3 years after our interview for IDIOTEQ, Canadian raw hardcore bandย BORN WRONG is back with some bitter-sweet news. The band has just released their debut full length, but the sorrowful part is that it’s their final one.ย Recorded in May of 2015 the LP includes 11 tracks that mirror the tone and velocity of the previous โArt Districtโ EP but with an even more stripped down, unhinged, and unapologetic disposition. While the driving, tone-heavy riffs are coupled with a relentless back line bringing to mind the character ofย POISON IDEA, CURSED, and more contemporary acts likeย THE IMPALERS, there remains a disoriented and somewhat manic composition to the song structures that connects the band to the likes ofย AMDI PETERSENS ARMEย orย REGULATIONS. We sat down with the band’s vocalistย Scott Paige to ask about the details behind their break-up, the new record and their plans for the future. Play it loud and read the full interview below.
Grab “Born Wrong” via Schizophrenic Records at this location. Theย pressing includes 300 total records with 3 alternate vinyl colours for each 100 records and the front cover, back cover, obi, and 20โณX16โ poster hand in each copy was screen printed by the band. A limited edition includes their original 10โ record with one side screen printed. This is the 4thย release by the band on the label.
Top photo byย Jamie Heim,ย Golden Tea house in Philedelphia, PA, October 2013.
Hey there guys! How are you? Thanks so much for checking back here on IDIOTEQ. How are you? How have you been since our last chat in 2013? Why did you dub your new LP โfinalโ? What triggered your decision to call it quits?
Things were pretty busy from 2013 on. We kept touring the U.S. and had plans to do a European tour that fell through because of scheduling etc. As for calling it quitsโฆ our van blew up which was a total stress financially and complete debilitating in terms of continuing to tour. We recorded the LP and were taking the pressing time to just relax and be apart for the first time in years. The European label that was putting out the record totally dropped the ball and we were left guessing as to a release date or if the record was even coming out. Schizophrenic Records came through to press a small, and consequently super expensive, run of the LP which we were going to do 10 or so shows for before the band finishedโฆ but we basically had not played a show in over a year and it seemed a bit too โreunionโ like. A few โschedulingโ problems came up and we could never hold down a bass player for more than 3 months. In the end we just didn’t really want to do it anymore. Wasnโt worth the headache. We just passed the headache on to Craig at Schizophrenic Records.
What was the most satisfying thing about running this band? What are you going to miss?
Iโm sure well all miss touring. That was basically the whole reason the band even put out records. It was an excuse to put off growing up for a few more years. That being said I feel like we were always super excited to have releases come out. We would constantly be calling texting and emailing about art ideas, show ideas, stuff to include, and of course where to tour next. To step back a minuteโฆ I think thatโs when I knew the band was doneโฆ the record was coming outโฆ and we just werenโt excited together as a band about what should have been our most satisfying moment.. the โfull lengthโ the big dealโฆ the show haha.
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What was the least satisfying part of running BORN WRONG? Does this break-up feel liberating, in a way?
Not to be overdramaticโฆ but the least satisfying part of the band was just not being friends anymore in the sphere of the band. I think I speak for everyone when I say itโs a huge weight off of everyoneโs shoulders. We were basically in the band for ourselvesโฆ with the illusion that it was for people listening to the records hahahaโฆ. it became a chore and then everything cool about the band was gone.
Ok, so can you talk about the writing and recording process of โBorn Wrongโ?
We found our sound with Brian Wirth on the Art District EP in my opinion. We went back to him and I couldnโt be happier. Brandon and I even convinced him to mix the toms way too loud in the mix to fuck with everyone. Iโve never been more stoked on something that Iโve been on. Plus I got to record guitar for the first time since our s/t 7โ. As for writingโฆ We just ripped off wiccans and kremlinโฆ itโs so obvious it hurts.
Regarding the lyrical content, is there an overall theme or exit message that goes along with the record?
Itโs a lot of the same themes as the other records. Obviously the final track โhow will I surviveโ was indicative of knowing the band was going to likely be over after this record โฆ without the song being about anything related to the band. A ton of white male gaze reflection as usualโฆ speaking my mind while understanding where I fit in the larger scheme of things. Also a bit of critiquing some of the past political and social views of both myself and folks who I usually gel with. the most jaded record for sure. To step back againโฆ the lyrics were written at a pretty low point in my lifeโฆ lost funding for work, band was dying, and some relationships endingโฆ the record coming out as the last record was a nice way to just leave that in the past. hahaha what a contrived answer.
The last time we talked you mentioned some outside-band activities like working with some community organizations, youth programs, photography. Personally, what are your goals in this new post-BORN WRONG era?
Yeah, CJ is a videographer if thatโs the word? Heโs doing great workโฆ heโs really into it and seems to have found his passion in that medium. Iโm finishing up school and working as a community worker still predominantly with youthโฆ and Brandonโs a wood working machine laying down roots. I canโt speak for all of our bass players because I just canโt type that much.
Ok guys, thanks so much for your quick update. Feel free to add your last words and take care! Be sure to let me know about your future projects if you decide to launch one.
Brandon plays drums in SCRAPHEAT. Cj plays bass in BLACK BARON, and Iโm playing drums in X45.
