Welcome back my friends in 311 nation! It’s that time again, we have the newest edition of the 311 fan spotlight. So let’s not delay and meet the lovely Lydia Sleeper!
Lydia had heard 311 songs here and there, but it wasn’t until 2020 when she met a certain someone who would literally “rock” her world. “Alexis Fllow (featured just earlier this month) and his passion for 311’s message has made our relationship strong all along, so to speak. Our first date went longer than expected, as he played me at least 10 songs from various albums while we sat in his car. He emphasized listening to the lyrics, making sure that I was understanding the raps and choruses.
Our 5th was multi-day as we celebrated our first 311 Day (2020) together in Vegas! Our experience was wild, as the pandemic was declared on the first day of the 3-day concert. It was a great way to meet the community of dedicated fans, especially in a time of such heightened emotion.”
The last show Lydia saw was her 10th overall, with 311 Day 2020 being her first. Then during 2021 she and Alexis followed them around to many shows on the west coast. “I just can’t get enough! Every time it’s a positivity-infused experience.” She currently has 3 top shows: “Highest / most rowdy energy: Phoenix Spring tour 2021- Most happy final song: 11/11/22 when they surprised the audience by finishing with Creatures rather than Down!! That was a major win… – Crowning 311 Moment: Berkeley 2021 end of Spring tour, when I received the all-powerful drumstick from SA! There was no doubt in my mind I was going home with a drumstick that night, and to everyones surprise but my own, reached up to catch it after the show! Suchhhh a great moment.”
While it’s hard to pick one favorite song, Lydia said if she was forced to choose she would pick “Creatures (For A While).” “Some might feel it’s overplayed, but the energy of that song live at the right moment can be so raw and infused with embodiment! I just love it.” While there are also many lyrics that she loves, one that comes to her mind currently is, “Everything I eat is from the Earth right? I am what I eat, straight up Earth, right?”
Los Angeles, California, is where Lydia grew up but she has been living in Northern California since she finished college, which was in San Jose. “Fllow and I are currently living in the East Bay Area, with plans to move to Topanga, CA later this year.” To help support her 311-driven lifestyle, Lydia works as a brand consultant and content creator. “I’ve worked with clients in Gourmet Food, app development, Eco-preservation, and more.”
Lydia is also a vocalist and loves creating alternative hip-hop with Fllow. “I love to sing and rap on our music, and am also the media director for our music project, which means I’m creating all the track art, music and lyric videos for us.” She is also on the way to creating her own original music! “Look out for music released under my artist name, Lummingbird, later this year. I have lots of goals this year! My coined genre is “uke-bass” … acoustic ukulele with a heavy sub.” Here is the link to her website: www.lummingbird.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Another fun fact about Lydia is that she is a great writer and poet. “I love to rhyme and harmonize the words that I use and am planning to put together a small book of my best writings later this year.” As for guilty pleasure, her current one is watching the live 24 hour Bald Eagle camera in Big Bear. “It’s a thrill of a live cam!”
Like Lydia has mentioned, she loves music so she has a variety of bands that she likes, aside from 311. They include Stick Figure, Anderson .Paak, Alex Serra and Little Stranger. “Some lesser-known artists I listen to include Korra Obidi, Khruangbin and Two Another.”
To 311, Lydia is sending this message: “You guys rock so hard. Thank you for endlessly inspiring and reminding so many people to do & be their best selves as much as possible! Music is timeless but your frequency transcends.”
Now here is her message to all the other 311 fans in the universe:
“Keep on rocking and living your best life! After being immersed into this commUnity, I long for the energy of the Excitables at other concerts. Nothing compares to the way we love this life! Stay rockin’ y’all.”
So much gratitude to Lydia for sharing her story with us all! Per the usual, a huge shout out of love to all the readers each week. I hope you all have some sunshine in your life this week, sending many positive vibes to you all.
Much Love – The Runt