311 was formed in 1988 in Omaha Nebraska by self- described "friends for life" as a rock/reggae band whose common link was music and life. Their passions eventually brought them together to create music with a positive message behind it. The band has currently released 8 studio albums and 3 independently released albums over the past 15 years. Citing The Clash and Led Zeppelin as their main influences, 311 creates a hybrid of rock, reggae, funk, metal, and hip-hop with their music. Their first full-length in four years, Uplifter was released in 2009.