Sad13, the enigmatic solo project of Speedy Ortiz's Sadie Dupuis, has unveiled a new mixtape titled 1331, marking her first release since 2020. This highly anticipated project comes after a period of personal and creative challenges, including a bike crash and the stressful promotion of Speedy Ortiz's 2023 album, Rabbit Rabbit. In a recent interview, Dupuis revealed that the creation of 1331 began during a 'mini nervous breakdown' in spring 2024, serving as a therapeutic outlet to process the trauma of Rabbit Rabbit's themes. Despite the obstacles, the mixtape showcases Dupuis' resilience and artistic growth, resulting in a collection of whimsical and noisy tracks, each around a minute in length.
The mixtape's release is accompanied by a trio of singles: 'I Am Now Completely Invisible', 'Art Institute', and 'Watermelon Manicure'. The latter track, in particular, is a powerful response to the fear-mongering and media framing around Gaza solidarity encampments, blending industrial sounds and disconcerting vocals to create a disorienting yet cohesive piece. Dupuis' ability to channel her experiences into music is a testament to her artistic prowess and emotional depth.
1331 is set to be released on July 10th via Exploding In Sound Records, and fans can pre-order it now on Bandcamp. The mixtape's tracklist includes a diverse range of songs, each reflecting Dupuis' unique perspective and musical evolution. From the guitar-laden 'I Am Now Completely Invisible' to the industrial 'Watermelon Manicure', 1331 promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking listen.
As an artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries of her craft, Sad13's 1331 is a highly anticipated release that will undoubtedly captivate listeners and solidify her place in the indie music scene. With its blend of whimsicality and noisy fury, the mixtape is a testament to Dupuis' artistic vision and her ability to create music that is both accessible and deeply personal. Fans of Speedy Ortiz and Sad13 alike will be eager to explore this new chapter in her musical journey.