![‘Sunshine’: Mod Sun Shares How Machine Gun Kelly Sparked Song Creation 2 82936674](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/82936674.jpg?w=1170)
Mod Sun recruited the aid of close confidant and candid critic Machine Gun Kelly to birth the song that was his to manifest.
Prior to collaborating with Machine Gun Kelly and beat-maker No Love for the Middle Child to fine-tune “Sunshine,” a track set for a June 7 release, Mod Sun expressed to Page Six in a unique dialogue his creative struggles.
Dispirited after parting ways with Avril Lavigne and residing at the epicenter of Hollywood, he sought solace in August 2023 by retreating to his Minnesota roots, spending quality time with his mother and sibling-turned-manager.
He even pondered a hiatus from music for “three years” to focus on an alternative passion: the art of painting.
Nevertheless, a recalibration happened upon his return to California, finding a muse in residing within a log cabin, where he continues to live.
With a stockpile of 100 songs, a mere six resonate with him deeply.
“Amongst these songs…’Sunshine’ stands out as the culmination of a pure journey. I believe it signifies my most significant and triumphant album to date,” he confirmed to us.
The up-and-coming single from his unfinished record embodies a song he’s subconsciously resisted making since establishing himself as Mod Sun — whether taken to mean “Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None” or “Modern Sunshine.”
It was a creative avenue Mod — born Derek Ryan Smith — hesitated to venture down, hesitant to “put [his] finger on the pulse too much” but yielding to what seemed to be his undeniable destiny in song.
“The moment I crafted the ‘sunshine song,’ I knew I had to share it with MGK at his studio,” he detailed.
“As I played the track, anxious about his feedback, fearing words like ‘corniest,’ I faced the computer and pressed play,” Mod recounted his nervousness while presenting his creation.
MGK’s candid approach to feedback has always been straightforward, rooted in truth and love, encouraging and challenging Mod to cultivate the best music possible.
MGK’s constructive criticism transformed the project, with MGK urging Mod to strip down the facades and perform authentically when recording the song.
Mod reminisced on how MGK and his late father, who passed away from alcoholism in April 2020, shared a close bond.
Emotionally, Mod recalls how MGK encouraged him to channel his feelings toward his father into the recording, aiming for authenticity.
“While recording, MGK encouraged me to ‘talk to your dad.’ This translated into a heartfelt delivery that captures the essence of our conversation,” Mod shared, visibly moved.
Yo-yoing between several versions of a song is typical for Mod, but MGk’s exacting standards led to a fresh rewrite upwards of 35 times.
Mod extolled MGK’s influence, both in song co-writing and in helping him to attain a genuine, heartfelt expression within the piece.
FAQs about Mod Sun and Machine Gun Kelly’s Collaboration on ‘Sunthing’
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What role did Machine Gun Kelly play in Mod Sun’s creation of ‘Sunshine’?
Machine Gun Kelly acted as a mentor and co-writer, pushing Mod Sun to refine and enhance the song, leading to numerous rewrites and a more genuine vocal performance.
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How did Mod Sun feel about creating ‘Sunshine’?
Mod Sun described the creation of ‘Sunshine’ as finally embracing his destiny and producing a song he had unconsciously resisted making.
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How many versions of ‘Sunshine’ did Mod Sun and Machine Gun Kelly work through?
The song went through about 35 different versions before reaching the final form that satisfied both artists.
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What emotional connection is there between Machine Gun Kelly and Mod Sun?
MGK had a close relationship with Mod Sun’s late father and encouraged Mod Sun to sing ‘Sunshine’ as if he were conversing with his dad, adding a layer of emotional depth to the song.