Skip to content
Close Menu
The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
      • DEAR READERS
      • MEET THE SOBER CURATOR
      • CONTRIBUTOR DIRECTORY
      • BUSINESS DIRECTORY
      • CONTACT
      • CONTENT PILLARS
      • PRESS
      • SOBEES
      • START A PODCAST
      • WRITE A BOOK
    • BACKSTAGE
    • NA DRINKS
      • NA BEERS & CIDERS
      • NA SPIRITS
      • NA WINES
      • READY TO DRINK
      • NA EVENTS
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS
      • CODEPENDENCY
      • MENTAL HEALTH
      • OPINION
      • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE
      • WELLNESS
      • YOGA & PILATES
    • LIFESTYLE
      • #ADDTOCART
      • CONTENT CREATION
      • CURATED CRAFTS
      • FASHION
      • POETRY
      • SOBER SPOTLIGHT
      • UNBUZZED FEED
    • ENTERTAINMENT
      • #QUITLIT
      • EVENTS
      • GAME ROOM
      • MOVIES
      • MUSIC
      • PODCASTS
      • POP CULTURE
      • SOBER CURATOR PODCAST
      • SPORTS
      • TV SHOWS
    • TRAVEL
      • EVENTS
      • RETREATS
      • CRUISING GUIDE
      • WHAT A TRIP
      • SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
        • MINNEAPOLIS
        • NYC
        • SEATTLE
    • SPIRITUALITY
      • THE CARD DIVO
      • SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE
      • STOICISM
      • THIRSTY FOR WONDER
      • YOGA + PILATES
    • RESOURCES
      • FAMILY RESOURCES
      • GLOSSARY
      • LGBTQ RESOURCES
      • NONPROFIT GUIDE
      • WE DO RECOVER
    The Sober CuratorThe Sober Curator
    Home - Play It Again: 3 Pop-Punk Favorites And A Love Story
    MUSIC - PLAY IT AGAIN!

    Play It Again: 3 Pop-Punk Favorites And A Love Story

    Contributor to The Sober CuratorBy Contributor to The Sober CuratorApril 13, 20226 Mins Read
    SOBER POP PUNK copy
    SOBER POP PUNK copy
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    If you’re a music lover, you probably watched the 64th Annual Grammys. This means you saw Avril Lavigne present the award for Best Pop Duo wearing a black tutu style dress with Love Sux written on the waistband. This was to celebrate the release of her seventh album, Love Sux which she worked on with Machine Gun Kelly, Blackbear, Travis Barker, and Mod Sun. You also likely saw her walk the red carpet with her punk rocker boyfriend. This is super-ironic because the pair met while Lavigne was on a self-prescribed break from men. She was focused entirely on a new album and airing out some difficult feelings coming from her recent heartbreak.

    So, who is Avril Lavigne’s man?

    Mod Sun. Author, artist, writer, singer drummer, movie producer, and legit talent in his own right. Machine Gun Kelly, his best friend introduced the two. And they instantly connected over the music Mod Sun was working on for his new album. Avril really liked his song Flames. He finally got the courage to ask Avril to sing with him on the song, And She said yes. A few months later they were dating and made their relationship red carpet official at the 2021 MTV VMA’s. She said yes again this month in front of the Eifel Tower. And now they are engaged! These pop-punk sweethearts are obviously in love. And we are in love with their story.

    These Pop-Punk Sweethearts Got Engaged and We Are In Love

    ET’s report on the engagement.

    Admittedly, I did not know much about Mod Sun but started digging in once I saw him with punk princess, Avril Lavigne. Filled with boozy performances, mounds of cocaine, and even a celebrity throuple, it turns out he’s already had one wild journey in his 35 years on this planet. Despite this, he authored Did I Ever Wake Up, a step-by-step guide on the power of attraction that many say changed their lives for the better. He built a thriving lifestyle brand with his own merchandise way before people realized this was possible. He’s collaborated on projects with some of the best in the business and recently acted in and directed a feature film with Machine Gun Kelly.

    Mod Sun’s first book

    But it’s Remember Me Just Like This, his self-produced rockdoc on his own life that is the most inspiring.  The journey from his childhood to working with Avil Lavigne on Flames is filled with heartbreak, rejection, and a never-ending positive outlook that allowed Mod Sun to continue to succeed. His struggles with addiction are also well documented. Drinking an entire bottle of Jack Daniel’s and snorting too much coke to measure, he was in deep. He finally surrendered to the hard facts that drugs and alcohol were holding him back and that his lifestyle was killing him. 

    Mod Sun’s Brutally Honest and Impactful Story of Recovery

    Luckily, Mod Sun got help. He now attends 12 Step meetings and while he still smokes pot for his ADHD, he no longer drinks alcohol or does cocaine or hard drugs. Filmed in the famous Jim Morrison room in LA where he used to party, his emotional Vlog explaining his codependency on chaos and journey through addiction is extremely impactful. It is included below and in the film and is 100% worth watching.

    Mod Sun gets completely raw in his story. He honestly shares how cocaine wrecked his relationships, monopolized his thinking, caused severe body dysmorphia, accelerated his drinking, and turned him into a person he did not want to be. He says transparency, forgiveness, and the freedom from hard drugs and alcohol allow him to be his authentic self and make room for what is supposed to be happening in his life.

    This seems evident in his newfound passion for helping others, carrying the message, the success of his career, his ability to have strong relationships and love with his new fiancée. We can’t see what the future holds for Mod Sun. 

    Mod Sun sharing his recovery story, it is absolutely worth watching.

    3 Pop-Punk Favorites To Add to Your Sober Playlist Now

    1. Flames By Mod Sun Featuring Avil Lavigne

    Mod Sun wrote this song about drugs and alcohol before he met Avril Lavigne. The intensity of addiction is accurately portrayed in the lyrics. “If we burn it down, you’ll be my arsonist.” “Up in flames, my whole life I’ve been on fire.” He said that before she agreed to collaborate with him on the record, it did not make sense to him. Avril agreeing to sing with Mod on the song was the start of their love story. The song now has a double meaning. This adds another very cool layer to the song. Almost like what it was like in addiction, what happened, and how it is now. Now the “burn” can also be love.


    2. Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne

    Avril Lavigne experienced a terrible battle with Lyme Disease. It was debilitating and got so bad that she accepted that she was going to die. In a moment of desperation, she prayed to God to keep her head above water. This ignited a spiritual experience for her and was what enabled her to finally start writing music again. This song beautifully captures the desperation felt by so many facing life or death moments. The lyrics are relatable and extremely inspirational and can easily be used to convey the journey of so many of us battling addiction.  


    3. I Remember Way Too Much by Mod Sun

    Anyone dealing with addiction probably has a love-hate relationship with memory. What did we forget? Is what we remember what happened? This song tells a story of pivotal moments from the past that seem to constantly run through the mind. We all have some of these that we can’t forget. Some are regrets some are from happier times. And some we just really want to forget. These lyrics touch on all these and the tune inspires hope which we all need. 

    For additional recommendations for your sober playlist, visit Play it Again @thesobercurator.


    The Sober Curator Email newsletter
    SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
    Resources Are Available

    If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

    follow the sober curator on youtube

    Subscribe to The Sober Curator on YouTube

    Love what you read? #sharesobriety

    • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
    • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
    • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
    • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
    • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
    • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit

    Related

    addiction stories alcohol free lifestyle avril lavigne avril lavigne boyfriend Avril Lavigne engaged did i ever wake up internet killed the rockstar Karma Love Sux machine gun kelly mod sun mod sun girlfriend modsun pop punk pop-punk recovery films recovery story rockdoc rockdocks rocumentary sober celebrities sober curator The grammys the sober curator
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
    Contributor to The Sober Curator

    Related Posts

    Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear Is the Sobriety Documentary Nobody Is Calling a Sobriety Documentary

    Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear Is the Sobriety Documentary Nobody Is Calling a Sobriety Documentary

    August 14, 2026
    TOURING with WHAM!

    Touring With WHAM!: Janey Lee Grace Looks Back at China, Big Hair and Sobriety

    August 14, 2026
    Sabyn Mayfield's "WORTHY": The Song That Started with Three Days of Silence

    Sabyn Mayfield’s “WORTHY”: The Song That Started with Three Days of Silence

    August 12, 2026

    2 Comments

    1. Christine on April 14, 2022 5:42 pm

      What a great issue!!!!!

      Thanks!!

    2. Christie on April 15, 2022 4:40 pm

      Great read!

    SOBERSCRIBE AND GET ON THE LIST!
    7 events found.
    • Week of August 10
    • Previous week
    • Next week
    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Cruising – Sail from Barcelona
    August 2 - August 10

    Sober Cruising – Sail from Barcelona

    See website
    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    12:00 pm
    Claude Anonymous | Weekly Monday AI Meeting for Sober Humans Who Are Sick of Feeling Behind
    August 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

    Claude Anonymous | Weekly Monday AI Meeting for Sober Humans Who Are Sick of Feeling Behind

    Virtual
    Virtual Event
    + 1 More
    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana
    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana
    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana
    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    6:00 pm
    Mahjong 101 @ Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop
    August 14 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

    Mahjong 101 @ Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop

    SOBER AF Bottle Shop Tacoma 5222 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
    + 1 More
    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana
    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    National Relaxation Day
    August 15

    National Relaxation Day

    10:00 am
    Wide Awake: Sober Wellness Party
    August 15 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm CDT

    Wide Awake: Sober Wellness Party

    Three Cities Social Club 320 W Ohio Street floor 7, Chicago
    1:00 pm
    Let’s Get After It Booking Signing with Brian S Nicholson
    August 15 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm CDT

    Let’s Get After It Booking Signing with Brian S Nicholson

    Barnes & Noble 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth
    + 3 More
    All Day
    National Overdose Awareness Month
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    Sober Travel: Bali
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    $2789
    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana
    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    1:00 pm
    Tea & LPs: Post Disco
    August 16 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT

    Tea & LPs: Post Disco

    Crossroads Cafe 119 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn
    + 1 More
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    National Overdose Awareness Month August is recognized as National Overdose Awareness Month, culminating in International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st. As the world's largest annual campaign, it aims to

    August 2 - August 10

    Sober Cruising – Sail from Barcelona

    Sober Cruising – Sail from Barcelona

    August 2 - August 10

    Sober Cruising – Sail from Barcelona

    Sober Cruising: Sail from Barcelona on August 2, 2026, for eight nights with a small sober group (max 25) on Virgin Voyages — a journey of connection, clarity, and shared

    See website
    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    This is no ordinary getaway—it’s a zero-proof trip to paradise. Let your worries drift away as you reconnect with nature, dive into in the Balinese way of life, and put

    $2789
    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat is more than a getaway—it’s an opportunity for people in recovery to experience connection, adventure, and joy in a way that reinforces an alcohol-free life. Hosted

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    August 15

    National Relaxation Day

    National Relaxation Day

    August 15

    National Relaxation Day

    National Relaxation Day National Relaxation Day is celebrated annually on August 15 to promote stress relief, mental health, and physical well-being. Founded in 1985 by then-nine-year-old Sean Moeller, the day

    August 1 - August 31

    National Overdose Awareness Month

    August 12 - August 16

    The Bozeman Sober Retreat with Recovery Elevator | Bozeman, Montana

    August 7 - August 17

    Sober Travel: Bali

    Monday, August 10, 2026

    • Virtual Event
      August 10, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
      Claude Anonymous | Weekly Monday AI Meeting for Sober Humans Who Are Sick of Feeling Behind
    • Virtual Event
      August 10 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

      Claude Anonymous | Weekly Monday AI Meeting for Sober Humans Who Are Sick of Feeling Behind

      Claude Anonymous | Weekly Monday AI Meeting for Sober Humans Who Are Sick of Feeling Behind Bring your questions, your half-finished projects, and your low-grade panic about AI. One hour,

    + 1 More

    Tuesday, August 11, 2026

    No events on this day.

    Wednesday, August 12, 2026

    No events on this day.

    Thursday, August 13, 2026

    No events on this day.

    Friday, August 14, 2026

    • August 14, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
      Mahjong 101 @ Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop
    • August 14 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm PDT

      Mahjong 101 @ Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop

      Mahjong 101 @ Sober AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop Join us at Sober AF, Tacoma's premier alcohol-free bottle shop! Sip on some delicious mocktails while you learn how to play

    + 1 More

    Saturday, August 15, 2026

    • August 15, 2026 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
      Wide Awake: Sober Wellness Party
    • August 15 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm CDT

      Wide Awake: Sober Wellness Party

      Wide Awake: Sober Wellness Party A rejuvenating wellness experience featuring yoga, sound baths, local vendors, vitamin injections, sponsor activations, and more! Wide Awake is a curated wellness experience bringing together

    • August 15, 2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
      Let’s Get After It Booking Signing with Brian S Nicholson
    • August 15 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm CDT

      Let’s Get After It Booking Signing with Brian S Nicholson

      Let's Get After It Booking Signing with Brian S Nicholson Come grab a book and get one signed before publication, meet Brian and hear about his journey to recovery, and

    + 3 More

    Sunday, August 16, 2026

    • August 16, 2026 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
      Tea & LPs: Post Disco
    • August 16 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT

      Tea & LPs: Post Disco

      Tea & LPs: Post Disco a sunday to relax and link in bushwick taste signature hot or iced teas enjoy an afternoon scored by soulful sounds inspired by the early

    + 1 More
    View Calendar
    The Sober Curator
    Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok YouTube Pinterest
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • LINKS DISCLAIMER
    • EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
    • TERMS OF SERVICE
    • REFUND POLICY
    • DON’T SELL MY INFO
    • DATA SUBJECT REQUEST FORM
    • CONTACT US
    © 2026 The Sober Curator - Benefits of a Alcohol Free Lifestyle

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.