The Song:
Despite the staggering amount of creative output, Brooklyn - Williamsburg in particular - frequently draws intense criticism for its "hipster" community. Metermaids, two natives of this particular borough, are now releasing "The Bedford Kings," their tongue-and-cheek take on a situation that hits close to home. The track is a remix of "Riot Rhythm," a song originally appearing on the album Treats by another Brooklyn-based duo on the rise, Sleigh Bells, and, in context, proves to be an intelligent choice. Not only does the percussion heavy instrumentation lend itself well to a hip-hop cut, but the Sleigh Bells original is very much a song that has been embraced by the "hipster" community, ensuring that the remix succeeds on multiple levels.
At first glance, the lyrics might appear to be an ironic diatribe against the subculture, making seemingly pointed references to skinny jeans, fixed-gear bikes, and Kerouac over synthetic-sounding vocal lines and jagged guitars. Metermaids insists that all isn't how it seems, though, and that the track should not be perceived as an attack. "It's hard to try and write a funny song about Williamsburg and not make it seem like we're being anti-hipster," they explain. "We're not anti-anybody." With interesting and entertaining commentary regarding a familiar topic and an expertly reworked beat (thanks to producer Matt Stine), Metermaids' "The Bedford Kings" is, in every way, a successful remix.
"The Bedford Kings," is one of five Sleigh Bell remixes Metermaids will be releasing as a free EP in the coming weeks.
Download to "The Bedford Kings" here:
http://media.audibletreats.com/Metermaids-Bedford_Kings-Sleigh_Bells_RMX.mp3
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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