray State University.”

At Murray State, Carlton taught percussion at Murray middle and high school. “I’m incredibly thankful for all of the experiences that music’s given me, I can’t live without it. Although music was a big focus for me in college, I have an equal passion for politics and history. I ended up double majoring in Political Science and History and graduated in 2013.” After college, Carlton moved to Indianapolis for 2 years to work for his fraternity headquarters. Then in 2016 he moved back to St. Louis to become a fundraiser for a private university there. “Traveling for work provided ample opportunities to get southwest points for more 311 shows 😀.”

Fun fact about Carlton is that he comes from a huge family. “My mom is one of 12 and my dad is one of 18.” Guilty pleasure for him is that he’s a massive Arsenal fan! “I watch every game and hope to make it to North London this fall for a Premier League match day.”

While 311 is Carlton’s favorite rock band, his all time favorite band is Steel Pulse. “I’m really into reggae music and enjoy listening to  Burning Spear, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Aswad, Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Lila Ike, Stephen Marley, and Damian Marley. Outside of Reggae, I also enjoy a lot of Rap/Hip Hop. Big shoutout to Nas!”

To 311, Carlton would like to send this message:

“Thank you for the memories and for helping me find some of the best friends out there.”

Now here are his words to all the other fans out there:

“To the fans I’ve met over the years: Thank you for all of the crazy nights and memories I’ll hold on to for a lifetime.  To all fans: Empathy is the way to unity.”

---

Thank you Carlton for sharing your story with us all! Of course, thanks to all the readers out there each week. Hope you are all staying well and keep on sharing the unity with the world!

Much Love – The Runt