Sadie Dupuis on Her New Sad13 Mixtape ‘1331’ and Finding Resilience
When Sadie Dupuis began conceptualizing the latest project under her Sad13 moniker, her creative focus was sharpened by the frustrations of local politics in her home city of Philadelphia. The Speedy Ortiz frontwoman, speaking from her vibrant, hot-pink home studio, channeled her critiques of municipal leadership into what would eventually become the track “People’s Loser.”
However, the trajectory of the project shifted dramatically on June 10, 2024. While cycling, Dupuis was involved in a severe collision when a vehicle entered the bike lane—a direct consequence of the very infrastructure policies she had been criticizing. The accident resulted in significant injuries, including a shattered elbow and nerve damage, forcing her to put her music career on hold to focus on an arduous rehabilitation process.
“It’s shocking I wasn’t killed,” Dupuis reflects. “I went over the handlebars, I hit my head, I was cut all over my body. But it was funny, in a dark way, to be writing about the mayor and hating the mayor and then I was nearly killed because of a decision made by the mayor to move away from the bike infrastructure that we’ve all been pleading for.”
The resulting mixtape, 1331, serves as a defiant, DIY snapshot of that turbulent period. Comprising 13 tracks that range from 57 to 107 seconds, the project is a testament to the power of concision. Inspired by artists like Guided By Voices and Tierra Whack, Dupuis embraced the challenge of making every microsecond count. The project, which lands July 10 on Exploding In Sound, marks her return to the label that launched her career.
Navigating the “orthopedic-industrial complex” became an unexpected part of her creative journey. Dupuis humorously notes that her status as a critically acclaimed guitarist—having appeared on Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list—helped her secure top-tier medical care. “I’ve never dropped something like that, but I found it very helpful in navigating the orthopedic-industrial complex,” she says.
The recovery process, while physically demanding, allowed for a unique infusion of influences. Unable to tour with Speedy Ortiz for months, Dupuis spent her time absorbing live performances and refining her production techniques. She credits a specific “sitting-down-weird” vocal recording trick learned from observing Liz Phair for the expanded vocal range found on the new record.
Ultimately, 1331 is a celebration of the “lifer” mentality—the commitment to creating art regardless of industry shifts or personal setbacks. As Dupuis continues to produce for other artists, including the rising trio Grocer, she remains firmly rooted in the DIY ethos that defined her start. “You’re in it for the love of the game,” she says. “It’s all about figuring out a way to make it work under a shifting industry that hasn’t often favored the artist.”
