VIA PRESS RELEASE | Since its inception in 2011, Speedy Ortiz has radiated exuberance and dynamism like few other rock bands, having produced an expansive and critically revered discography, toured worldwide, and inspired next generations of bands with inventive songwriting and advocacy to better the music industry.
Songwriter, guitarist and singer Sadie Dupuis has remained busy as well, releasing solo music (and collaborating with the likes of Lizzo, The New Pornographers, Ben Lee and Backxwash) under the moniker Sad13, publishing two poetry books, and running the Carpark Records imprint and literary journal, Wax Nine (Spacemoth, Johanna Warren, Melkbelly). Today Speedy Ortiz returns after five long years with “Scabs,” the band’s first new song since 2018—and its first to feature longtime touring members Audrey Zee Whitesides (bass) and Joey Doubek (drums), who are now full time contributors alongside Dupuis and Andy Molholt (guitar)
Engineered and mixed by Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin, who co-produced with Speedy Ortiz, “Scabs” was recorded in the nearly-alien desert landscapes of Joshua Tree’s Rancho de la Luna and El Paso’s Sonic Ranch. Wryly excoriating people whose activism ends at empty words instead of material work, the song’s riffs feel lived-in and playful, pushing between knotty time changes, oddball percussion, and cheeky vocal hooks. “Scabs” reaffirms Speedy Ortiz’s desire to push themselves politically and musically, vital and surprising as ever.
“Living in progressive cities and working in the arts, you meet peers doing tremendous organizing work. And then there are neighbors who signal their ‘good’ politics through yard signs alone,” says Dupuis. “I wrote ‘Scabs’ standing in line at the post office, overhearing customers berate a USPS employee. This was during a time of postal unions-opposed budget cuts and other major issues for mail handlers, which were widely reported on. People advertising their support for essential workers acted conversely when faced with personal inconvenience. The song became more widely about self-designated ethicists who don’t quibble about crossing a picket line for individual benefit.”
Since its 2011 founding in Massachusetts’ DIY scenes, Speedy Ortiz has radiated exuberance and dynamism like few other rock bands, with front person Sadie Dupuis routinely cited as a songwriter and guitarist of her generation by outlets including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and the New York Times. On 2012’s Sports EP, the newly-minted quartet established its formula of crooked guitar interplay and off-kilter rhythms.
2013’s now-beloved debut LP Major Arcana was heavier and hookier, with occult yet conversational lyrics; it landed the band international acclaim and tours, festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Pitchfork and Primavera, and dates with indie heroes the Breeders and Stephen Malkmus. In 2015, Foil Deer showcased soaring guitar lines and electronic gestures, the latter of which were further highlighted on 2016’s Foiled Again remix EP (featuring work from Lizzo and Open Mike Eagle).
In 2016, Speedy Ortiz made Philadelphia its home, with psych savant Andy Molholt (Laser Background, Eric Slick) joining Dupuis on guitars and synths. As a result of the pair’s collaboration, 2018’s Twerp Verse proved an even bigger shift; mixed by and with production from Mike Mogis (Phoebe Bridgers, Rilo Kiley), the politically droll record incorporated vintage keys and drum machines into guitar-led pop gems.
To tour the record, Audrey Zee Whitesides—known for her guitar work with Mal Blum—joined as bassist, bringing dextrous lines and energetic backing vocals. And in 2019, drummer Joey Doubek (Pinkwash, Downtown Boys) came on board, his precise yet blistering beats reinvigorating the project. Over lockdown, Doubek and Whitesides took on expanded roles as full-time members; the band built a new chemistry, yet already feels rooted and solid as ever.
For each of its records, Speedy Ortiz kept up a heavy touring schedule, supported by modern indie hitmakers including Mitski and Soccer Mommy, and opening for beloved alternative heroes Liz Phair and Interpol. Speedy’s also used its shows as an opportunity to work with advocacy groups including the Girls Rock Camp Foundation and the Harm Reduction Coalition.
In 2021, Speedy remixed and remastered The Death of Speedy Ortiz & Cop Kicker …Forever, the formerly out-of-print origins from when Dupuis was the project’s sole instrumentalist. Dupuis has also kept busy with solo pop endeavor Sad13, which released Haunted Painting in 2020, and published two well-received poetry books, Mouthguard (2018) and Cry Perfume (2022)—proving that her ability to merge abstraction with humor works as well on the page as in a song.
