The release of his fourth solo studio album Internet Killed The Rockstar saw a stylistic shift back to pop punk.

[7] Smith's father lived next door to Bud Gaugh, drummer of Sublime, who influenced him to become involved in music.

He became an increasingly prominent figure in the scene through his mother encouraging him to attend concerts and ask the touring band members whether they wanted to stay the night at their house.

[9] He then began playing drums for local pop punk band the Semester in his sophomore year of high school.

[17] The music video for "Bones" was released on December 21, 2020, via Mod Sun's official YouTube channel and was directed by Charlie Zwick.

[4] On 25 January, 2021 Mod Sun officially announced the album title, Internet Killed the Rockstar, and its release date, February 12, 2021.

Mod Sun produced, provided drums for, and cowrote every song on the album (with the exception of "Dare to Love Me" and "Break of a Heartache", which Lavigne wrote alone).

In November 2022, Mod Sun announced the title for his upcoming fifth studio album: God Save the Teen.

[24] Beginning in October 2018, Smith was in a polyamorous relationship with internet personality Tana Mongeau and actress Bella Thorne.

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.

It's like...I [had] my suitcase of trauma that I was carrying around every single day, and I traded that in for a toolbox to give me the tools to really bring my life to where I wanted to go.

[29] A spokesperson for Sun initially appeared surprised, saying "they were together and engaged as of 3 days ago when he left for tour so if anything has changed that's news to him."

[30] On February 28, Sun confirmed the split, saying "In 1 week my entire life completely changed… I just know there's a plan for it all… I'll keep my head up + always listen to my heart, even when it feels broken.

"[31] In November of 2024, Mod Sun began dating Love is Blind Season 7 contestant Brittany Wisniewski.