5 Shocking Updates On Mod Sun: Breakups, New Album Tease, And Pop-Punk’s Consultant

Mod Sun's 2024 has been a whirlwind of high-profile heartbreaks and career momentum, proving the musician is never far from the headlines. As of December 2024, the artist, whose real name is Derek Ryan Smith, is navigating the fallout of a very public split while simultaneously teasing what he calls his "best album" yet. From his emotional reflection on the broken engagement with pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne to a fresh, five-month relationship ending with *Love Is Blind*'s Brittany Wisniewski, Mod Sun remains an essential figure in the emo and pop-punk resurgence, constantly reinventing his sound and image. Known for his vibrant, carefree aesthetic and a musical journey that spans multiple genres, Mod Sun’s personal life often mirrors the raw, emotional themes in his music. His evolution from a post-hardcore drummer to a 'Hippie Hop' rapper and now a leading voice in the current pop-punk scene makes him one of the most dynamic and talked-about artists today. This deep dive covers the most recent, must-know updates on his personal life, his highly anticipated new music, and his role as a consultant for the new generation of rock stars.

The Full Mod Sun Profile: Biography and Musical Evolution

Derek Ryan Smith, professionally known as Mod Sun (an acronym for 'Movement on Dreams, Stand Under None'), has built a career on creative reinvention and relentless output. His journey is a unique roadmap through the modern music industry, from the underground scene to chart success.

• Full Name: Derek Ryan Smith
• Born: March 10, 1987 (Age 37 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
• Primary Genres: Pop-Punk, Alternative Hip Hop, Post-Hardcore, Hippie Hop (a self-coined term)
• Early Career: Started as a drummer for post-hardcore bands Four Letter Lie and Scary Kids Scaring Kids, showcasing his deep roots in rock music.
• Genre Pivot: Shifted to rap and hip-hop, releasing six mixtapes and three EPs, including *The Hippy Hop EP* and *Happy as Fu*k*, before his debut studio album.
• Studio Albums:
  • *Look Up* (2015)
  • *Movie* (2017)
  • *BB* (2018)
  • *Internet Killed the Rockstar* (2021)
  • *God Save the Teen* (2023)
• Key Collaborators: Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), Travis Barker, Avril Lavigne, Blackbear, Goody Grace.
• Notable Writing Credits: Co-wrote hit songs like Machine Gun Kelly's "Bloody Valentine" and Avril Lavigne's "Bite Me."

The Latest Heartbreak: From Avril Lavigne to Brittany Wisniewski

Mod Sun's romantic life has been a major focus of media attention, with the musician often wearing his heart on his sleeve both in interviews and his music. His recent history is marked by two significant, high-profile breakups.

The Aftermath of the Avril Lavigne Engagement

The engagement between Mod Sun and Avril Lavigne, which began in 2022, was a quintessential pop-punk romance, culminating in an iconic proposal in Paris. However, the relationship ended abruptly in February 2023. Even over a year later, the emotional impact remains a central topic. In a June 2024 podcast appearance, Mod Sun reflected on the split, admitting to feeling "lost" and questioning where he fits in the world following the end of the one-year romance. He has openly discussed the difficulty of moving on from such a public and meaningful relationship, a vulnerability that resonates with his fanbase.

A Fresh Split with a Reality Star

Just as the dust seemed to settle, Mod Sun's personal life returned to the spotlight in late 2024. In November 2024, the musician began dating Brittany Wisniewski, a star from Season 7 of the Netflix reality show *Love Is Blind*. The pair were together for approximately five months before news of their split was exclusively confirmed in December 2024. This breakup, coming so soon after the Lavigne split, highlights a turbulent period in his personal life, fueling speculation and curiosity among fans about the inspiration for his upcoming music.

The Future of Mod Sun: New Music, Pop-Punk, and the 2024 Album

Despite the emotional turmoil in his personal life, Mod Sun’s career is accelerating. His commitment to his craft and his role in the modern music landscape are stronger than ever, with a major release on the horizon.

The Pop-Punk Resurgence and 'Hippie Hop' Roots

Mod Sun is widely credited as a key figure in the pop-punk resurgence of the 2020s, a movement heavily influenced by collaborators like Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly. His 2021 album, *Internet Killed the Rockstar*, marked a definitive pivot from his earlier 'Hippie Hop' genre—a unique blend of alternative hip hop and positive, bohemian themes—to a more guitar-driven, emo-infused pop-punk sound. He has embraced this role, seeing himself as a consultant for the new generation discovering the genre.

Teasing His "Best Album" Yet

The most exciting news for fans is the promise of new music. Mod Sun has openly teased that 2024 will see the release of what he believes is his "best album" to date. This announcement follows his 2023 release, *God Save the Teen*, which featured collaborations and continued to solidify his pop-punk status. The anticipation for the new project is high, as fans expect it to be a raw, emotional reflection of the dramatic events of the past two years, including the highly-publicized breakups.

Upcoming Tour Dates and Live Performance

Mod Sun continues to be an active presence on the road, connecting directly with his fans. He has upcoming tour dates, including a performance in Tulsa in December 2024, showcasing his blend of new and old songs. His live shows are known for their incredible energy and crowd interaction, offering a full experience of his musical evolution, from his early tracks to his modern pop-punk anthems. His longevity—a career spanning over a decade—has seen him share the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, proving his staying power and versatility. Mod Sun's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. While his personal life has been a rollercoaster of intense, public relationships and heartbreaks, his creative output remains constant. As he closes out 2024 and looks toward the new year, all eyes are on the release of his promised "best album," which is sure to cement his legacy as one of the most adaptable and enduring artists in the alternative music scene.