Introduction
d4vd (real name: David Anthony Burke) is an American singer-songwriter known for his emotional, atmospheric, and genre-blending sound. Born on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York, he rose to international fame through his viral hit “Romantic Homicide” in 2022. His music blends indie rock, lo-fi pop, R&B, and dreamy soundscapes that resonate deeply with Gen-Z listeners.
Early Life
David was born in New York but later moved with his family to Houston, Texas.
He was homeschooled from seventh grade onward, which made his childhood more introspective.
Growing up, he listened mostly to gospel music, and even played piano and sang in his church choir.
His early exposure to religious music shaped his sense of melody, emotion, and storytelling.
Early Creative Journey – From Gamer to Musician
Before becoming a singer, d4vd’s first passion was gaming.
He created Fortnite montage videos for his YouTube/gaming channels.
Because he could not use copyrighted music in his videos, he began making his own songs.
He uploaded early music to SoundCloud, experimenting with emotional indie sounds.
Some of his early tracks included:
“You and I”
“Runaway”
“Take Me to the Sun”
This unexpected path pushed him into the world of independent music creation.
Rise to Fame — 2022
His career changed forever in 2022, when he released the emotional breakup track “Romantic Homicide.”
The song went viral on TikTok, amassing millions of videos.
It entered major charts and became one of the biggest indie-pop hits of the year.
This success led him to sign with Darkroom and Interscope Records, the same label behind artists like Billie Eilish.
Soon after, he released “Here With Me,” another hit that cemented his rising status in the global indie scene.
Career Development & EPs
In 2023, d4vd released two EPs:
- Petals to Thorns (2023)
A conceptual EP exploring heartbreak, self-growth, and emotional vulnerability.
- The Lost Petals (2023)
A companion EP filled with introspective, melancholic, and dreamy tracks.
His unique vocal tone, DIY production style, and storytelling earned him critical acclaim and a loyal global fanbase.
Debut Studio Album — Withered (2025)
In 2025, d4vd released his long-awaited debut studio album “Withered.”
This album showcased:
deeper emotional lyricism
themes of identity, heartbreak, isolation, and self-reflection
a more mature and polished sound
“Withered” marked a major milestone and solidified his place as one of the most influential young artists of his generation.
Personal Life & Identity
d4vd identifies as Christian and has stated that his faith and upbringing shaped his emotional expression.
He often talks about loneliness, anxiety, and adolescence — emotions shaped by homeschooling and spending long hours gaming.
His artistic style stems from a mix of online culture, isolation, and musical experimentation.
2025 Controversy & Legal Situation
In late 2025, d4vd became associated with a serious incident when:
A deceased teenage girl was found in an impounded Tesla registered in his name.
Police categorized the investigation as a homicide inquiry.
No official charges had been filed at the time, but his tours and promotional activities were canceled.
This event significantly affected his public image and introduced uncertainty regarding his career’s future.
Conclusion
d4vd’s journey is a modern digital-age story:
From a gamer making montages, to a global indie-pop sensation, his rise has been fast and unexpected. His emotional songwriting and distinctive voice continue to influence millions. However, the 2025 controversy has placed his career at a crossroads, and the future remains uncertain until investigations conclude.
