Metric is a Canadian indie rock band formed in Toronto in 1998 around Emily Haines and James Shaw. Fantasies (2009), with Help I'm Alive and Gimme Sympathy, was the breakthrough, and they've stayed independent ever since, releasing through their own Metric Music International. Dig into Metric vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Metric formed in Toronto, Canada in 1998 around Emily Haines and James Shaw. Their work has been active across multiple decades, with progressively expanded production approaches across their catalog. They have exemplified the contemporary Canadian indie rock scene alongside contemporaries like Broken Social Scene (in which Emily Haines is also a member), Stars, and Arcade Fire. Their 2009 album Fantasies brought them commercial breakthrough with the singles Help I'm Alive and Gimme Sympathy. They have remained independent across their catalog, releasing material through their own Metric Music International label and Last Gang Records.
Metric's sound combines indie rock, alternative rock, new wave, electronic rock, synth-pop, and post-punk with Haines's distinctive vocal delivery, Shaw's signature dual guitar/synthesizer work, atmospheric production, and lyrical content addressing relationships, identity, and broader contemporary themes.
Last Gang, Metric Music International, and Crystal Math Music pressings of the Metric catalog have been issued in multiple color variant editions and limited deluxe pressings.
Listeners new to Metric typically start with Fantasies (2009) or Synthetica (2012).
