Poor Traits, a Canadian alternative music group from Vancouver has recently released their latest song entited Psychiatric ward, a song – as they themselves define it on their FB page – about confusion, inner conflict, gaslighting and codependency in toxic relationships. We made an interview with one of them, Alex Badger, the vocalist of the group, about their latest release.
How was the song born?
“Psychiatric Ward” had a natural birth. It was one of the more effortless writing experiences I’ve had. Although the final track wasn’t complete until 2020, It was actually written in 2015. The band was jamming in our old rehearsal space out in White Rock, BC. Kyle started playing a bass riff, I started singing overtop, Taylor and Eric joined in and that was it! The song wrote itself.
Where did you gain inspiration for it?
I don’t think I even really grasped the weight of what I was saying when I first sang the lyrics, but I know I meant every word. I was really missing someone when we wrote this song.
To whom do you recommend it, and along with what kind of thoughts?
This song is for people who have ever been in love with someone who didn’t reciprocate those feelings. For people who have been in a toxic relationship and felt powerless. For people who feel like they’re losing their own sense of identity and grip on reality in a relationship. Another element of this song is “gaslighting” – if you haven’t heard this term before, look it up. “Psychiatric Ward” is a sad song. It comes from a very dark, desperate, and frankly, unhealthy place. Over the years I’ve learned to be more aware of my own tendency to fall into victim mentality. We’re all human, and for the most part, we’re all doing the best we can. We are the only ones responsible for our feelings.
What is the reception of the song like? What kind of feedbacks have you received?
“Psychiatric Ward” has been received better than any of our music released to date. In my opinion it’s one of our most vulnerable and honest songs. We’ve had a surprising amount of people comment on our sound being “Throw back” and 90’s. We’ve always struggled to land in a particular genre. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Photo: Lindsey Blane – Lindsey Blane Creative
Instagram: Lindsey Blane (@lindseyblane)
Vancouver Affordable Photography Studio (juiceboxstudio.co)
