Speedy Ortiz

Last updated

Speedy Ortiz
Speedy Ortiz (27621742286).jpg
Speedy Ortiz performing at the Sasquatch Music Festival in 2016
Background information
Origin Northampton, Massachusetts, United States
Genres
Years active2011 (2011)–present
Labels
SpinoffsSad13
Members
Past members
  • Matt Robidoux
  • Devin McKnight
  • Mike Falcone
  • Darl Ferm
Website speedyortiz.com

Speedy Ortiz is an American indie rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts, United States. [5] Originally a solo project for founder Sadie Dupuis, from 2011 a full band incarnation has released three EPs and three LPs mostly on Carpark Records. As of 2022, the band consists of Dupuis, Audrey Zee Whitesides, Andy Molholt, and Joey Doubek. [6]

Contents

History

Early years (2011–2012)

The band originated in 2011 as Sadie Dupuis' solo project shortly after she moved to Northampton to work on her MFA. [7] While Dupuis was teaching songwriting at a summer camp, she would also record her own material on a laptop in her spare time. [8] Two releases resulted from this solo endeavor, the Cop Kicker EP, and the album, The Death of Speedy Ortiz .

The band was named after a character from the comic book series Love & Rockets who committed suicide. Dupuis explained that when she began making demos for this project, her "roommate had passed away of a heart attack super young...And [her] childhood best friend had overdosed." She found the storyline relatable and named the band "Speedy Ortiz" in reference "to how everybody else deals with his loss. And that is sort of what the songs were for me in the beginning." [9]

The project expanded into a full band in late 2011. The group independently released "Taylor Swift" b/w "Swim Fan," recorded by Paul Q Kolderie, which was followed by 2012's Sports, released on Exploding in Sound Records. The Phoenix named Speedy Ortiz the "Best New Band in MA" in 2012. [10]

Major Arcana and Real Hair (2013–14)

Prior to the release of their debut studio album, the band released "Ka-Prow!" b/w "Hexxy" on April 30, 2013, via Inflated Records. [11]

Major Arcana was released on Carpark Records on July 9, 2013. [12] [13] Recorded by Justin Pizzoferrato (engineer for Dinosaur Jr and Thurston Moore), the album was recorded over 4 days at Sonelab. [14] Inspired by a history of the occult book that Dupuis read, "the lyrics reference occult staples like sulfur and salt". [15] The song "No Below" was used in the soundtrack of the Square Enix game Life Is Strange: Before the Storm .

The album received critical acclaim upon release. [16] Pitchfork 's Lindsay Zoladz gave the album 8.4 and deemed it "Best New Music", writing that "Speedy Ortiz join a small club of young indie rock bands writing lyrics that are actually worth poring over". [12] [17] Meanwhile, The A.V. Club 's David Brusie wrote "Major Arcana is a markedly assured debut, one that makes Speedy Ortiz an act to watch. Like its songs, the band's detonation is inevitable." [18]

In support of the album, the band booked and self-organized a 6-week US tour, in addition to a 17-date tour in all-ages venues and DIY spaces as well as opening for The Breeders and Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks for a run of dates. Additional stops included appearances at Primavera, Bonnaroo, and Pitchfork Festival. [19]

On February 11, 2014, the band released the Real Hair EP on Carpark Records reuniting with Paul Q Kolderie and Justin Pizzoferrato. The EP was written during a lull period between tours over four days, "before we left on our summer tour before the album came out." [20] In support of the release, the band embarked on a UK/EU tour with Joanna Gruesome. [21]

In 2014, guitarist Matt Robidoux was replaced by fellow Massachusetts musician Devin McKnight of Grass is Green. [22] On July 11, 2014, the band shared the song "Bigger Party" via the 2014 Adult Swim Singles Program. [23] In the fall, the band released another song, "Doomsday," via Famous Class' LAMC series in which all digital proceeds went to the Ariel Panero Memorial Fund at VH1 Save the Music. [24]

Foil Deer (2015–2017)

On January 21, 2015, Dupuis announced their second studio album, Foil Deer, which was released on April 21, 2015. [13] Written over a month-long retreat in the woods of Connecticut and recorded over three weeks at producer Nicolas Vernhes' Rare Book Room studio in Brooklyn, Dupuis described the album as "a more textured and calculated record than its volcanic predecessor, the writing more measured and less reactionary". [25]

The album's title and cover art were inspired by the sculpture "Le Cerf" by Ossip Zadkine. Dupuis noted in an interview with Pitchfork that as a "stay-at-home talking-to-no one kind of person", she identified with the "image of this gilded, shiny deer, which is naturally sort of a skittish, reclusive animal". [25]

2015 was a breakout year for Speedy Ortiz, as Foil Deer was met with critical praise. Mike Katzif of NPR described Dupuis "as one of rock's most compelling young voices and lyricists". [26] Jill Mapes of Pitchfork noted in her review that, "[T]he album is ferocious and visceral, the lyrics gleaming with threads involving sharp blades both literal and figurative...As Dupuis grows more self-possessed, she and her bandmates veer into their most ambitious compositions to date." [27] Joe Coscarelli of The New York Times praised the album, noting that it was "As if Fiona Apple joined a punk band, with...even more vocal confidence". [28]

Also in 2015, Speedy Ortiz cleaned up in the top three categories of The Boston Music Awards, including artist, album/EP (Foil Deer), and song of the year ("Raising the Skate"). They also won for best charitable effort for donating net proceeds from their latest tour to the Girls Rock Camp Foundation. [29] Foil Deer also earned the band the title of Noisey's Artist of the Year for 2015. [30] On the band, Noisey said: "They exist to give back to their community. They exist to empower you. They exist to make you put your fist in the air. The band embodies what the genre of punk rock started out as—powerful guitars and a dominant stage presence—but have also brought along the bold message that no matter who you are or what you’re feeling, you’re OK."

In support of the record, the band toured extensively in North America and Europe tours supported by artists including Mitski, Alex G, Downtown Boys, Palehound, Krill, and Trust Fund as well as embarking on co-headline dates with Ex Hex, The Good Life, and Hop Along. The band also made appearances at Outside Lands, Forecastle Festival, and Riot Fest. [31] [32] [33] [34]

In December 2015, the band embarked on an all-ages benefit tour with 100% of net proceeds to the Girls Rock Camp Foundation, "a non-profit that generates funding for camps designed to help girls develop real-world skills and artistic expression through musical collaboration". [35] On May 9, 2016, the band announced the Foiled Again EP featuring remixes from Lizzo, Lazerbeak, and Open Mike Eagle and outtakes from Foil Deer. The EP included the track "Death Note", which took its name from the eponymous manga/anime series.

On February 20, 2017, the band released the track "In My Way" as part of the Our First 100 Days compilation, benefiting organizations that support causes endangered by the Trump administration. [36] On July 7, 2017, the band released the song "Screen Gem" to coincide with the announcement of Devin McKnight's departure. Proceeds from the track sales benefited the criminal justice reform nonprofit CLOSErikers at McKnight's request. [37]

Twerp Verse, line-up changes and Rabbit Rabbit (2018–present)

On February 21, 2018, the band released the lead single "Lucky 88" from their third album Twerp Verse, which was released on April 27. Recorded at Silent Barn and mixed by Mike Mogis, the album was actually the band's second attempt at a new record as a previous attempt was scrapped following the 2016 United States presidential election. Dupuis said that "The songs on the [scrapped] album that were strictly personal or lovey dovey just didn't mean anything to me anymore". [38] Twerp Verse was also the first album to feature rhythm guitarist Andy Molholt, formerly of Laser Background.

“Lean In When I Suffer", the second single from the album, was released on March 21, 2018, accompanied by a video premiered by The Fader . [39] "Villain", the third single from the album, was released on April 11, 2018. Ferm left the band shortly after Twerp Verse's release, and was replaced by Audrey Zee Whitesides (formerly of Worriers). Falcone departed the band in 2019, with former Allison Crutchfield drummer Joey Doubek taking his place. [40]

On April 12, 2023, the band released a new single entitled "Scabs". [41] On June 1, 2023, the band shared details of their fourth studio album Rabbit Rabbit , set for release on Dupuis' own label Wax Nine on September 1, 2023. To coincide with the announcement, the band shared a second single from the album entitled "You S02". [42]

Members

Current
Former

Timeline

Speedy Ortiz

Discography

Albums
EPs
Demos
Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polvo</span> American indie rock band

Polvo is an American indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The band formed in 1990 and is fronted by guitarists/vocalists Ash Bowie and Dave Brylawski, with Steve Popson playing bass guitar and Brian Quast playing drums. Eddie Watkins was the band's original drummer, but did not rejoin the band upon its reunion in 2008, after breaking up in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Deacon</span> American musician

Daniel Deacon is an American composer and electronic musician based in Baltimore, Maryland.

Carpark Records is an independent record label based in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beach House</span> American dream pop duo

Beach House is an American indie band formed in Baltimore in 2004 by current members Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally. Their work is characterized by a hypnotic dream pop style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toro y Moi</span> American singer, producer, and graphic designer (born 1986)

Chaz Bear, known professionally as Toro y Moi, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and graphic designer. He is often recognized as a spearhead of the chillwave genre in the 2010s, alongside contemporaries Washed Out and Neon Indian, although his music has explored various styles since. His stage name is a multilingual expression consisting of the Spanish words toro and y and the French word moi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mystery (band)</span> Canadian rock band

Mystery is a Canadian rock band formed in 1986 by multi-instrumentalist Michel St-Père. The band released their eponymous debut EP in 1992 with Raymond and Gary Savoie on lead vocals, followed by their first album Theatre of the Mind in 1996 and then Destiny? in 1998, both with Gary on lead vocals. In 2007 the band released their third album Beneath the Veil of Winter's Face with singer Benoît David who would record two more studio albums with the band: One Among the Living in 2010 and The World is a Game in 2012. In 2015 the band released their sixth album and first with current singer Jean Pageau Delusion Rain, followed by Lies and Butterflies in 2018 and Redemption on May 15, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Death Grips</span> American experimental hip-hop group

Death Grips is an American experimental hip hop group formed in 2010 in Sacramento, California. The group consists of producers Zach Hill (drums) and Andy Morin (keyboards), and vocalist Stefan Burnett, also known as MC Ride. Though he is not the group's frontman, Hill has been credited with being the driving creative force behind the project. Drawing from punk rock, electronic, noise, and industrial styles, the band's innovative and often difficult-to-categorize sound has earned critical acclaim and a cult following, while their aggressive performance style and cryptic interactions with their fans and the media have gained widespread notoriety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cloud Nothings</span> American indie rock band

Cloud Nothings is an American indie rock band from Cleveland, Ohio, United States, founded by singer-songwriter Dylan Baldi. It currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Dylan Baldi, drummer Jayson Gerycz, and bassist Chris Brown.

<i>Major Arcana</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Speedy Ortiz

Major Arcana is the debut full-length studio album from the indie rock group Speedy Ortiz. It was released on July 9, 2013, by Carpark Records.

<i>Real Hair</i> 2014 EP by Speedy Ortiz

Real Hair is the second EP by American indie rock band Speedy Ortiz, released on February 11, 2014 by Carpark Records. The EP draws "inspiration from contemporary Top 40 and R&B radio in addition to their regular arsenal of guitar rock".

<i>The Death of Speedy Ortiz</i> 2011 studio album by Speedy Ortiz

The Death of Speedy Ortiz is the first LP by American indie rock band Speedy Ortiz, self-released digitally in 2011 and on cassette in 2012. The LP was recorded during the summer of 2011 as a side-project while lead-singer, guitarist Sadie Dupuis was working at a camp teaching songwriting. It is described as "patchy, sardonic" "bedroom experiments" that show styles ranging from "eerily distorted folk, shambling banjo ditties" to more common associations with a sound reminiscent of underground 1990s indie rock. Dupuis wrote and performed guitar and vocals along with every instrument on the album which included “bass, drums, piano, cello, banjo, sound treatments, etc.” The album sets the precedent for later works, but is notably Lo-fi in comparison as Dupuis self-recorded the entire album.

Exploding in Sound is an American independent record label started by Dan Goldin and Dave Spak while students at Northeastern University. It is based in New York City. The label was founded in 2011 and has released albums from Speedy Ortiz, Pile, LVL UP, and Porches.

<i>Foil Deer</i> 2015 studio album by Speedy Ortiz

Foil Deer is the second studio album by Boston, Massachusetts indie rock band, Speedy Ortiz. The album was released by Carpark Records on April 21, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sadie Dupuis</span> Musical artist

Sarah Elizabeth "Sadie" Dupuis is an American musician who is the guitarist, lead vocalist and lyricist for the band Speedy Ortiz. She has also released two solo albums, Slugger and Haunted Painting, under the name Sad13. Dupuis has published two books of poetry. A portrait of her was featured on the August 22, 2022 cover of The New Yorker. In October 2023, Rolling Stone named Dupuis as one of The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empress Of</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1989)

Lorely Rodriguez, known professionally as Empress Of, is an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer based in Los Angeles, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melkbelly</span>

Melkbelly is an American four-piece noise rock band from Chicago, Illinois, United States, made up of Liam Winters (bass), Miranda Winters (guitar/vox), Bart Winters (guitar), and James Wetzel (drums). They are known for their frantic arrangements, toothed melodies, and blaring live show. The group has toured extensively across the US in the last couple of years, and Stereogum called them the "Most Exciting Rock Band at SXSW". They released an album titled Nothing Valley on October 13, 2017, on Wax Nine Records, a subsidiary of Carpark Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Beths</span> New Zealand indie-pop band

The Beths are a New Zealand indie rock band, formed in Auckland in 2014. The group principally consists of lead vocalist Elizabeth Stokes, guitarist Jonathan Pearce, bassist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer Tristan Deck. Meeting at the University of Auckland, the band signed to Carpark Records in 2018, where they have released the albums Future Me Hates Me (2018), Jump Rope Gazers (2020), and Expert in a Dying Field (2022). They have toured internationally with Death Cab for Cutie, The National, and received praise from Rolling Stone and Pitchfork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twerps (band)</span> Australian indie pop band

Twerps was an Australian indie pop band, formed in Melbourne in 2008.

<i>Twerp Verse</i> 2018 studio album by Speedy Ortiz

Twerp Verse is the third studio album by American indie rock band Speedy Ortiz. It was released on April 27, 2018 under Carpark Records.

<i>Rabbit Rabbit</i> 2023 studio album by Speedy Ortiz

Rabbit Rabbit is the fourth studio album by American indie rock band Speedy Ortiz. It was released on September 1, 2023, through Wax Nine, and is their first album in five years following 2018’s Twerp Verse.

References

  1. ↑ Lymangrover, Jason. "Speedy Ortiz". AllMusic . Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  2. ↑ Mokoena, Tshepo (April 2, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer: album stream". The Guardian . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Hear Speedy Ortiz's Catchy New Song 'The Graduates'" . Rolling Stone . March 4, 2015. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  4. ↑ Zoladz, Lindsay (July 12, 2013). "Speedy Ortiz – Major Arcana". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  5. ↑ Madeloni, Dave (June 27, 2012). "Speedy Ortiz Sports a New Release". Northampton Media. Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  6. ↑ Dupuis, Sadie. "speedy ortiz update! current lineup of this band is (& has been for a few years, sorry i'm bad at updates like this when i post so much otherwise lol) Andy Molholt @ambymoho Audrey Zee Whitesides @audreyotherway Joey Doubek @PINKWASH_ & me! TLDR attached pic by @bridgetbadore". @sad13 Twitter.
  7. ↑ Levy, Jared (July 9, 2013). "The Major-Leagued Speedy Ortiz". Interview . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Why Overeating In Canada Is Never a Good Idea". clickatmusic.com. April 30, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  9. ↑ Mason, Amelia (April 21, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz On The Brink Of Stardom: A Look At How The Boston Band Got There". WBUR . Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  10. ↑ "50 States". thephoenix.com. December 13, 2012.
  11. ↑ Zoladz, Lindsay (April 12, 2013). "Speedy Ortiz: "Ka Prow!" Track Review". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Rising: Speedy Ortiz". Pitchfork. July 10, 2013. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  13. 1 2 "Music | Speedy Ortiz". Speedyortiz.bandcamp.com. August 30, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  14. ↑ "An Interview with Speedy Ortiz". The Fiddleback. October 1, 2013.
  15. ↑ Gwynne, Kristen (June 18, 2013). "Speedy Ortiz Hit the Accelerator" . Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Reviews for Major Arcana by Speedy Ortiz". Metacritic . Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  17. ↑ Flynn, Katherine (July 15, 2013). "Speedy Ortiz – Major Arcana". Consequence . Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  18. ↑ Brusie, David (July 9, 2013). "Speedy Ortiz: Major Arcana". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Interview: Speedy Oritz". NME. February 15, 2014.
  20. ↑ Beasley, Corey (March 4, 2014). "No Big Hair: An Interview with Speedy Ortiz". PopMatters . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Joanna Gruesome Announce 2014 UK Tour with Speedy Ortiz". DIY . October 29, 2013. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  22. ↑ Minsker, Evan (May 6, 2014). "Speedy Ortiz Guitarist Matt Robidoux on Indefinite Hiatus From Band". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  23. ↑ Pelly, Jenn (July 11, 2014). "Speedy Ortiz Share New Track "Bigger Party", Touring With Mary Timony's Band Ex Hex". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  24. ↑ Minsker, Evan (October 1, 2014). "Speedy Ortiz Release New Song "Doomsday"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  25. 1 2 Pelly, Jenn (April 23, 2015). "Boss Status: Speedy Ortiz Make Power Moves". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  26. ↑ Katzif, Mike (April 12, 2015). "Review: Speedy Ortiz, 'Foil Deer'". NPR . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  27. ↑ Mapes, Jill (April 20, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz: Foil Deer". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  28. ↑ Coscarelli, Joe (April 10, 2015). "Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz Adds Pop Hooks to the Band's Sharp Edges" . The New York Times . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  29. ↑ The Boston Globe 12/10/15
  30. ↑ Domenighini, Annalise (November 24, 2015). "Captain, Not the Crony: Why Speedy Ortiz Is the Artist of the Year". Vice . Archived from the original on November 5, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  31. ↑ Sacher, Andrew (February 10, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz release new song from new LP, announce tour with Mitski & Krill, who are streaming their new album". BrooklynVegan . Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Speedy Ortiz expand tour, playing Pier 94 with Waxahatchee and Weyes Blood (updated dates)". BrooklynVegan. May 28, 2015. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  33. ↑ Kaye, Ben (February 29, 2016). "Speedy Ortiz and Hop Along announce co-headlining tour". Consequence. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  34. ↑ Renshaw, David (April 14, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz announce October European tour dates". NME . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  35. ↑ Camp, Zoe (November 6, 2015). "Speedy Ortiz Announce Tour, Proceeds to Benefit the Girls Rock Camp Foundation". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  36. ↑ Fu, Eddie (February 20, 2017). "Speedy Ortiz is back with no frills rocker "In My Way" — listen". Consequence. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  37. ↑ DeVille, Chris (July 7, 2017). "Speedy Ortiz – "Screen Gem"". Stereogum . Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  38. ↑ Kaye, Ben (February 21, 2018). "Speedy Ortiz announce new album, Twerp Verse, share video for lead single, "Lucky 88": Watch". Consequence. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  39. ↑ Darville, Jordan (March 21, 2018). "Speedy Ortiz is also sick of self-care grifters". The Fader . Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Joey Doubek". Discogs. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  41. ↑ Strauss, Matthew (April 12, 2023). "Speedy Ortiz Share "Scabs," First New Song Since 2018: Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on September 23, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  42. ↑ Bloom, Madison (June 1, 2023). "Speedy Ortiz Return With First Album in 5 Years, Share Video for New Song: Watch". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on September 23, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.