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Mod Sun
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Key Information
Derek Ryan Smith (born March 10, 1987), known professionally as Mod Sun[a] (stylized as MOD SUN or MODSUN), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and musician from Bloomington, Minnesota. He has released five solo studio albums, three EPs, and six mixtapes. He is also a member of the alternative hip hop duo Hotel Motel.[2]
Beginning his musical career by playing drums in pop punk band the Semester and post-hardcore groups Four Letter Lie and Scary Kids Scaring Kids,[3] Smith began a solo rap career in 2009 under the name Mod Sun. The release of his fourth solo studio album Internet Killed The Rockstar saw a stylistic shift back to pop punk.[4] His fifth studio album God Save the Teen, released in 2023, followed in its footsteps.[5]
Early life
[edit]Derek Ryan Smith was born on March 10, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Later his father left for California and his parents divorced, after which Smith spent some time living with his father in Long Beach, California. From age five to 10, he moved frequently due to his mother having to relocate for various jobs.[6] He spent much of his time growing up on a farm in Corcoran, Minnesota.[7] Smith's father lived next door to Bud Gaugh, drummer of Sublime, who influenced him to become involved in music.[1]
In his teens, Smith began attending concerts in his local pop punk scene. He became an increasingly prominent figure in the scene through his mother encouraging him to attend concerts and ask the touring band members whether they wanted to stay the night at their house. In the following years, Smith and other local bands and musicians in the scene became increasingly interested in fashion and influenced by New Jersey and Drive-Thru Records emo bands, leading to them becoming members of the scene subculture.[8] In eighth grade, he designed merchandise for bands.[1]
Music career
[edit]2004–2010: Career beginnings
[edit]Smith's first band was the pop punk band Sideline Heroes.[9] He then began playing drums for local pop punk band the Semester in his sophomore year of high school. He spent the following four years in the band, before being kicked out three months after his graduation.[4] In 2005, he became a member of the post-hardcore band Four Letter Lie.[10] In 2009, he left the band to pursue his passion in rap and Mod Sun endeavours. He went on to be a drum tech for Scary Kids Scaring Kids. He was eventually asked to be the drummer for Scary Kids Scaring Kids, which he accepted under the condition that he could open for the band on tour as a solo artist.[1][11]
2011–2019: Solo career and Look Up, Movie and BB
[edit]Mod Sun has released five mixtapes and three EPs throughout his solo career. His style of music has been described as "hippy hop".
Mod Sun's debut album, Look Up, was released on March 10, 2015, through Rostrum Records.[11] It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.[12]
On March 10, 2017, his second studio album, Movie, was released, also through Rostrum Records. It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.[13]
His third studio album BB was released on November 10, 2017, and spawned the single "#noshirton".
2020–2022: Switch to pop punk and Internet Killed the Rockstar
[edit]In early 2020, Mod Sun announced he had started working on his forthcoming fourth studio album.[14] Its lead single "Karma" was released on October 30, 2020.[15] The accompanying music video was released three weeks later on November 16, 2020, and was directed by Machine Gun Kelly.[16] The song "Bones" was released as the album's second single on November 27, 2020.[17] The music video for "Bones" was released on December 21, 2020, via Mod Sun's official YouTube channel and was directed by Charlie Zwick.[18] The album's third single, "Flames", was a collaboration with Avril Lavigne.[19] On January 18, 2021, Downfalls High, a film Smith co-directed with Machine Gun Kelly was released.[4] On 25 January, 2021 Mod Sun officially announced the album title, Internet Killed the Rockstar, and its release date, February 12, 2021.
On March 12, 2021, he released the single "Heavy" featuring blackbear.[20] The same month he signed a long-term deal with Big Noise.[21]
On August 26, 2021, it was announced that he would star in and co–direct the film Good Mourning With A U, alongside Machine Gun Kelly, Dove Cameron, Megan Fox and Becky G.[22] The film was later retitled to simply Good Mourning, and was released on April 20, 2022.
On May 7, 2021, a deluxe version of Internet Killed the Rockstar was released. It features five new tracks as well as acoustic versions of "Karma" and "Flames" and a piano version of "Bones".
2022–present: God Save the Teen
[edit]On February 18, 2022, Mod Sun released a documentary about his life entitled Remember Me Just Like This on his YouTube channel. The documentary included a teaser for his next single "Rich Kids Ruin Everything", which was released on March 11, 2022.
On February 25, 2022, Avril Lavigne's seventh studio album Love Sux was released. Mod Sun produced, provided drums for, and cowrote every song on the album (with the exception of "Dare to Love Me" and "Break of a Heartache", which Lavigne wrote alone).
On June 10, 2022, he released the single "Perfectly Imperfect".
On August 19, 2022, he released the single "Battle Scars".
In November 2022, Mod Sun announced the title for his upcoming fifth studio album: God Save the Teen. The album was revealed to be released in early 2023, though an exact release date was yet to be announced.[23]
On December 9, 2022, he released the single "Sexoxo" featuring Charlotte Sands.
On January 17, 2023, he revealed the album artwork and tracklist for his fifth studio album God Save the Teen, and announced that it would be released on February 3. The tracklist contained twelve new songs, including a cover of the song "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls.
On February 3, 2023, God Save the Teen was released.[24]
Personal life
[edit]Beginning in October 2018, Smith was in a polyamorous relationship with internet personality Tana Mongeau and actress Bella Thorne. After the throuple's breakup, he began a monogamous relationship with Thorne.[25] Smith and Thorne became engaged, got married and then subsequently divorced, all within 15 months, though the marriage was not official, as they had exchanged vows with no legal paperwork present.[26] In early 2020, he began a monogamous relationship with Mongeau, but they broke up by the end of the year.[27]
In early adulthood, Mod Sun was a heavy drug user, but quit in 2019 after he overdosed on a number of drugs and almost died. According to a 2023 interview with Spin magazine, Sun admitted to feeling guilty about his drug use and said, "One thing that'll make everything stop for you in life is walking around carrying shame. Every time I did a line of cocaine, I felt absolute shame. I knew in my heart I was like, 'This is going to kill me.' I had to eliminate that. It's like...I [had] my suitcase of trauma that I was carrying around every single day, and I traded that in for a toolbox to give me the tools to really bring my life to where I wanted to go."[28]
From 2021 to 2023, he was in a relationship with Canadian musician Avril Lavigne.[26] They later got engaged in Paris in April 2022, but subsequently broke off the engagement on February 21, 2023.[29] A spokesperson for Sun initially appeared surprised, saying "they were together and engaged as of 3 days ago when he left for tour so if anything has changed that's news to him." Lavigne was photographed hugging rapper Tyga after the split, sparking rumors that the two were dating.[30] On February 28, Sun confirmed the split, saying "In 1 week my entire life completely changed… I just know there's a plan for it all… I'll keep my head up + always listen to my heart, even when it feels broken. Being surrounded by love every night on tour has been an absolute blessing. I have the best friends in the entire world, thanks for always having my back. See you on stage."[31]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [32] |
US Alt. [33] |
US R&B/ HH [34] |
US Heat [35] |
US Ind. [36] | ||
| Look Up |
|
120 | 6 | 13 | 1 | 7 |
| Movie |
|
— | — | — | 16 | 40 |
| BB |
|
— | — | — | — | — |
| Internet Killed the Rockstar |
|
— | — | — | 21 | — |
| God Save the Teen |
|
— | — | — | — | — |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| The Hippy Hop EP |
|
| In MOD We Trust |
|
| Happy as Fuck |
|
Mixtapes
[edit]- 2009: I'll Buy Myself [37]
- 2009: Let Ya Teeth Show
- 2009: How to Make a MOD SUN
- 2011: Health, Wealth, Success, & Happiness
- 2011: Blazed by the Bell
- 2012: First Take
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Alt. [38] |
US Rock [39] |
CAN Dig. [40] |
NZ Hot [41] |
UK Down. [42] | |||||||||||||||||
| "Need That" | 2010 | — | — | — | — | — | In MOD We Trust | ||||||||||||||
| "Paradisity" | 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "All Night, Every Night" (with The Ready Set) |
2012 | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | ||||||||||||||
| "Save" (with Ab-Soul, Rich Hil and Metasota |
— | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "My Hippy" | 2013 | — | — | — | — | — | Look Up | ||||||||||||||
| "1970" | 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Howlin' at the Moon" | 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Pound on the Way" | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |||||||||||||||
| "We Do This Shit" (with DeJ Loaf) |
2016 | — | — | — | — | — | Movie | ||||||||||||||
| "Two" | 2017 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Beautiful Problem" (with gnash & Maty Noyes) |
— | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| happyBB" | — | — | — | — | — | BB | |||||||||||||||
| "#noshirton" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "poundzzzzzz" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "address on the internet" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Runaway" | 2018 | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | ||||||||||||||
| "Burning Up" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Psycho Smile" | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Tell Me All Your Secrets" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Blue Cheese" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Selfish" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Shoulder" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Amen" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Tipi/2005 Flex Up" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "I Remember Way Too Much" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Uppers & Downers" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Stay Away" (featuring Machine Gun Kelly) |
2020 | — | — | — | 27 [43] |
— | |||||||||||||||
| "Karma" | — | — | — | — | — | Internet Killed the Rockstar | |||||||||||||||
| "Bones" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Flames" (featuring Avril Lavigne) |
2021 | 21 | 35 | 50 | 40 | 74 | |||||||||||||||
| "Heavy" (with blackbear) |
— | — | — | — | — | Internet Killed the Rockstar (Deluxe)[44] | |||||||||||||||
| "Down" (featuring Travis Barker) |
— | — | — | — | — | Non-album singles | |||||||||||||||
| "Rich Kids Ruin Everything" | 2022 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Perfectly Imperfect" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Battle Scars" | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Sexoxo" (featuring Charlotte Sands) |
— | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "Strangers" | 2023 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Sunshine" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| "Hotel Lights" | 24 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Featured singles
[edit]- 2011: "Good Times" by Swimming With Dolphins
- 2012: "I Think It's Hot" by Def Gone Graphic
- 2012: "Catch Me Smilin" by Joe B.
- 2013: "Right Now" by Goody
- 2013: "Get Loco" by T.T.
- 2013: "The Tortoise and the Hare" by The Weekend Hustler
- 2013: "Let It Bang" by Jbre & Dougie Kent
- 2014: "All I Need Is Sunshine" by The Gooneez & Sidereal
- 2014: "Raw Cypher" by Dizzy Wright, Like, and Sir Michael Rocks
- 2015: "me you & the moon" by Call Me Karizma
- 2016: "Sublime" by Machine Gun Kelly
- 2018: ":)" by Lil Phag and Dr. Woke
- 2020: "Bullets in the Dark" by No Love for the Middle Child
- 2021: "0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)" by Tomorrow X Together
- 2021: "Ocean of Embers"[45]
- 2021: "Empty Bottles" by Bryce Vine[46]
- 2021: "Broken in All the Right Places" by Lost Kings[47]
- 2022: "Timebomb" by Two Friends
- 2022: "Movie Star" by Steve Aoki
- 2022: “Escape From my Reality” by Scary Kids Scaring Kids
- 2023: "Still the Dumb One" by Pardyalone
- 2023: "Blame Me for Everything" by Lil Lotus
- 2023: "Figure Me Out" by weknewnothing
- 2024: "Flyin' Pass" (Remix) by Caldwell
- 2024: "I’d Rather Overdose" by Honestav
- 2024: "Me & My Friends" by Audio Chateau
- 2025: "Lowlife" by Dizzyisdead
- 2025: "Own Me" by The Haunt
Books
[edit]Non-fiction books
[edit]- 2012: Did I Ever Wake Up?
Poetry books
[edit]- 2015: My Dear Pink
- 2018: So Long Los Angeles
Journals
[edit]- 2015: "Happy to Be Here"
- 2016: "Happy to Be Here Pt. 2"
- 2019: "Happy to Be Here Pt. 3"
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Bashira | Club Owner | [48] | |
| 2022 | Measure of Revenge | Lord MacBeth | [49] | |
| Good Mourning | Dylan | Also director, writer, and producer Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director Nominated – Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture |
[50] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Cooking on High | Himself | 2 episodes | [51] |
| 2021 | Ridiculousness | Episode: "Mod Sun" | [52] |
Internet
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Album | Himself | credited as writer | [53] |
| 2019 | I Remember Way Too Much | Himself | [54] | |
| 2021 | Downfalls High | Director, writer, cameo | [55] | |
| 2022 | Remember Me Just Like This | Himself | Subject of documentary | [56] |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Sail" | Machine Gun Kelly | [57] |
| 2016 | "All Night Long" | [58] | |
| "Shoot 'Em Down" (feat. Machine Gun Kelly & Blackbear) | Mod Sun | [59] | |
| 2017 | "Sublime remiXX" | Machine Gun Kelly | [60] |
| 2020 | "Concert for Aliens" | [61] | |
| "Drunk Face" | [62] | ||
| 2021 | "Flames" (feat. Avril Lavigne) | Mod Sun | [63] |
| "Amnesia" | [64] | ||
| "Bite Me" (Acoustic Version) | Avril Lavigne | [65] | |
| "Down" (feat. Travis Barker) | Mod Sun | [66] | |
| 2022 | “Rich Kids Ruin Everything" | [67] | |
| 2024 | "Just My Type" | Palaye Royale | [68] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Adam22 (June 22, 2016). "The Mod Sun Interview" (Podcast). Retrieved April 24, 2021.
{{cite podcast}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ HAVENS, LYNDSEY. "How Mod Sun Became Pop-Punk's Go-To Songwriter, From Machine Gun Kelly to Avril Lavigne". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ "Here's How Mod Sun Ended Up Singing with Fall Out Boy at an Early Gig". Alternative Press. November 5, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
- ^ a b c MCCARTHY, LAUREN (February 8, 2021). "THE NINE LIVES OF MOD SUN". Nylon. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ "Mod Sun Announces New Album 'God Save The Teen' And Previews New Song". SOUND IN THE SIGNALS. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ Mod Sun - Topic (November 30, 2015), Did I Ever Wake Up? (Pt. 1), retrieved April 15, 2017
- ^ Mod Sun - Topic (March 10, 2015), Mod Sun: "Hip-Hop Is Ready for Positivity Again"
- ^ "HERE'S HOW MOD SUN ENDED UP SINGING WITH FALL OUT BOY AT AN EARLY GIG". Alternative Press. November 5, 2020. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
- ^ Finn McKenty. "Mod Sun" (Podcast). Retrieved June 14, 2021.
- ^ Baker, Brian (February 11, 2013). "Mod Sun". CityBeat Cincinnati. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
- ^ a b "Mod Sun - Biography". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
- ^ "Mod Sun Look Up Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
- ^ "Mod Sun Movie Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
- ^ Dolby, Nuha (March 9, 2020). "Mod Sun talks growing up in the Midwest, sobriety, new album". The Badger Herald. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Stagnitta, Ally (November 24, 2020). "Mod Sun Emotionally Reveals Putting Down Drugs & Alcohol Has Shaped His Career Upon Release Of "Karma"". Hollywood Life. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Wilcox-Adams, Deidre (November 16, 2020). "Mod Sun's "Karma" Video is Here & MGK Directed it". The Honey Pop. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Shamim, Aman (December 4, 2020). "We Can Fell It in Our Bones, Mod Sun's Latest Single Really Hits Deep". The Honey Pop. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ "Mod Sun Drops Cinematic Visual for Recently Released Single "Bones"". Broadway World. December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
- ^ Wass, Mike (January 1, 2021). "Avril Lavigne & Mod Sun Team Up For "Flames"". Idolator. Retrieved January 1, 2021.[dead link]
- ^ "Mod Sun And Blackbear Join Forces For New Song "Heavy" — LISTEN". March 12, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
- ^ "The Deals: MOD SUN Signs With Big Noise, ADA Pairs With Billy Mann". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
- ^ Carter, Emily (August 26, 2021). "Machine Gun Kelly and MOD SUN are co-directing and starring in new movie Good Mourning With A U". Kerrang!. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
- ^ Rogers, Jack (November 10, 2022). "MOD SUN Announces New Album 'GOD SAVE THE TEEN'". Rock Sound. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ God Save the Teen by MOD SUN, February 3, 2023, retrieved May 9, 2023
- ^ Contreras, Cydney (February 26, 2019). "Bella Thorne Splits From YouTube Star Tana Mongeau After 1 Year". E! News. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
- ^ a b "Avril Lavigne is dating Mod Sun!". The Times of India. February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
- ^ Briscuso, Lex (May 15, 2020). "Tana Mongeau and Mod Sun Reveal They Kept Their Distance When They First Met … Now, Not So Much". Life & Style. Retrieved December 23, 2020.
- ^ Lentini, Liza (April 5, 2023). "It's a MOD, MOD World". Spin. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Aniftos, Rania (February 21, 2023). "Avril Lavigne & Mod Sun Break Up, Call Off Engagement: Report". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
- ^ "Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun Split, Call Off Engagement". TMZ. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ "Mod Sun Addresses His Breakup With Avril Lavigne". Loudwire. March 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History (Top Alternative Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Top Heatseekers". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "DatPiff :: The Authority in Free Mixtapes". DatPiff.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Alternative Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History: Hot Rock & Alternative Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
- ^ "Mod Sun Chart History (Hot Canadian Digital Songs Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ^ Peaks on the NZ Hot 40 Singles Chart:
- "Flames": "NZ Hot 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
- ^ "The Official New Zealand Music Chart". THE OFFICIAL NZ MUSIC CHART. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
- ^ White, Logan (April 23, 2021). "Mod Sun And Avril Lavigne Release Acoustic Video For "Flames"". Retrieved April 24, 2021.
- ^ OCEAN OF EMBERS (Feat. MOD SUN) - Teaser. Bashira Movie (YouTube). Retrieved October 31, 2021.
- ^ "Empty Bottles (feat. MOD SUN) - Single by Bryce Vine", Apple Music, November 19, 2021, retrieved November 20, 2023
- ^ "Broken In all The Right Places by Lost Kings, Mod Sun on Spotify". Spotify. December 9, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
- ^ Nickson, Fong, Bashira (Horror), Bashira, Egg Story Studios, Robotic Vision, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Measure of Revenge (2022) - IMDb, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Kelly, Machine Gun; Sun, Mod (May 20, 2022), Good Mourning (Comedy), Cedar Park Studios, Raven Capital Management, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Cooking on High (Game-Show), Stage 13, June 22, 2018, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Mod Sun, Ridiculousness, June 20, 2021, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Easterling, Michael (March 10, 2017), Album (Short, Adventure), Talkboy TV, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ I Remember Way Too Much (Video 2019) - IMDb, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Kelly, Machine Gun; Sun, Mod (January 15, 2021), Downfalls High (Drama, Musical, Romance), AS Entertainment, Moonlight Cinema, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ MOD SUN - DOCUMENTARY "Remember Me Just Like This", retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Machine Gun Kelly: Sail (Music), April 23, 2014, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Machine Gun Kelly: All Night Long (Music), April 29, 2016, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ "Mod Sun - Shoot 'Em Down (feat. Machine Gun Kelly & Blackbear) (Official Video) - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ "Machine Gun Kelly x Mod Sun - Sublime (remiXX)". www.youtube.com. YouTube. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
- ^ Machine Gun Kelly: Concert for Aliens (Music), August 13, 2020, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Machine Gun Kelly: Drunk Face (Music), September 30, 2020, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Mod Sun Feat. Avril Lavigne: Flames (Music), January 22, 2021, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ MOD SUN - "Amnesia" (OFFICIAL VIDEO), retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ Avril Lavigne: Bite Me (Acoustic Version) (Music), December 17, 2021, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ "MOD SUN - "Down" (Feat. Travis Barker) OFFICIAL VIDEO - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ MOD SUN - "Rich Kids Ruin Everything" OFFICIAL VIDEO, retrieved May 12, 2022
- ^ PALAYE ROYALE - Just My Type (Official Music Video). Retrieved May 11, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
External links
[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Mod Sun
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Derek Ryan Smith (born March 10, 1987), known professionally as Mod Sun, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, author, and poet from Bloomington, Minnesota, best known for pioneering "hippie hop"—a genre fusing hip-hop, pop-punk, and alternative rock with uplifting, motivational themes inspired by positivity and personal growth.[1][2]
Smith's stage name stands for "Movement on Dreams, Stand Under None," reflecting his philosophy of relentless pursuit of aspirations without compromise.[3] He began his music career in the mid-2000s as a drummer in post-hardcore and pop-punk bands, including Four Letter Lie and Scary Kids Scaring Kids, touring extensively from age 16 and gaining early exposure in the alternative rock scene.[4] After relocating to Los Angeles in 2012, he transitioned to a solo career, self-releasing mixtapes like Health, Wealth, Success, & Happiness (2011) and EPs such as Happy as Fuck (2012), which blended raw rap flows with acoustic elements and California-inspired vibes.[1][5]
Over the course of his prolific output, Mod Sun has released five studio albums—including the hip-hop-focused Look Up (2015), the conceptual Movie (2017), BB (2017), the pop-punk-leaning Internet Killed the Rockstar (2021), and the sobriety-themed God Save the Teen (2023)—alongside three EPs and six mixtapes, amassing over 100 original songs and collaborations with artists like Machine Gun Kelly (co-writing tracks for his albums), Avril Lavigne (on "Flames" and her 2022 album Love Sux), blackbear, and G-Eazy, as well as independent singles such as "Sunshine" (2024) and "Own Me" (2025).[6][2][7][8] His work often draws from personal experiences, including overcoming addiction and embracing sobriety since 2019, positioning him as a voice for mental health and resilience in modern music.[2][9] Beyond recording, he has built a multifaceted creative identity as a painter, fashion enthusiast, and motivational speaker, with his poetry book My Dear Pink (2015) extending his artistic reach.[3][10]
Early years
Childhood and family background
Derek Ryan Smith, professionally known as Mod Sun, was born on March 10, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota. He spent the first few years of his life on a farm in nearby Corcoran, Minnesota, where he experienced a rural upbringing isolated from neighbors. This early environment provided a stark contrast to the suburban life that followed after his family relocated to Bloomington following his parents' divorce when he was around five or six years old. The divorce of his parents, Deb Smith and Dennis Smith, led to significant upheaval, with his father relocating to Long Beach, California, and Smith dividing time between the two states throughout his childhood. These frequent moves exposed him to diverse settings, from rural farms and Midwestern suburbs to urban coastal life in California, fostering adaptability amid family transitions. His father's residence in Long Beach placed the family next door to Bud Gaugh, the drummer of Sublime, whose proximity introduced Smith to musical inspirations early on, though his father's own eccentric and creative lifestyle also shaped his worldview. Growing up with his older sister, Danielle, in this shifting family dynamic, Smith developed a self-taught, imaginative approach to expression, characterized by visual learning and a fascination with creative pursuits. His relationship with his father, marked by shared exposure to music and unconventional influences, left a lasting impact, even as the elder Smith struggled with personal challenges that ultimately led to his death in 2020 from alcohol-related causes.[11]Initial musical influences and activities
During his early teenage years, Derek Ryan Smith, known professionally as Mod Sun, discovered a profound inspiration in the music of Sublime, particularly through his proximity to the band's drummer, Bud Gaugh. Smith's father lived next door to Gaugh in Long Beach, California, where the family had relocated briefly, exposing the young Smith to the drummer's lifestyle and igniting his passion for music around age 13. This encounter motivated him to pursue drumming seriously, marking the beginning of his musical journey.[12][13] Back in Bloomington, Minnesota, where Smith was primarily raised by his mother and sister in a supportive family environment that encouraged creative exploration, he immersed himself in the local pop punk scene as a teenager. He frequently attended concerts, drawn to the raw energy of bands like Blink-182, whose tracks like "Adam's Song" resonated deeply with him through skate video soundtracks. His mother played a key role in fostering these connections, driving him to shows and helping him build early ties within the underground community, at a time when pop punk and emo were often dismissed as uncool. This active participation shaped his identity as a "scene kid," blending music with skateboarding culture.[4][14][15] Smith's initial foray into playing instruments was self-directed, beginning with drums at age 13, which he taught himself through persistent practice inspired by punk rhythms. He had owned a guitar since age nine—a Fender Strat received as a Christmas gift—but expanded his skills on it during his teens, experimenting with chord progressions and simple riffs in a punk style. These self-taught efforts extended to early songwriting attempts, where he would freestyle lyrics and melodies influenced by the pop punk aesthetic, often scribbling ideas during scene hangouts or while listening to local acts.[12][13][15] In high school, Smith's musical involvement remained informal and scene-oriented, including performing Blink-182's "Adam's Song" at an eighth-grade talent show, which served as his first public showcase of punk-infused emotion. He continued engaging with music through local gatherings and self-practice rather than structured school programs, prioritizing the DIY ethos of the Minnesota punk community over formal training. After graduation, he did not pursue higher education in music, instead channeling his energies directly into hands-on creative pursuits.[15][16]Music career
2004–2010: Band involvement and early rap transition
In 2004, Derek Smith, who would later adopt the stage name Mod Sun, joined the post-hardcore band The Semester as their drummer during his high school years, where he contributed to touring across the country and served as the group's de facto spokesperson. Prior to joining The Semester, Smith played in the local pop-punk band Sideline Heroes starting at age 14.[12] The band released material during this period, including early recordings that captured their energetic sound, before Smith was removed from the group three months after his high school graduation in 2005.[17] Following his time with The Semester, Smith became a member of the post-hardcore band Four Letter Lie from 2004 to 2009, playing drums on their albums The Growing Season (2006) and What We Don't Say (2009) while extensively touring the United States and internationally in support of these releases.[18] He then joined Scary Kids Scaring Kids as drummer from approximately 2009 to 2010, participating in their farewell tours during the band's final active years in the post-hardcore genre before their initial disbandment.[9] These experiences in punk and post-hardcore solidified Smith's foundation in live performance and band dynamics. In 2009, Smith relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he began transitioning to a solo career under the moniker Mod Sun, an acronym for "Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None," reflecting his philosophy of manifestation and positivity.[17] In 2009, following his relocation to Los Angeles, he began his solo career under the moniker Mod Sun, releasing his debut mixtape I'll Buy Myself in January, followed by Let Ya Teeth Show and How to Make a MOD SUN later that year, blending hip-hop with uplifting themes from his experiences.[19][20][21] This marked the start of his shift to solo rap.2011–2019: Solo debut and albums Look Up, Movie, and BB
In 2011, Mod Sun released the EP In Mod We Trust through his independent label New Hippys, marking an early step in his solo hip-hop endeavors with tracks emphasizing personal motivation and laid-back vibes.[22] That same year, he followed with the mixtape Health, Wealth, Success, & Happiness, available via Bandcamp, which showcased his emerging "hippy hop" sound blending positive lyrics with upbeat production.[23] Additional mixtapes like Blazed by the Bell in 2011 further built his underground fanbase through free digital releases, focusing on themes of self-improvement and casual introspection.[24] By 2012, the EP Happy as Fuk* continued this trajectory, incorporating playful, feel-good elements that highlighted his shift toward motivational rap.[25] Mod Sun signed with Rostrum Records in 2014, providing a major label platform for his optimistic hip-hop style.[26] His debut studio album, Look Up, arrived on March 10, 2015, via Rostrum, and centered on themes of positivity, spirituality, and manifesting one's destiny through relentless drive.[27] The project featured collaborations with artists including G-Eazy on "Goddess," Dizzy Wright on "My Hippy," and Machine Gun Kelly and blackbear on "Shoot Em' Down," blending rap verses with melodic hooks to reinforce its uplifting message.[28] Look Up debuted at number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, establishing Mod Sun as a rising voice in alternative rap.[29] Building on this momentum, Mod Sun's second album, Movie, was released on March 10, 2017, also through Rostrum, and adopted a narrative-driven concept framing life as a cinematic journey, particularly exploring romantic relationships and emotional highs and lows.[30] Produced by a team including Arthur McArthur, Don Cannon, and Mike Dupree, the record delved into interpersonal dynamics and self-reflection, with singles like "We Do This Shit" featuring DeJ Loaf generating pre-release buzz for its energetic party anthem vibe.[31] Other tracks, such as "You Are" with Mansionz, added collaborative depth, emphasizing vulnerability in love while maintaining Mod Sun's signature motivational edge.[32] Later that year, on November 10, 2017, Mod Sun dropped his third album, BB, a concise nine-track release on Rostrum that leaned into upbeat, short-form songs radiating carefree energy and continued his "happy rap" ethos.[25] The project included collaborations like those with blackbear, evident in shared stylistic influences across tracks such as "happyBB," and spawned the single "#noshirton," which captured its playful, shirtless summer motif.[33] BB peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, solidifying Mod Sun's niche in feel-good hip-hop.[25] Throughout the period, Mod Sun's live presence grew through headlining tours and festival slots, including a standout performance at the 2015 Vans Warped Tour where he delivered sets blending rap with punk-infused energy drawn from his earlier band days.[34] By 2018, he was routing club and theater tours across North America, such as stops at the Regent Theatre and Saint Andrews Hall, fostering direct fan connections.[35] His social media strategy, particularly on Twitter, amplified this growth; in 2014, Billboard noted his innovative use of the platform to engage fans and promote releases like Look Up, helping cultivate a dedicated following for his "hippy hop" style—a term describing his fusion of hippie positivity with rap rhythms.[36] This approach, rooted in motivational messaging, positioned Mod Sun as a beacon of optimistic rap amid the decade's evolving scene.[37]2020–2023: Genre shift to pop punk, Internet Killed the Rockstar, and God Save the Teen
In early 2020, amid ongoing personal transformations including his commitment to sobriety achieved the previous year, Mod Sun began pivoting his sound back toward pop punk roots, drawing from his formative years in bands like Scary Kids Scaring Kids. This shift marked a departure from the hip-hop focus of his prior solo work, blending rock energy with rap elements to capture a sense of youthful rebellion and resilience.[2] In March 2021, Mod Sun signed a long-term recording and publishing deal with Big Noise Music Group, which supported his genre exploration and facilitated the release of his fourth studio album, Internet Killed the Rockstar, on February 12, 2021. The album fused pop punk with hip-hop influences, featuring high-energy tracks like the lead single "Flames" with Avril Lavigne, which peaked at No. 8 on Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart. Critics praised its nostalgic yet fresh vibe, highlighting the album's role in the early 2020s pop-punk revival for its infectious melodies and raw emotional drive, though it debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.[38][39][40] Mod Sun's relationship with Avril Lavigne, which began in 2021 and culminated in their engagement on March 27, 2022, deeply influenced his lyrical themes during this era, infusing songs with motifs of romantic love, personal recovery, and mutual support. This personal integration extended to collaborations, including studio sessions with Lavigne and Machine Gun Kelly in late 2020 that shaped tracks like "Flames," and Mod Sun's co-direction of MGK's 2021 film Downfalls High, underscoring the interconnected pop-punk scene's emphasis on genre-blending authenticity.[41][42] Building on this momentum, Mod Sun released his fifth studio album, God Save the Teen, on February 3, 2023, via Big Noise Music Group, produced primarily by John Feldmann with Mod Sun contributing to several tracks' production. The record returned fully to punk influences, exploring themes of inner youth, sobriety's triumphs, and relational healing—exemplified by "Avril's Song," a direct nod to Lavigne's positive impact on his life—while emphasizing resilience against life's chaos. In support, Mod Sun announced the God Save the Teen tour in November 2022, commencing February 19, 2023, with guests like Stand Atlantic, and spanning North American venues to promote the album's message of self-empowerment.[43][2][44]2024–present: Independent singles and collaborations
In 2024, Mod Sun released the single "Sunshine," a reimagined take on the classic lullaby that explores themes of heartbreak and longing following a breakup, blending emotional vulnerability with uplifting melodies.[45][46] Later that year, he followed with "Hotel Lights," a bittersweet indie-rock track recounting the euphoria and transience of falling in love, highlighted by introspective lyrics about fleeting moments in urban isolation.[47][48] These standalone releases marked a shift toward shorter, more personal formats, drawing from the pop-punk foundations of his prior album God Save the Teen while emphasizing raw emotional reflection. By 2025, Mod Sun expanded his reach through collaborations that showcased his genre versatility. He featured on DIZZYISDEAD's "LOWLIFE," a track delving into themes of self-destructive cycles and wasted time, with Mod Sun's verses adding a layer of introspective urgency to the alternative rock sound.[49] Similarly, his contribution to The Haunt's "Own Me" addressed mental health struggles like anxiety and depression, merging his punk-infused energy with the band's dark, atmospheric style to create a powerful anthem of despair and resilience.[50][51] Operating independently following his 2021 deal with Big Noise Music Group and a 2024 management partnership with Shelter Music Group, Mod Sun promoted these works primarily through social media, leveraging his Instagram account—which boasts over 700,000 followers—to share behind-the-scenes content and direct fan engagement.[52][53] As of November 2025, he has announced tour plans including a performance at Vans Warped Tour in Orlando and a Halloween show in Nashville, signaling ongoing live efforts to connect with audiences amid this phase of solo output.[54] His evolving style continues to fuse hip-hop rhythms with punk elements in these concise tracks, maintaining versatility while prioritizing thematic depth over full-length projects.[55]Personal life
Relationships and engagements
In 2018, Mod Sun entered a polyamorous relationship with influencer Tana Mongeau and actress Bella Thorne, which they publicly confirmed in October of that year.[56] The trio's dynamic drew media attention for its openness, with Thorne describing it as a "beautiful" arrangement when the individuals involved align properly.[57] By early 2019, Mod Sun's involvement with Mongeau had ended, allowing his relationship with Thorne to transition into a monogamous partnership.[58] In October 2018, shortly after the polyamorous phase began, Mod Sun and Thorne exchanged vows in an informal wedding ceremony, though they never obtained a legal marriage license; Mod Sun later described the union as a committed but unofficial marriage that lasted until their split in April 2019.[59][60] Despite the breakup, Mod Sun reflected positively on the experience, noting it contributed to personal growth amid the emotional challenges.[61] Following his separation from Thorne, Mod Sun briefly dated Mongeau again in 2020, rekindling their connection during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic amid quarantine rumors.[62] The romance was short-lived, ending by mid-2020 without public elaboration on the reasons.[63] Mod Sun began dating singer Avril Lavigne in January 2021 after collaborating on her song "Flames," with their relationship becoming public later that year through social media posts and joint appearances.[64] The couple got engaged on March 27, 2022, during a romantic boat ride in Paris, where Mod Sun proposed with a custom ring; Lavigne later called the moment "perfect."[65] Their engagement lasted less than a year, ending in a breakup in February 2023, which sources attributed to differing tour schedules and personal priorities rather than infidelity.[66] Post-breakup, Mod Sun emphasized themes of healing and positivity in public statements, sharing on Instagram in February 2023 that being surrounded by fan love during his tour was a "blessing" amid heartbreak, and later crediting the experience with fostering deeper self-work and growth.[67][68] In a 2025 interview, he described the split as "brutal" but ultimately revealing that he and Lavigne had become "two different people," allowing him to focus on forward momentum.[69] In early 2025, Mod Sun began dating Brittany Wisniewski, a contestant from season 7 of the reality show Love Is Blind; the relationship lasted five months and ended in July 2025.[70] No further romantic relationships have been reported for Mod Sun as of November 2025.Sobriety journey and spirituality
In 2019, Mod Sun experienced a near-fatal overdose following a prolonged drug and alcohol binge, which prompted his immediate and public commitment to sobriety.[71][11] On May 11 of that year, he awoke from the incident determined to quit substances entirely, marking the start of his recovery without prior knowledge of sober individuals or attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. This turning point shifted his lifestyle away from self-destructive patterns, fostering greater stability in his personal relationships.[72] Following his sobriety pledge, Mod Sun integrated spiritual practices into his daily routine to support mental and emotional well-being. He adopted regular meditation and yoga sessions, alongside physical exercise like running, to cultivate a natural sense of euphoria surpassing previous substance-induced highs.[73] Central to this was his "sunshine philosophy," which emphasizes aligning life with solar cycles—waking early, creating art during daylight hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and embracing positivity through manifestation and gratitude to promote personal growth.[73][74] Mod Sun drew influence from 12-step programs, attending AA meetings as a foundational element of his recovery and incorporating principles of honesty and spiritual surrender into his process.[71] Personal journaling became a key tool for reflection, echoing themes in his earlier book Happy to Be Here (2015), a guided journal encouraging daily writing for self-expression and mindfulness, which he continues to advocate as a sobriety aid.[74][75] By 2023, Mod Sun had maintained nearly four years of sobriety, discussing its transformative impact in a SPIN cover story and through his album God Save the Teen, where tracks like "Battle Scars" serve as anthems for overcoming addiction and shame.[11][2] He marked five years sober in May 2024 via social media, reflecting on the journey's challenges and triumphs.[76] As of 2025, approaching six years sober, he continues advocating for mental health by openly sharing relapse temptations—such as tasting alcohol two months prior—and promoting recovery through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, emphasizing community support and eliminating stigma around vulnerability.[77]Artistic works
Studio albums
Mod Sun has released five studio albums.[78]| Title | Release date | Label | Selected chart positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look Up | March 10, 2015 | Rostrum Records | US Billboard 200: 120 US Heatseekers: 1[8] |
| Movie | March 10, 2017 | Rostrum Records | US Heatseekers: 1[8] |
| BB | November 10, 2017 | Rostrum Records | — |
| Internet Killed the Rockstar | February 12, 2021 | Big Noise Music Group | US Heatseekers: 21 Spotify Top Global Album Debuts: 8[79][80] |
| God Save the Teen | February 3, 2023 | Big Noise Music Group | —[81][82] |
Extended plays
- The Hippy Hop EP (January 15, 2010)[83]
- In MOD We Trust (February 8, 2011)[84]
- Happy as Fuck (June 13, 2012)[85]
Mixtapes
Mod Sun released six mixtapes between 2009 and 2012.[86]Singles
Selected singles include:- "Flames" (featuring Avril Lavigne) (January 8, 2021)
- "Sunshine" (June 7, 2024)[87]
- "Hotel Lights" (September 6, 2024)[88]
- "Own Me" (2025)[8]
- "Morning Breaks" (2025)[8]