D4vd

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D4vd
D4vd in 2023
D4vd in 2023
Background information
Birth nameDavid Anthony Burke
Born (2005-03-28) March 28, 2005 (age 20)
Queens, New York City, U.S.
OriginHouston, Texas
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2021–present
Labels
Signature

David Anthony Burke (born March 28, 2005), known professionally as d4vd is an American singer and songwriter. In 2022, he released the singles "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide", which gained widespread popularity on TikTok and resulted in him being signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records.

Born in Queens, New York City, Burke grew up primarily in Houston. At his mother's suggestion, he started making his own music, to use in his Fortnite gameplay montages on YouTube to avoid copyright strikes. Alongside a string of releases in 2023, Burke released two extended plays (EPs), Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals, the former charting in five regions. In 2024, Burke released five singles, including his third single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, "Feel It". His debut studio album, Withered, was released in 2025.

Early life

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Born in Queens, New York City,[1] his family later moved to Houston, Texas.[2] Until he was 13, Burke exclusively listened to gospel music.[3] After hearing the song "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump, he began to listen to more music on his school laptop, discovering XXXTentacion and Members Only. Burke later discovered the indie music genre through a Fortnite montage.[4] He was home-schooled after seventh grade.[3][5] Burke would later start making music in 2021.[6]

Career

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2021–2022: Early career and rise to prominence

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Burke's music career started when he made gaming montages of the video game Fortnite.[1][3] To avoid receiving copyright claims, he decided to make his own music.[7][8] Before his rise to prominence, Burke released his music to SoundCloud, including songs such as "You and I," "Take Me To the Sun,"[9] and "Runaway".[10] He released the single "Romantic Homicide" on July 20, 2022, after snippets of it went viral on TikTok.[3][11] "Romantic Homicide" charted at No. 3 on the Hot Alternative Songs charts and would appear No. 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking his first entry on the chart.[7][12]

The song's success led to Burke being contacted by Darkroom and Interscope Records,[13][14] leading to him signing with the label in September 2022.[11][15] Originally released to SoundCloud before "Romantic Homicide", Burke's next single, "Here with Me" was officially released to streaming services in September 2022.[9] The song entered multiple charts following its use on TikTok,[3][16] most notably at number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reaching the top ten in Singapore. The majority of these songs were produced using a freemium DAW called BandLab.[17]

2023–2024: Extended plays

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Burke performing at the Fonda Theatre for the My House Is Not a Home Tour in 2024

Burke's debut EP, Petals to Thorns,[5][8] was released through Darkroom and Interscope Records on May 26, 2023.[18][19] On September 8, he released his second EP, The Lost Petals.[17] Which would serve as a continuation to the former.[8][20] "Here with Me" released in 2022, reached the top 40 in 2023.[21] In July 2023, he was featured on "Superbloodmoon", a single from Holly Humberstone's debut album. Burke was selected for the Spotify Pop Rising On Tour,[22] and later performed as an opening act for SZA's SOS Tour.[10][17]

Burke released two songs, "Leave Her" and "2016", as a double single titled "Withering" on February 9, 2024.[23] In March, he joined gaming and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves as a content creator. In the same month, Burke released the single "Feel It" for the soundtrack of Amazon Prime Video's television series Invincible.[24] On December 19, 2024, he released the single "Where'd It Go Wrong?".[25][26] Burke performed the song "Remember Me", featured on the soundtrack for the second season of steampunk action-adventure television series Arcane.[27]

2025–present: Debut album and investigation

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On February 7, 2025, he released the single "One More Dance".[28] Later on February 28, he released the single "Crashing" with Kali Uchis,[29][30] followed by "What Are You Waiting For" on March 28.[31] An album showcase of Withered occurred at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Philippines.[32] At his Coachella debut performance, he faceplanted while attempting a backflip.[33][34]

The Withered tour commenced in August but the final two United States concerts, slated for September 19 and 20, were canceled amid the identification of human remains found in a car registered to Burke.[35][36] The deluxe edition of Withered, subtitled Marcescence and expected for a September 19 release, was shelved along with a planned Grammy Museum appearance on September 24, and Interscope suspended all promotion of Burke.[35][37] In the following days, the tour's European and Australian shows, as well as Burke's planned performance at Spilt Milk in December, were also canceled.[38][39] Kali Uchis commented that she was working on removing their song, "Crashing", from streaming services following the incident.[30][40]

Influences

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In an interview with the Japanese YouTuber Takashii, while Burke was in Japan for Fuji Rock, he stated that anime is "one of [his] biggest influences",[6][8] specifically citing the "high energy" shōnen genre, including Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and My Hero Academia.

Personal life

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Burke identifies as a Christian. He once said in an interview with Astrophe Magazine: "I get my personal power from God for sure. I am a heavy believer in the Christian faith."[41]

Impounded car death investigation

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On September 8, 2025, heavily decomposed human remains were discovered in Los Angeles inside an impounded Tesla registered to Burke.[42][43] The body was dismembered into several pieces and wrapped inside a plastic bag in the front trunk.[44][45] The car had been towed to an impound lot after being abandoned nearby in Hollywood Hills,[46][47] and had remained there for at least a month.[48] On September 16, the local medical examiner publicly confirmed the body to be that of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, a girl who had gone missing on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 years old.[49][50] The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have not yet determined a cause of death.[51] On September 18, the LAPD searched a residence in Hollywood Hills previously occupied by Burke as part of the investigation, confiscating a computer, among other evidence.[52]

Burke performed in Minneapolis on September 8 for his Withered tour.[43][50] The following day, Crocs and Hollister Co. removed promotional content featuring Burke while awaiting the results of the investigation.[53] The remaining tour dates and the release of a deluxe version of Withered were canceled following the identification of the body.[35][54] A vigil for Hernandez was held in her home town.[43][55]

Discography

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Main article: D4vd discography

Studio albums

Tours

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Headlining

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Supporting

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Awards and nominations

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Award Year Category Nominated Work Result Ref.
Streamy Awards 2023 Rolling Stone Sound of the Year "Here with Me" Nominated [56]
14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards Music Video (Independent) "Romantic Homicide" Nominated [57]
BMI Pop Awards 2024 Award-Winning Songs "Here with Me" Won [58]
"Romantic Homicide"
Guild of Music Supervisors Awards 2025 Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television "Feel It" Nominated [59]
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025 2025 Favorite Male Breakout Artist D4vd Nominated [60]

References

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  1. ^ a b Lee, Cydney (May 15, 2023). "How Fortnite Led to 18-year-old D4vd Quietly Dominating Alternative Music". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  2. ^ Genius (November 11, 2022). "d4vd "Romantic Homicide" Official Lyrics & Meaning - Verified". Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ a b c d e Sandiford, Kayla (April 28, 2025). "d4vd: "I wanted this project to be super, unequivocally me"". DIY. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  4. ^ Herh, Kala (December 5, 2022). "The Story of D4vd". V. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Armstrong, Megan (June 2, 2023). "How Singer-Songwriter D4vd Became the Mouthpiece for Gen-Z Heartache". GQ. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Check out "Romantic Homicide" the new tune from d4vd". OutInPerth. September 22, 2022. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Lee, Neena (May 15, 2023). "Billboard's 21 Under 21: See Who Made the 2023 List". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d Grove, Rashad (December 21, 2023). "After releasing 'Petals to Thorns' and 'Lost Petals,' the Houston native went from a successful gamer to an emerging artist on the alternative scene". BET. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Firth, Abigail (September 28, 2022). "d4vd: multi-genre visionary turning TikTok attention into major chart success". NME. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Jordan, Meagan (November 21, 2023). "Meet the Gamer Who Caught SZA's Ear". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Zellner, Xander. "Hot 100 First-Timers: D4vd Debuts With Breakthrough Hit "Romantic Homicide"". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  12. ^ Kylene, Jazmin (September 20, 2022). "d4vd's Haunting "Romantic Homicide" Is the Birth of a New Timeless Artist". Ones to Watch. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  13. ^ Caitlin, LoPilato (August 30, 2022). "Best New Artists". Complex. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  14. ^ Price, Joe (September 8, 2022). "d4vd Releases Video for Track "Romantic Homicide"". Complex. Archived from the original on September 21, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  15. ^ Stutz, Colin. "Inside Track: Music Biz Gets Back-to-School With Exec Moves, Deals for Ice Spice, Blondshell, d4vd & More". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  16. ^ Cross, Alan (October 3, 2022). "5 songs you must hear this week". Global News. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c Mariah, D (August 23, 2023). "Watch d4vd Commit "Romantic Homicide" In This Raw Performance Of His Breakthrough Hit". Grammy Awards. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  18. ^ Wass, Mike (May 26, 2023). "From Gamer to Alt-Pop Star: How D4vd is Conquering Music One DIY Hit at a Time". Variety. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  19. ^ Martin, Andrea Ortiz-Vivanco. "d4vd announces headline show at 3Olympia". Hotpress. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  20. ^ Taylor, Sam (September 8, 2023). "D4vd Is Celebrating The Release Of His 'The Lost Petals' With A New Video For 'Rehab'". Dork. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  21. ^ Brandle, Lars (February 13, 2023). "Miley Cyrus Notches Four Weeks Atop U.K. Chart With Flowers". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  22. ^ Bowenbank, Starr (September 7, 2023). "d4vd Lights Up Spotify Pop Rising On Tour Stop at LA's Roxy Theatre: Photos". Billboard. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  23. ^ Horvath, Zachary (February 9, 2024). "D4vd Delivers Emo Alternative Cuts On His Two Pack "Withering"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  24. ^ Horvath, Zachary (April 1, 2024). "D4vd Continues To Solidify His Hitmaking Skills On Feel It". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  25. ^ Murray, Robin (December 19, 2024). "d4vd Launches New Era With Where'd It Go Wrong?". Clash Magazine. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  26. ^ Taylor, Sam (December 19, 2024). "d4vd has released an intimate new single, Where'd It Go Wrong?". Dork. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  27. ^ Shutler, Ali (November 15, 2024). "d4vd shares brooding 'Remember Me' from 'Arcane' soundtrack". NME. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  28. ^ Horvath, Zachary (February 8, 2025). "d4vd Formally Announces His Debut LP Alongside Release of One More Dance". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  29. ^ Mier, Tomás (February 28, 2025). "Kali Uchis Joins D4vd on 'Crashing' Years After Playing His Song on IG Live". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  30. ^ a b Shifferaw, Abel (September 18, 2025). "Kali Uchis Says She's Pulling Her Song With D4vd After Body of 15-Year-Old Girl Was Found in His Car". Complex Networks. Archived from the original on September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
  31. ^ Horvath, Zachary (March 29, 2025). "d4vd Wonders "What Your Waiting For" on Cold Single". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  32. ^ Saenz, Rome (May 5, 2025). "d4vd To Host Free 'WITHERED' Album Showcase In Manila This May". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  33. ^ Kaufman, Gil (April 14, 2025). "D4vd Knows He's No Benson Boone, Cops to Failed Backflip During Coachella Set: 'Humiliation Ritual Complete'". Billboard. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  34. ^ Pointer, Flisadam (April 13, 2025). "d4vd Hilariously Reacts To His Viral Failed Backflip At Coachella 2025". UPROXX. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  35. ^ a b c Strauss, Matthew (September 19, 2025). "D4vd Cancels Tour After Investigators Identify Body in His Tesla as Missing Teenage Girl". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  36. ^ Mackey, Ashley; Flay, Sophie (September 8, 2025). "LAPD finds body inside impounded Tesla that's registered to singer D4vd". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  37. ^ Molloy, Laura (September 20, 2025). "D4vd cancels US tour and deluxe album amidst investigation in decomposing teen body found in his Tesla". NME. ISSN 0028-6362. OCLC 60624023. Archived from the original on September 22, 2025. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  38. ^ Powell, Amy (September 22, 2025). "Vigil held for 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose body was found in Tesla belonging to D4vd". ABC7 New York. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  39. ^ McCabe, Kathy (September 22, 2025). "American singer D4vd dropped from Spilt Milk festival and concerts cancelled after body found in car". news.com.au. Archived from the original on September 22, 2025. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  40. ^ Saponara, Michael (September 18, 2025). "Kali Uchis Says She's 'in Process' of Getting D4vd Collab Taken Down After 15-Year-Old's Body Found in His Car". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
  41. ^ "D4VD". Astrophe Magazine. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  42. ^ Garcia, Thania; Aswad, Jem (September 19, 2025). "D4vd Cancels U.S. Tour Amid Investigation Into Dead Body in Car Registered to Him". Variety. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  43. ^ a b c Sharp, Julie (September 22, 2025). "Lake Elsinore community mourns 15-year-old whose body was found in Tesla belonging to d4vd". CBS News. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  44. ^ Monroe, Jazz (September 9, 2025). "Dead Body Found in Impounded Car Registered to D4vd, Police Say". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  45. ^ Bates, Daniel (September 9, 2025). "Plastic-wrapped body found in singer's abandoned Tesla". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  46. ^ Winton, Richard (September 9, 2025). "LAPD finds decomposing bodies in two vehicles, one in a Tesla linked to singer D4vd". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  47. ^ Scott, Katie (September 19, 2025). "Family of missing teen found dead in singer D4vd's car speaks out". Global News. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  48. ^ Blistein, Jon; Dillon, Nancy (September 16, 2025). "Singer D4vd 'Cooperating' After Woman's Body Found in Car Registered to Him". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  49. ^ Luck, Flaminia (September 17, 2025). "Dismembered body found in rapper D4vd's Tesla identified as missing girl last seen a year ago". LBC. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  50. ^ a b Lloyd, Jonathan; Broad, Dennis; Blankstein, Andrew (September 9, 2025). "Singer D4vd cooperating with investigation into body found in impounded Tesla, rep says". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  51. ^ Stone, Alex; Deliso, Meredith. "Body found in towed Tesla registered to singer D4vd identified as 15-year-old girl". ABC News. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
  52. ^ Stone, Alex; Deliso, Meredith (September 18, 2025). "Los Angeles home where D4vd has stayed searched after body of teen found in singer's Tesla: Sources". ABC News. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  53. ^ Botelho, Renan (September 9, 2025). "Crocs and Hollister Remove Singer D4vd From Campaign Due to Investigation Surrounding Body Found in His Tesla". WWD. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  54. ^ Blistein, Jon (September 19, 2025). "D4vd's Deluxe Album Shelved, Tour Scrapped as Investigation Into Body Found in Car Continues". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
  55. ^ Solis, Nathan (September 22, 2025). "She deserves justice: Celeste Rivas' hometown mourns 'sweet child' found dead in singer's car". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  56. ^ Madarang, Charisma (August 28, 2023). "Streamy Awards 2023: The Complete Winners List". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  57. ^ "2023 HMMA Nominations". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. November 15, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  58. ^ "2024 BMI Pop Music Awards". BMI.com. June 4, 2024. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
  59. ^ Grein, Paul (February 24, 2025). "Wicked, Like a Bird Among Winners at 2025 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  60. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (May 15, 2025). "Kids' Choice Awards 2025: Tyla to Host; Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar Lead Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 21, 2025.

Cited literature

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Zebua, Gifford; Silalahi, Charles; Latupeirissa, Kezia (February 25, 2025). "Analysis of Deixis in D4vd Song Lyrics Entitled Here With Me". Journal of Comprehensive Science. 4 (2): 935–942. doi:10.59188/jcs.v4i2.3020.

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