We don’t hear many artists who come out of Culpeper, Virginia, but this next artist in our ‘A Closer Look' series is making noise to put Culpeper on the map! With over 60,000 plays, this small-town artist went from performing at local showcases, to opening for accomplished artists like August Alsina. We present to you, the melodic impressive R&B artist, Metric (Mee-Trick) Nation.
As a young boy, Metric was involved in choir from Elementary School until he graduated from High School. It was there, in the educational system he learned the foundation of music. Metric stated, “I learned a lot of my skills in high school and spent most of my younger years, mastering my talent.”
During his time in school, Metric stated “It allowed me to learn the traditional way of singing, for instance, moving my vocals in a healthy way.” Growing up, Metric always knew he wanted to be a singer, he recalls moments where he would imitate artists and sound like anyone he wanted to. “I was really good and still can imitate other artists pretty well,” Metric stated. However, being able to imitate people created difficulty finding his own style and sound. “I was 24, when I finally found it.” Being in the studio and constantly working helped Metric establish his musical style and helped him develop over time. “Every studio session, I became better and better, until I became polished,” Metric stated.
When it comes to inspirational figures, Metric looks up to the incredible dominating male R&B artists Usher, Raphael Saadiq, Jeremih, and Eric Bellinger. When creating music, Metric takes note of their different styles and use this knowledge to continue finding the equilibrium between traditional R&B and modern R&B. On the topic of modern R&B, Metric believes female artists are holding down the game and are creating the anticipated comeback R&B deserves.
As you listen to his music, Metric stated, “You're able to distinguish my music with use of melodies, a rapper style cadence, and vocals.” He also tends to keep in mind while generating his music, what the producer was thinking when it comes to the beat, flow, and the type of song he/she was going for. He says the hardest part of writing a good song is pushing yourself to grow lyrically. “Every song I make, I challenge myself to use different words and find ways to make it better.”
When it comes to living in Virginia, living an hour and 15 minutes away from D.C. wasn’t stopping Metric dreams. After graduating, he started performing at several local venues until he made his way into D.C and Maryland. His favorite venue so far has been Echostage, “The people and energy created a crazy lituation, in all, it was a good show,” Metric stated. We also asked him about his thoughts on the DMV music scenery and Metric stated, “I feel as though artists, especially rappers are doing great in the DMV. As far as R&B, there are plenty of artists, but they’re not being heard locally as well as they are in other states”. Personally, when it comes to Metric, as an R&B artist most of his fan base comes surprisingly from Las Vegas, Miami, and New York.
A year from now, Metric wishes to solidify his music on all streaming platforms, and put out his anticipated EP “Est.1991” in May 2019. He also has the goal to receive over a million streams and start touring, The Fillmore . Finally, he has an objective to get signed to a record label within the next two years and create a massive powerful platform.
When it comes to his other passions, Metric stated, “Music is truly my everything and is something I’m exclusively passionate about.”
Read more about Metric Nation with a closer look below.
What song do you currently have on replay?
I can’t recall a particular song but I’m currently listening to a lot of A Boogie’s (A Boogie wit da Hoodie) music.
Would you rather never use social media sites / apps again or never watch another movie or TV show?
Personally, I would never watch another movie or TV show again, because I can go without it. Yet, I need my social media sites, that’s my money maker.
What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
(After discussing with his beautiful wife, Metric stated …)
My biggest pet peeve is when people think I’m lying, when in reality, I’m telling the truth. As well as, asking me the same question more than once.
Apart from music, what do you do during your free time?
Apart from music I party a lot. One of my favorite places I enjoy having a good time at is Bar Louie.
If you’re having a bad day, what is something you often do to turn it around?
If I’m having a bad day, to turn things around I chill out and smoke cannabis.
Say you're at home and a natural disaster is coming, you must evacuate immediately what 5 items are you taking?
Headphones, wallet, shoes, phone, and food.
Magnified Topic of the Week: Metric Nation “Soul Sessions”
Soul Sessions is a YouTube video series produced by Metric, covering different R&B hits averaging a combined total of over 46,000 views! We can also be expecting Soul Sessions the EP to drop soon after “Est. 1991” along with a projected tour for us all to enjoy and singalong.
Prepare yourself for sexy, smooth, exceptional covers of tunes we can all cherish. Metric has recently covered Fake Love by #Drake and Get you by #Daniel Caesar featuring the lovely #Allianza, watch and listen to this cover below!
Written by Dejah Moné