New Jersey hardcore crew Old Wounds' recent single "Give a Name to Your Pain" was, according to frontman Kevin Iavaroni, "written in some of my most private moments … The ones where you seek out your weakness and call it by its name." The singer knows something about overcoming weakness and facing down challenges — whether it's battling illness due to chronic problems associated with Crohn's disease or confronting hardcore's "tough guy" attitude with his androgynous onstage persona.
For our continuing "Songs for Black Days" series, presented in partnership with Hope for the Day, we asked Iavaroni to share some of the music that has helped him through dark times and in those "private moments." Below is what he offered up.
Morrissey - "You Have Killed Me"
Nothing is more relatable, nobody's words resonate more than the Mozzer. From his cast-in-iron convictions to his lyricism. He is the hugest inspiration and "You Have Killed Me" is one of his best. Not that I prefer him over the Smiths, because they have some very sad work, but nothing is more exhausting than life, and when I listen to "You Have Killed Me" I somehow find myself more exhausted with it.
Alice in Chains - "Down in a Hole"
Layne [Staley] is one of the greatest to ever front a band. He had a way of capturing his emotion that is an art that is lost today. The lyric, "I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth" is particularly in tune with my life ... always.
Joy Division - "New Dawn Fades"
I spent many manic teenage nights listening to Joy Division and the sheer loneliness that you hear in Ian [Curtis]'s vocals. Joy Division sets the bar for songs that make you feel your worst. "New Dawn Fades" is my particular favorite.
Placebo - "Without You I’m Nothing (feat. David Bowie)"
Honestly, this is the saddest song ever written. I'm here for bold statements.
The Cranberries - "Ode to My Family"
Just looking back at life and my family generally makes me sad about change and growing old. This was always a song that got to me.
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