Emily Haines Biography

Short Summary

Emily Haines is a renowned Canadian musician, songwriter, and the lead singer of the indie rock band Metric. She is also known for her work with the musical collective Broken Social Scene and her solo projects under the name Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to the indie music scene, known for her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics. Haines is celebrated for her ability to blend rock with electronic elements, creating a unique sound that has earned her a dedicated following worldwide.

Early Life & Education

Emily Haines was born on January 25, 1974, in New Delhi, India, and grew up in a creative environment as the daughter of Canadian poet Paul Haines. Her family moved to Canada when she was young, settling in Peterborough, Ontario. She attended Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto, where she was exposed to various forms of artistic expression. Later, she studied at Concordia University in Montreal, focusing on art and music. Her early exposure to literature and the arts, combined with her formal education, laid the foundation for her career in music.

Career Highlights

Emily Haines began her music career in the late 1990s, initially involved in the Toronto music scene. She gained prominence as a member of the band Metric, which she co-founded in 1998. The band released their debut album "Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?" in 2003, which was critically acclaimed. Haines also collaborated with Broken Social Scene, contributing vocals to their albums. Her solo work, particularly the album "Knives Don't Have Your Back," showcased her talent as a songwriter and musician. Throughout her career, she has been praised for her dynamic stage presence and innovative sound.

Major Achievements

Lead vocalist of Metric, a band that has released multiple successful albums.
Contributed vocals to the influential collective Broken Social Scene.
Released a well-received solo album, "Knives Don't Have Your Back," in 2006.
Metric's album "Fantasies" was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize in 2009.
Received multiple Juno Award nominations for her work with Metric.

Famous Quotes

"I like the idea of being an artist who doesn't need validation."
"Music is about connection and shared experience."

Interesting Facts

Emily Haines was born in India but is a Canadian citizen.
She is the daughter of the late poet Paul Haines.
She has performed at major international music festivals, including Coachella and Glastonbury.
Haines is known for her distinctive voice and introspective songwriting.
She has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres.

Legacy / Influence

Emily Haines has left a lasting impact on the indie music scene, both as a solo artist and as part of Metric. Her ability to blend rock and electronic music has inspired many musicians, and her introspective lyrics resonate with audiences worldwide. Her work with Broken Social Scene helped shape the Canadian indie music landscape, influencing a generation of artists.