Our biweekly City Superheroes column highlights the powerful figures walking among us — with the help of a (usually local) illustrator. This week’s pairing: rapper, producer and internet influencer Matt ‘Spek’ Watson and visual artist Rory Smith.
Moniker: Spekulation
Given Name: Matt Watson
Other Aliases: Spek, The Bitter Barista
Superpowers: Telekinesis, the ability to tap into the accumulated energy of the world
First Appearance: June 2007 at “The Hang,” a regular night of music formerly at Seattle’s Lo Fi organized by the band, The Teaching
Local Haunts: The Station, The Taco Truck in the Valero gas station on Beacon Ave., Beacon Ave. Sandwiches
Archenemies: Past and future versions of himself, condescending customers, Ron Smith and Jeff Bezos
Even Heroes Have Heroes: His parents (Debbie and Mark), wife (Ashley Ball), Gabriel Teodros, Evan Flory-Barnes, Khingz, Michele Khazak, Nate Omdal
What Small Object Holds Great Meaning: “My sampler (the Maschine). It’s what I channel all my sounds through, both in and out. It’s the lens through which I see the world.”
