With Sad13, Speedy Ortiz front woman’s new solo project makes RVA debut

by | Dec 10, 2016 | METAL, PUNK, THRASH & HARDCORE

We’re still a few weeks away from Christmas, but considering the radio has been going ham on holiday music since before we ate all the turkey leftovers, I suspect we could all use a change of musical scenery. If this is literally you, you should seriously consider heading to Strange Matter Sunday to catch Sad13, Vagabon, Emily Reo and Told Slant.

We’re still a few weeks away from Christmas, but considering the radio has been going ham on holiday music since before we ate all the turkey leftovers, I suspect we could all use a change of musical scenery. If this is literally you, you should seriously consider heading to Strange Matter Sunday to catch Sad13, Vagabon, Emily Reo and Told Slant.

Philly’s Sad13 is the solo project of Speedy Ortiz‘s Sadie Dupuis. Joining Dupuis on Sunday will be https://vagabon.bandcamp.com/Your text to link…, Emily Reo, and Told Slant, all of whom hail from New York City.

Dupuis took some time to chat about her love of Strange Matter and the joy of recording her own, funky-fresh new sound.

You may be familiar with Dupuis’ work with Speedy Ortiz, but Sad13 is a unicorn of a different color. “It’s based around guitar interplay,” she said of the Ortiz which has found themselves on RVA stages with great frequency over the last few years. “Sad13 is more of a synth project.”

For Dupuis, Sad13 is an opportunity to showcase hitherto unseen musical instincts.

“Almost all my free time for the past five years has been dedicated towards this rock band, and I love playing guitar, it’s my primary instrument,” she said. “But I play other instruments too, and I have always been a fan of recording myself at home.”

The ability to create and package her own sound is a decided plus when recording for Sad13.

“It wouldn’t make sense for me to engineer and mix Speedy records at this point, whereas if I’m working on a solo record, I’m allowed a chance to start over and be more lo-fi,” Dupuis said.

As if listening to Dupuis playing the music she loves isn’t enticing enough, she will playing at a venue she loves in a city she loves. “I love Richmond, I’ve always had a fun time playing there,” she said,.“I’ve just always had a bunch of cool friends in the Punk scene there, who are just sweet people[…]and the mac ‘n cheese at Strange Matter is great, and I’m really good at Marvel vs Capcom, so there’s that, too.”

Seriously, she’s, like, REALLY good at Marvel vs Capcom. “I will challenge anyone to Marvel vs Capcom 2 and I will win,” Dupuis said.

So for killer tunes, killer mac, and arcade action, come out to Strange Matter this Sunday, Dec. 11th at 8PM. Tickets and other information can be found here or the Facebook event page.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner is the former editor of GayRVA and RVAMag from 2013 - 2017. He’s now the Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, a state-wide NPR outlet based in Roanoke. You can reach him at BradKutnerNPR@gmail.com




more in music

Infinite Expansions: A Conversation with Lonnie Liston Smith

Exclusive Q&A with Lonnie Liston Smith below. Today was a good day. This very magazine’s Landon Shroder invited me to interview one of Richmond’s real living legends, jazz impresario Lonnie Liston Smith. On September 13, they will be screening selections from the...

What the Hell is VITCO? We Went to Find Out.

Editor’s Note: This story was produced in partnership with Virginia Transit Company (VITCO). There are few large-ish pieces of real estate in the city proper that have been more screaming for development than the fallow field bordered by Clay Street and Hermitage...

RVA Live Music | Palmyra, Joey Cash, Jo Passed

Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5HUKi8y13k Palmyra with Joseph Terrell, Nabeel, ShagwufAugust 20-22nd at The Camel Virginia natives Palmyra are...

RVA Live Music | Which Side Are You On Fest, Drug Country, ShotClock

Lotta bands on these bills so I hope you see one you like. Got some really good and impactful benefit shows this weekend so if you got some time and a few bucks it goes a long way to a lot of people. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music?...

Cosmic Jazz Legend Lonnie Liston Smith is Returning to Richmond

Just announced: Cosmic Echo Live, taking place at the historic Hippodrome Theatre on September 13, will celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Richmond-born cosmic jazz icon Lonnie Liston Smith. The event will feature live performances, stories from across his...

Phish Announces Two-Night Richmond Run at Allianz Amphitheater

Phish is bringing its legendary live show back to Richmond for the first time in more than three decades. The Vermont jam band has announced an eight-show October tour that includes a two-night stop at Allianz Amphitheater on October 6 and 7. Richmond is one of just...