The Mixtape:
Nicknamed rap's Bad News Bears, Metermaids, the New York-based duo comprised of Swell and Sentence, are releasing their mixtape, HELLO, mixed entirely by DJ Rob Swift, today on 27 Sound Entertainment. Having already released two singles to praise, including the Grizzly Bear-sampling "Yellow Tape" that peaked at #4 on The Hype Machine charts, the concept of the highly anticipated mixtape differs from the common fare of the mixtape world; taking a host of popular indie rock songs of 2009 and remixing each, Metermaids pull loops and chops from the indie tracks to create new canvases for the duo's original concepts and songs. Fans will still recognize the melodies of the original, but they'll nevertheless love the new lyrics, title and twist with each new track.
Perhaps, one of the most notable songs to be remixed is Metric's "Help, I'm Alive", into their own, "A Star Is Born." Taking Metric's recognizable opening line and applying it as their own opening line, they were able to mesh it seamlessly into their song's lyrics. Although no lyrics were used, they also remixed The White Stripes', "Icky Thump". Using only the guitar melody, Metermaids, proven over the years as one of the more genre-crossing hip-hop acts around, turn the riff, again, into something new and exciting. Mixes that work so effortlessly together are difficult to achieve, but Metermaids and DJ Rob Swift have managed not only to make it work but have made it so they all feel like originals. "We called it HELLO because we felt like we were re-introducing ourselves to the world, and to ourselves at the same time," says Swell. "Hello, we are Metermaids, and we like to have fun and make music together."
Moving into the fall, fans can also look forward to Metermaids EP, Rooftop Shake, produced entirely by Grammy Award-winning producer, 9th Wonder.
To download Metermaids' HELLO mixtape please visit: http://www.MetermaidsNYC.com.
The Background:
Hailing from New York City, Metermaids are
Swell and Sentence, two emcees who met through
the local underground hip-hop scene in 2006. After releasing their debut EP the
same year, the duo toured with the likes of Brand Nubian, Atmosphere,
Sage Francis, Fabulous, Lady Bug Mecca (Digable Planets), The Lox, and Camp
Lo. After this extensive and impressive
tour, the duo released their first full-length effort in 2008 entitled Nightlife,
exemplifying their choice to create a new sound in crossover music, blending
indie rock with hip-hop.
The release was followed up with the EP
Nightlife In Illinoise. Never resting, that EP was followed with their "Turn The Lights Out" video which quickly became an internet sensation. The follow-up, the critically acclaimed Smash Smash Bang EP earned the group immense industry support, and the interest of top hip-hop producers including 9th Wonder. The band's music is available for free at the group's official
website.
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