Mod Sun Biography: Derek Ryan Smith, professionally known as Mod Sun, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and musician born on March 10, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota. Over the course of his career, he has released five solo studio albums, three EPs, and six mixtapes. He is also part of the alternative hip hop duo Hotel Motel.
Mod Sun Biography
Mod Sun, whose real name is Derek Ryan Smith, was born on March 10, 1987, in Bloomington, Minnesota. A versatile rapper, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, he has carved out a distinct identity in the music world by blending California-inspired positivity with hip hop influences—a style he coined as “hippie hop.” Known for his vibrant personality and uplifting music, Mod Sun has built a dedicated fan base over the years. His career spans multiple genres, reflecting his evolution as both an artist and a creative force. Beyond his discography, Mod Sun’s journey includes collaborations and relationships with well-known figures in the entertainment industry, further solidifying his presence in the pop culture landscape.
Mod Sun Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Derek Ryan Smith |
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| Also known as | Dylan Smith |
| Born | March 10, 1987 Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Education | Jefferson High School |
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| Years active | 2004–present |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Mod Sun
Derek Ryan Smith, known professionally as Mod Sun, 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.
Mod Sun Achievements
Smith began his music career as a drummer in the pop punk band The Semester and later played with post-hardcore groups Four Letter Lie and Scary Kids Scaring Kids. In 2009, he transitioned into a solo rap career under the name Mod Sun. With the release of his fourth studio album, Internet Killed the Rockstar, he returned to his pop punk roots. His fifth album, God Save the Teen, released in 2023, continued in that direction.
Mod Sun Wiki
- Born: 10 March 1987 (age 38 years), Bloomington, Minnesota, United States
- Music group: Scary Kids Scaring Kids (2009 – 2010)
- Full name: Derek Ryan Smith
- Genre: Alternative/Indie
- Also known as: Dylan Smith
Early Life
Derek Smith was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota. After his parents divorced, he spent time living with his father in Long Beach, California. Between the ages of five and ten, Smith moved frequently due to his mother’s changing jobs. Much of his childhood was spent on a farm in Corcoran, Minnesota. A significant early influence came from his father’s neighbor, Bud Gaugh, drummer of the band Sublime, who sparked his interest in music.
As a teenager, Smith became deeply involved in his local pop punk scene, attending concerts regularly. Encouraged by his mother, he would often invite touring bands to stay at their home, helping him build connections in the music community. He and other local musicians were drawn to the fashion and sound of New Jersey-based emo bands and those on Drive-Thru Records, fully immersing themselves in the scene subculture.
Mod Sun Facts
Where does Mod Sun live? And how much money does Mod Sun earn?
| Birth Date | 10-3-1987 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | He lives in an unknown fashion in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
Mod Sun Net Worth 2025
Derek Ryan Smith is better known by his stage name as Mod Sun. He is a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and rapper who has earned $4 million net worth. was part of the band known as Four Letter Lie, and Scary Kids Scaring Kids. He then launched his solo career and released multiple studio albums like Internet Killed the Rockstar, Movie, and BB.
| Estimated Net Worth | 4 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | SUPRA Footwear |
| Colleagues | Kevin Skaff, Louis Hamel & Tai Wright |
| Management | Andrew Lieber & Danielle Smith |
Cars
Mod Sun owns a G Wagon, four-wheel drive manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.
- G Wagon- manufactured by Mercedes-Benz ($130,900)
Mod Sun: Fiancée, Dating, Family & Friends
Sun is engaged to Canadian singer Avril Lavigne in 2022. The pair first met through music collaboration of a song titled Flame. Mod Sun married twice previously, first time was with YouTuber Tana Mongeau, followed by actress Bella Thorne which in fact, all three of them were in a Polygamous relationship together beforehand.
| Relationship status | Engaged (Since 2022) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Fiancée of Mod Sun | Avril Lavigne |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Tana Mongeau & Bella Thorne |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Dennis Smith (Father)
- Deb Smith (Mother)
- Danielle Smith (Sister)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This flamboyant musician originating from Bloomington, Minnesota, United States has a thin body & square face type.
| Hair color | Regular blond |
| Hairstyle | flamboyant |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Height | 167 cm |
| Weight | 68 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Mod Sun smoke? | Yes, regularly |
| Does Mod Sun have a tattoo? | Yes |
| Fitness, workout and diet | Mod Sun stopped eating meat since 2013 but there is no updates if he is still vegetarian at the moment. |
FAQs
What is Mod Sun’s real name?
Mod Sun’s real name is Derek Ryan Smith.
Where is Mod Sun originally from?
Mod Sun was born in Bloomington, Minnesota, and spent much of his childhood on a farm in Corcoran, Minnesota.
How did Mod Sun get into music?
Mod Sun was influenced by Bud Gaugh, the drummer of Sublime and his father’s neighbor, which helped spark his early interest in music.
What bands was Mod Sun in before his solo career?
Before going solo, Mod Sun played drums in bands like The Semester, Four Letter Lie, and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
When did Mod Sun start his solo career?
Mod Sun began his solo rap career in 2009 after his time with post-hardcore and pop punk bands.
What inspired Mod Sun’s early involvement in the music scene?
His mother encouraged him to attend local concerts and connect with touring bands, helping him become a known figure in the local pop punk scene.