The Story Behind Metric’s Breakout Hit “Help I’m Alive”

Metric are an enigmatic, shape-shifting band -- always has been, always will be. Born out of Canada in 2001, they have built a discography that now spans eight studio albums that are difficult to box into any one genre (or two, for that matter). Part indie rock, part pop punk, part dance, part electronic -- why even try to put a label on it? The point is that it all works.

At the center of it all is Emily Haines, who sings, writes songs, and plays synths and other instruments. Haines rocks it effortlessly with authenticity, energy, and swagger, despite confessing to suffering from deep bouts of stage fright. It's actually a topic she addressed on Metric's breakout single "Help I'm Alive," with its thumping beats and searing lyrics like, "I tremble, I tremble/ They're gonna eat me alive/ If I stumble."

Haines joins The Story Behind the Song host Peter Csathy to talk about "Help I'm Alive" and how it and Metric's fourth album, 2008's Fantasies, helped save the band. Also on this episode, Haines discusses the dark but euphoric "Doomscroller," the 10-minute track that kicks off Metric's latest album, Formentera.

Listen to the latest episode of The Story Behind the Song now, or watch the full discussion via Consequence. This is the first of a trio of Halloween-themed bonus episodes coming this month on TSBTS, with future episodes centered on Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (October 17th) and Danny Elfman discussing Oingo Boingo's "Dead Man's Party" (October 31st). So, make sure to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts to be alerted when each new episode drops.

You can also keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Twitter @pcsathy and at Creative Media.

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