How a Colorado area code became the name of a global electronic music duo
In short: Formed in 2004 by Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte, the electronic duo 3OH!3 took their name from the telephone area code that once covered all of Colorado. From basement recordings to Billboard hits, the pair defined a specific era of scene subculture while maintaining deep roots in their home state.
The duo met while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder. Before joining forces, Motte worked as a local hip-hop DJ, while Foreman competed in MC battles. Their early creative process was notably DIY; their self-titled debut album, released in 2007, was recorded in a basement using what they described as an in-our-shower mixtape setup. This scrappy beginning eventually led to a signing with Photo Finish Records.
Their breakthrough arrived with the 2008 album Want, which featured the hit single Don't Trust Me. The track reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually certified 5× Platinum. The duo became known for high-energy collaborations, working with artists like Katy Perry on the remix of Starstrukk and Kesha on My First Kiss. These partnerships helped solidify their presence in the pop landscape, earning them nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Beyond their commercial success, the band has navigated unique challenges, including a 2010 copyright infringement lawsuit filed by professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page over a hand gesture. Despite such hurdles, they remained prolific, releasing six studio albums by 2021. Their longevity is marked by a consistent connection to their origins, frequently celebrating 303 Day in Denver and maintaining a presence in the touring circuit, including multiple appearances at the Vans Warped Tour and various festival stages.
The duo's evolution reflects a blend of electronic music and pop sensibilities. Even after years of touring and producing for other artists, they returned to their Boulder roots to record their 2021 album, Need. By continuing to perform at events like Emo Nite and major festivals, 3OH!3 has maintained a dedicated following that spans nearly two decades of changing musical trends.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 3OH!3
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-3oh-3.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Languages · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
