Mod Sun sought the help of Machine Gun Kelly to create the song they were destined to make together. Mod had been in a creative rut following a breakup with Avril Lavigne and spent time in Minnesota re-evaluating his future in music. Though he had contemplated setting music aside and focusing on painting, Mod’s return to California sparked his musical inspiration once again, resulting in an unfinished record with 100 tracks, of which he loves only six. His debut single, a reimagined lullaby, symbolizes his decision to embrace his destiny as Mod Sun, standing for “Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None” and/or “Modern Sunshine.”
Mod describes how he played the unfinished song for Machine Gun Kelly in his home studio, fearing his friend’s brutal honesty. To Mod’s relief, MGK loved the track but believed it needed more work, pushing Mod to refine his sound over the next few months. MGK advised Mod to sing as if he were speaking to his late father, with whom MGK had a close relationship. This emotional connection to the music helped Mod find his authenticity and sound the most real he had ever been in a song.
Mod recounts how MGK pushed him to rewrite the song close to 35 times, forcing him to dig deep and bring his true self to the music. This intense collaboration with MGK helped Mod create the best and most successful album of his career, despite his initial feelings of creative fatigue and uncertainty. The friendship between the two musicians is clear in Mod’s account of MGK’s honest feedback and support, as well as his encouragement to find emotional authenticity in the music through personal connections.
The process of creating the song “Sunshine” was a transformative experience for Mod, who was pushed out of his comfort zone by MGK’s insistence on emotional vulnerability and artistic integrity. The collaboration between Mod Sun and Machine Gun Kelly showcases the power of honest feedback and emotional connection in the creative process. Mod’s journey from creative uncertainty and self-doubt to finding his authentic voice in music is a testament to the importance of self-expression and genuine emotion in art. Through their partnership, Mod and MGK were able to create a song that represents a personal and artistic breakthrough for Mod, setting the stage for a new chapter in his musical journey.
Mod’s vulnerability in sharing his creative process and emotional journey with Page Six highlights the depth of his friendship with Machine Gun Kelly and the impact their collaboration had on his music. The bond between the two musicians is evident in their mutual respect and willingness to push each other to new heights creatively. Mod’s openness about his struggles and triumphs in the music industry serves as an inspiration to creators facing similar challenges, encouraging them to embrace their authenticity and seek meaningful connections in their work. Overall, Mod Sun’s story is a reminder of the power of friendship, honesty, and emotional depth in creating meaningful art that resonates with audiences.
