Hi friends in 311 nation! Welcome back for the newest fan spotlight. So without further delay, I introduce you to Joe Genovese!
Summer of 1995, Joe’s best friend told him about 311 and they decided to go out and buy Music and Grassroots. “Ever since I heard the opening riff of Homebrew I was instantly hooked. That was quite possibly the first CD I ever wore out until it started skipping.” Joe said it’s the perfect mix of heaviness, melody and interesting lyrics that really attracted him to their music.
Exact number of shows is questionable but Joe believes he’s around the 25 mark. Favorite show/event was the cruise to Jamaica last year. Song that means the most to him is “Two Drops in the Ocean” because of his girlfriend Monique. “I call my amazing girlfriend Monique ‘My Drop’ now and that song always makes me think of her.” A lyric that stands out to him is from “Freak Out” – “Scenes from the lost world, scenes hard to tell which is which as if drawn by a child.” One reason he likes it so much is because for a long time he didn’t know what SA was saying. “Once I found out I thought it was brilliant the way he seemed to put his whole soul behind just that one lyric amongst countless others.”
Joe was born in and grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, which is about five minutes outside New Orleans. “It might sound cheesy and cliche but it definitely feels like destiny that the place I grew up in just so happened to strike a nerve with the band and eventually became their favorite place to play, and the birthplace of 311 Day.”
A singer is something Joe really always wanted to become, but it just never seemed to pan out for him unfortunately. However people have told him he is a gifted writer and that the stories he writes draw them in and leave them wanting more. As far as guilty pleasures go, Joe has a really cool one. “Classic black and white movies from the 40’s, 50’s always seem to suck me in.”
Bands and artists besides 311 that Joe appreciates are Operation Ivy, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, The Misfits, Rancid, Sublime, No Doubt, The Ramones, Suicide Machines, Phunk Junkeez, and Papafish. “I am really into old school punk, ska, and reggae.”
Joe has this message for the guys of 311:
“Thank for you for this incredible 25 year journey and eventually leading me to meet my amazing beautiful girlfriend Monique! Can’t wait to see you guys on the next cruise and of course, next month!”
To all the fans in 311 nation, Joe says, “Get ready for 311’s version of Mardi Gras in March Excitable Ones!”
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And that was the tale of Joe Genovese! Thank you all as always for reading another spotlight and learning more about a fellow excitable. You are all amazing people! Until we meet again…keep rocking that positivity and spread the love!
Much love – The Runt