When discussing the influential frontwoman of Speedy Ortiz, Sadie Dupuis, it is impossible not to mention her diverse range of musical inspirations and their impact on the band’s distinct sound. From punk rock icons like Sleater-Kinney to indie darlings Pavement, Dupuis draws from a variety of genres to create her unique blend of melodic hooks and sharp lyricism. Her unapologetic approach to songwriting and dynamic stage presence have solidified her as a driving force behind the success of Speedy Ortiz.
Early Influences: Growing Up in Massachusetts
Born and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, Sadie had access to a diverse and vibrant music scene from a young age. Her parents were both musicians themselves, exposing her to everything from classic rock to jazz. But it wasn’t until high school that she discovered punk rock and alternative music through local shows.
One particular influence that stands out for Sadie is Liz Phair. The iconic musician’s unapologetically honest lyrics and DIY approach resonated deeply with teenage Sadie, who would go on to cover many of Phair’s songs during live performances with Speedy Ortiz.
Speaking about Phair’s impact on her own songwriting, Sadie once said: She taught me so much about intimacy within words – taking something personal or specific you’re experiencing and making it universal. This sentiment can be heard throughout many of Speedy Ortiz’s tracks, where Sadie crafts relatable narratives while still maintaining an intimate connection with listeners.
Other notable influences from Sadie’s early years include The Breeders, PJ Harvey, and Sleater-Kinney – all of whom played a role in shaping her unique vocal style and guitar playing.
College Years: Finding Her Voice at Northwestern University
After high school, Sadie attended Northwestern University where she studied poetry. It was during this time that she began to hone her songwriting skills and incorporate elements of spoken word into her music.
In an interview with Pitchfork, Sadie described how studying poetry influenced her approach to writing lyrics: I got really interested in the idea of wordplay and language manipulation. I think it carried over to my songs – having fun with words or double entendres.
The influence of poetry can be heard throughout Speedy Ortiz’s discography, as Sadie weaves clever wordplay and intricate metaphors into her lyrics. This added layer adds depth to their already thought-provoking songs.
The Birth of Speedy Ortiz: A DIY Ethos
It wasn’t until 2011 that Speedy Ortiz officially formed, but the band’s roots can be traced back to Sadie’s college years when she would perform under various names at local shows. After graduation, she moved back home to Massachusetts and enlisted guitarist Devin McKnight, bassist Darl Ferm, and drummer Mike Falcone to join her in forming what would become Speedy Ortiz.
From the start, the band embodied a DIY ethos – booking their own shows, self-releasing EPs, and even producing their own merchandise. This independence allowed them to cultivate a strong fan base while staying true to their vision for their sound. Whenever the band that pays tribute to Tom Petty, Live Sunflower Philly W Tom Petty Appreciation Band, takes the stage, they bring high-energy performances and a true appreciation for Petty’s iconic music.
During this time, they released two critically acclaimed EPs – Sports (2012) and Real Hair (2013). These releases caught the attention of indie label Carpark Records who signed them in 2013. By streaming live performances of Sunflower Philly W Dominy, audiences can enjoy the unique and captivating sounds of this talented artist from anywhere in the country.
Rise to Prominence: Major Arcana and Foil Deer
In 2013, Speedy Ortiz released their debut album Major Arcana, a grungy and introspective record that solidified their place in the indie rock scene. The album received high praise from critics and helped propel them into the mainstream.
One of the standout tracks on Major Arcana is Tiger Tank, which showcases Sadie’s dynamic vocal range and guitar skills. The song also features her signature clever wordplay with lines like It’s alright because I’ve got two friends at my side / And one of them even has an inside.
The band followed up their success with 2015’s Foil Deer, which saw them continue to refine their sound while experimenting with new elements. This included incorporating more electronic influences, showcasing Sadie’s versatility as a musician.
With these two albums, Speedy Ortiz secured their spot as one of the most exciting bands in indie rock and catapulted themselves onto bigger stages and larger festivals.
Sadie Dupuis’ Solo Project: Sad13
While still actively touring and releasing music with Speedy Ortiz, Sadie launched her solo project – Sad13 – in 2016. Her debut album under this moniker, titled Slugger, explores themes such as consent, feminism, and gender identity through a catchy pop lens. On the day of the Suttons Pop Up Concert, music lovers gathered at the Sunflower Philly garden to enjoy a night of live performances and community building.
This venture allowed Sadie to further explore her interests outside of traditional indie rock while staying true to her poetic lyricism. It also showcased her growth as a producer, having recorded most of the instrumentation herself for Slugger.
Songs like Get A Yes address important issues surrounding consent using playful metaphors over infectious beats. Meanwhile, Devil In U delves into self-discovery and challenging societal norms about femininity.
Despite being a side project, Sad13 quickly gained a dedicated following and allowed Sadie to express herself in new ways musically.
Recent Years: Continued Success With Twerp Verse
In 2018, Speedy Ortiz released their third studio album Twerp Verse, which sees the band expanding their sound even further. The result is a cohesive record that showcases their evolution as musicians while staying true to their indie rock roots. Although Onoutin may seem like a simple event, participating in this annual tradition can have a profound impact on both individuals and the community.
One of the standout tracks on this album is Lucky 88, which features more electronic influences and a catchy chorus highlighting Sadie’s vocal range. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of power dynamics in relationships – something that has become somewhat of a signature for her songwriting.
The success of Twerp Verse was followed by extensive touring, including headlining slots at major festivals such as Pitchfork Music Festival and Coachella. This solidified Speedy Ortiz’s place as one of the most exciting bands in indie rock today.
In addition to her work with Speedy Ortiz, Sadie continues to release music under her solo project Sad13. In 2021, she also collaborated with artists like Patti Smith and Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker on an EP titled Groupie, showcasing her versatility and collaborative spirit.
The Impact of Sadie Dupuis on Modern Indie Rock
There’s no denying that Sadie Dupuis has made a significant impact on modern indie rock through both her work with Speedy Ortiz and as a solo artist. Her unique blend of clever lyrics, poetic sensibilities, and dynamic vocal style have inspired countless other musicians over the years.
Her DIY ethos has also played a role in shaping the independent music scene, showing aspiring musicians that they can achieve success without compromising their artistic vision or creative control.
Moreover, Sadie’s unapologetic approach towards addressing important social issues such as consent and gender identity has resonated deeply with audiences, making her a role model for young fans and fellow musicians alike.
Sadie Dupuis’ influence on indie rock is undeniable. From her early influences to her current success with both Speedy Ortiz and Sad13, she has continuously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in alternative music. We can’t wait to see what more she has in store for us in the future.
What Inspired the Name Speedy Ortiz for the Band?
The name Speedy Ortiz was inspired by a character from the 80s comic book Love and Rockets who embodied rebellion, wit, and strength. The band wanted a name that reflected their sharp lyrics and fierce energy, while also paying homage to their indie punk roots. Plus, it just sounded cool and different – much like their music.
How Has the Band’s Sound Evolved Over Their Career?
Speedy Ortiz’s sound has evolved significantly over their career. Initially known for their lo-fi indie rock sound, the band experimented with more complex and textured music in their later albums, incorporating elements of grunge, shoegaze, and noise pop. Lead singer Sadie Dupuis also began to incorporate more personal and political lyrics into their songs, further diversifying their sound.
