Mod Sun: Facts & Insights On Derek Ryan Smith's Journey

05 May, 2025

Is it possible to reinvent yourself and find success across multiple creative fields? For Derek Ryan Smith, known professionally as MOD SUN, the answer is a resounding yes, a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic expression and personal growth. From the suburbs of Bloomington, Minnesota, to the forefront of the music industry, his journey is a captivating story of transformation, perseverance, and a unique blend of artistic styles.

Born on March 10, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota, Derek Ryan Smith, better known by his stage name MOD SUN (stylized as mod sun or modsun), has carved a distinct path in the world of music and beyond. He stands as an American singer, songwriter, rapper, musician, author, painter, and poet, showcasing a multifaceted talent that defies easy categorization. His career trajectory is a fascinating study in artistic evolution, from his early days drumming in heavy metal bands to his current status as a prominent figure in the contemporary music scene.

Category	Details
Full Name	Derek Ryan Smith
Stage Name	MOD SUN (Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None)
Date of Birth	March 10, 1987
Place of Birth	Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Education	Thomas Jefferson High School, Bloomington, Minnesota
Known For	Musician, Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Painter, Poet
Genres	Hippy Hop, Pop Punk, Alternative Hip Hop
Years Active	2004Present
Net Worth (as of 2022)	$3 Million
Notable Albums	Look Up, Movie, BB, Internet Killed the Rockstar
Associated Acts	Four Letter Lie, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Avril Lavigne, Hotel Motel
Website	modsun.com

Early in his career, before the widespread recognition, Smith considered releasing his music under a different moniker. However, as often happens, a guiding influence, in this case, Bob Dylan, caused him to reconsider, and MOD SUN was born. The stage name itself is more than just a collection of letters; it's an acronym that encapsulates his artistic philosophy: "Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None." This mantra underscores his commitment to pursuing his creative visions without compromise, a core tenet of his artistic practice.

The diverse nature of MOD SUN's talents is evident in his extensive body of work. He has released five solo studio albums, three EPs, and six mixtapes. His discography reveals an artist who is constantly experimenting with sound and style, blending elements of hip-hop, pop-punk, and alternative influences into a unique genre he calls "Hippie Hop." This fusion of genres is a testament to his willingness to break down boundaries and create a sound that is distinctly his own. This is the true calling and the best part of an artist.

Bloomington, Minnesota, serves as the backdrop for MOD SUN's early life, where he was born on March 10, 1987. The city, a suburban enclave in the US state of Minnesota, provided the foundations of his youth. His upbringing, marked by his parents' divorce at a young age, involved significant travel between Long Beach, California, to be with his father, and wherever his mother's work took her. This transient lifestyle may have contributed to his adaptability and his ability to embrace diverse experiences, which later found their way into his art. He is a native of Minnesota and drawing inspiration from peaceful california vibes and rap, he has created a unique genre known as "hippie hop."

Before his rise to fame as a solo artist, MOD SUN honed his craft as a drummer in heavy metal bands. He was part of the four letter lie, based in Minnesota, and also part of scary kids scaring kids, based in Arizona. These early experiences in the music industry provided him with a solid foundation and shaped his understanding of music production and performance. Also, it is quite interesting how he met with Avril Lavigne. The rocker is getting special support from his girlfriend, Avril Lavigne. They started dating in 2021 after working on music together.

Beyond his musical endeavors, MOD SUN has explored other creative avenues. He is an author and has published a book, "Did I Ever Wake Up?" This expansion of his creative portfolio highlights his multifaceted artistic nature and his willingness to express himself through different mediums. He has released many songs, six mixtapes, three eps, and four solo studio albums.

The "halcyon time of real DIY", as he describes it, is a recurring theme in his work, referring to the sense of do-it-yourself creativity that infuses his music and artistic projects. He embraces an independent spirit, forging his path in the music industry and creating art on his terms. His name on his Instagram is modern sunshine. Every time I did a

The road hasn't always been smooth. In his early adulthood, MOD SUN struggled with drug addiction, but he made the difficult choice to get sober in 2019 after an overdose. This experience became a pivotal moment in his life, leading to profound personal growth and an increased commitment to his well-being. 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. Also, mod sun has a message of hope for struggling addicts, as he revealed to hl how his life & career have improved since he became sober. The story of his sobriety is a source of inspiration to those facing similar challenges, and it showcases his resilience and willingness to confront personal demons.

Currently, MOD SUN continues to be an active force in the music scene. He is touring and has upcoming concerts in multiple countries. His music is a testament to his evolving artistic journey, and his creative output continues to inspire. He is a follower of Christianity. Also, he is an american musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, author, painter, and poet.

MOD SUN's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of self-discovery. His life is a tapestry woven with personal struggles, creative triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. From his early days drumming in heavy metal bands to his current status as a multi-faceted artist, MOD SUN embodies the spirit of artistic reinvention. He continues to evolve as an artist and his story serves as an inspiration. Like avril, and her previous husbands, he's a musician, and has released four solo studio albums; look up, movie, bb, and internet killed the rockstar. He was also part of hip hop duo hotel motel.

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