Welcome back 311 nation! It’s the final spotlight of 2020 – time to wrap up this crazy year and meet again in 2021. Who’s ready for the final spotlight of the year? Let’s meet Stephanie Andrews!
During Steph’s 6th grade year, one of her best friends was listening to a band that she’d never heard of and he played her “Beautiful Disaster” and she was instantly hooked. “I became obsessed with their music and needed to find every single album and every single song I possibly could. Throughout middle school I became known as the girl who was obsessed with 311… not many people knew who they were until they met me. Friends, still to this day, will mention that if they see the clock at 3:11 or hear them on the radio, they think of middle school and think of me.”
Stephanie said that she was really drawn to their music because of the message of positivity. “As a kid I struggled with depression and self esteem issues. Music was my escape and when I found music that sounded great but also had a positive message, I was hooked. I developed a crush on Nick Hexum, like most girls do 😉 and 311 truly became my world, saving me from the negativity around me.”
Show count, Steph believes she is somewhere around 15 or more. Her first show for her was at the Worcester Palladium, in Worcester, Massachusetts, when Hoobastank opened for the band. “I think that was 2002? It was also my first concert, ever! I love being able to say that 311 was my first concert. I went to just about every show every year after that for quite awhile, missed a few in between.”
Favorite show(s) for her she chose the Mardi Gras 2020 shows. “My dream was always to see 311 Day in New Orleans and my husband knew that. He’s not a huge fan but wanted to make it happen for me this year, as we had a rough few months prior with trying to get pregnant and some personal/family issues. He found the shows on ticketmaster and booked the trip… a total surprise! It was our last trip before covid and I ended up *finally* getting pregnant on that trip!!! We stayed in room 311 at our hotel, completely by chance. The shows were amazing and we made a lot of new friends. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. I love the south and New Orleans, and my love for 311 only grew (if that’s even possible!). And to be able to share a show with my husband for the first time meant a lot to me. Great experience all around!”
Picking a favorite song is always hard for fans, so there were a few that came to mind for Steph, including “Sever,” “Stealing Happy Hours,” and “From Chaos.” “Sever got me through some rough times when I was younger and From Chaos truly cemented the positive message into my mind. Stealing Happy Hours has taken on new meaning in my life recently and I just really vibe out to that song.”
As for lyric that she loves, Steph has “From chaos comes clarity” tattooed on her right rib. “It means so much to me because it really gave me a new perspective on how to be positive, how to see the good from a bad situation and realize that even though there is chaos, there will be clarity once it has passed. I remind myself of that every time I’m in a tough or stressful situation. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that quote. It made me grow and evolve so much.” She also has “Sun come through” tattoeed on her left forearm. “I love having that reminder every single day and that lyric means SO much to me. To constantly be reminded that the sun WILL come through any of my darkest times, is something that gets me through anything.”
Stephanie grew up in the small town of Westford, Massachusetts. She currently lives in New Hampshire, but she and her husband spend a lot of time in his hometown of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “I’m sad to have missed out on some Florida shows but I can’t wait for live music to come back and go to some shows down there!”
Steph says her upbringing is completely the reason she got into 311. ” I needed that positive outlet, as I mentioned before, and 311 shaped me into the positive, ever evolving individual that I am today. I do my best to see the good in everything and I truly understand now, at 31, why Nick pushes “stay positive and love your life”. Life is too short to be anything but positive.”
Fun fact about Stephanie is that she’s super into astrology and the stars. “I find it so interesting that we’re on this tiny little planet out in space with so many possibilities of what else could be out there. I guess that’s another reason I vibe with 311 so much.” Guilty pleasure for her is the podcast Call Her Daddy. “I’m married and a new mom to a baby girl but I just love listening to that podcast! Haha.”
Something unique about Steph? She said it’s probably her empathetic nature. “I’m always trying to help people and see the good, find the reason for their behavior and try to help them through whatever it may be. I find not many people are quite the level of empathetic I am. I used to think of it as a flaw, that I cared too much while no one else seemed to care at all… but I think we need more people like that in the world! Whenever someone is quick to judge, I try to think of the opposite. Think of why they feel a certain way and work through it with them.”
Aside from 311, Steph said she doesn’t listen to many other bands like them or in their realm. She is mostly into “outlaw” country and Americana. ” I know, polar opposite. I listen to Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Turnpike Troubadours, Reckless Kelly, Drive By Truckers, Miranda Lambert, etc. I’m not much into any bands similar to 311, but I pretty much listen to every genre and love all types of music. Country is my home, but 311 is my soul.”
To 311, Stephanie has these words: “Thank you for saving me and showing me light during so much darkness in my life.”
Now Steph’s message to all the other fans:
“The unity we have as a fanbase is something unmatched and shouldn’t be taken for granted. I don’t think any other band can compare to this type of fanbase. I’ve made so many new friends because of 311 recently and I’m so proud to be surrounded by such positive and FUN individuals as a result… always remember the message of the music and you’ll never be let down.”
That’s it folks, the final spotlight of 2020 and what a great one! Thanks Steph for sharing your story with us. Always eternal gratitude to all the supporters out there! See you in the new year….get ready for fan spotlight number 311! Happy New Year!
Much Love – The Runt