Peterborough Musicfest is excited to welcome Metric to Del Crary Park on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. This is one of many acts that will be featured during Musicfest’s 37th year at the park overlooking Little Lake in downtown Peterborough.

In 1998, songwriting and production duo Emily Haines & Jimmy Shaw formed Metric and left Toronto for New York City in search of like-minded artists. In 2001/2002, they were joined by drummer Joules Scott Key & bassist Joshua Winstead, and found themselves at the centre of the city’s burgeoning alt-rock scene alongside bands like LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, TV On the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and more.

Unlike their peers, Metric resisted major label offers, releasing albums that pushed boundaries on their own terms.

“Metric’s relentless pursuit of timeless songwriting and fiercely independent ethos have cemented their place as one of the most essential and ahead-of-the-curve bands of the last two decades,”

By constantly upping themselves across nine unpredictable and adventurous studio albums, the trailblazing Toronto outfit is proof that you can amass an untouchable catalog without signing to a major label or changing your lineup.

According to their Apple Music bio, Metric is inspired by “sleek ‘80s synth-pop and new wave bands like New Order and Blondie.

“Their eclectic sound is exemplified on moody and futuristically catchy singles like “Monster Hospital and “Gimme Sympathy.”

Their latest LP, Formentera II, was released in October, 2023, via their label MMI & Thirty Tigers. It is a testament to Metric’s singular purpose and stands among their best and most genre-defying work. The album closes the 18-song cycle started by 2022’s critically acclaimed Formentera.

A few quick Peterborough related Metric facts: Metric last appeared in Peterborough back in 2010 at the Memorial Centre and lead singer Emily Haines’ brother Tim Haines operates local record store Blue Streak records in downtown Peterborough located on George Street.

Metric has played Coachella, one of the world’s largest and most famous music festivals.

Metric is the first of many musical acts scheduled for the 2024 Peterborough Musicfest season. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks, along with a Lineup Reveal press conference in May. More details about this will be available shortly.

Peterborough Musicfest’s 37th season runs from, June 29 to August 17, 2024 with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night.