Metric

Formed in Toronto in the late 1990s, Metric brings together singer and keyboardist Emily Haines and guitarist-producer James Shaw; in the early 2000s they were joined by bassist Joshua Winstead and drummer Joules Scott-Key, establishing the band’s best-known lineup. Operating between Toronto, Montreal, New York and Los Angeles, Metric developed a sound that blends indie rock, new wave and synth-pop, with synthesizers at the core, angular guitars and melodic vocal lines often structured around straightforward verse–chorus forms. The group emerged on the Canadian independent scene with the album “Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?” (2003), reinforced that direction with “Live It Out” (2005) and undertook regular tours across North America and Europe. Their discography continued with “Fantasies” (2009) and “Synthetica” (2012), where electronic elements became more prominent while retaining a rock foundation, followed by “Pagans in Vegas” (2015) and “Art of Doubt” (2018), which emphasize denser textures and pronounced rhythms. Emily Haines has also remained active with the collective Broken Social Scene, situating Metric within a network of collaborations from the Canadian alternative scene. With “Formentera” (2022) and “Formentera II” (2023), Metric has continued studio work focused on synthetic atmospheres, carried onto the stage through performances in clubs, theatres and international festivals.