d4vd
David Anthony Burke (born March 28, 2005), known professionally as d4vd, is an American singer-songwriter and former content creator based in Houston, Texas.[1][2] He gained widespread recognition in 2022 through TikTok-viral singles blending alternative R&B, indie pop, and lo-fi elements, including his breakout hit "Romantic Homicide," which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification.[3][4] In September 2025, the decomposed body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the trunk of d4vd's impounded Tesla, prompting an ongoing Los Angeles Police Department investigation in which he was identified as a suspect as of November 2025; he has not been charged with any crime, and the cause of death remains undetermined.[5][6] Born in Queens, New York City, d4vd moved to Houston with his family at age 13, where he initially built an online presence as a YouTube gamer and editor, creating Fortnite montages to evade copyright issues.[1][7] This led him to experiment with music production using apps like BandLab in his sister's closet, marking his pivot to songwriting in 2021 at age 16.[2][8] Signed to Interscope Records shortly after, he released his debut single "Here with Me" in 2022, followed by "Romantic Homicide," which amassed over 1 billion streams across platforms and solidified his genre-blending style influenced by artists like Frank Ocean and The Kid Laroi.[3][9] d4vd's catalog expanded with the 2023 EP Petals to Thorns, featuring tracks like "Feel It" for the animated series Invincible, and collaborations including a Call of Duty soundtrack appearance with 21 Savage.[10] His debut studio album, Withered, arrived in April 2025, debuting at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and earning praise for its introspective themes of love and loss; it included bonus tracks released on May 30, 2025.[4][11] By late 2025, he had toured with artists like SZA, received BMI Pop Awards nominations for songwriting, and contributed to soundtracks such as Arcane, though his planned U.S. tour and Withered deluxe album release were canceled following the investigation, establishing him as a rising figure in alternative pop amid controversy.[9][3][12]Early life
Upbringing in New York
David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, was born on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York City.[13] He spent the first half of his childhood in a devout Christian household in a densely populated Queens neighborhood, where urban density shaped his early experiences.[13][14] From a young age, Burke showed a keen interest in gaming and content creation, particularly producing Fortnite montages for YouTube that built a following of approximately 50,000 subscribers by his early teens.[14][15] At around seven years old, his mother enrolled him in the local church choir, fostering early cultural engagement within the community's religious traditions.[13][16] Burke also pursued creative outlets like writing poetry and graphic novels starting in third grade, often exploring imaginative and sometimes dark themes that surprised his teachers.[14] This period in Queens ended when his family relocated to Texas at age 13, a move prompted by personal circumstances.[13]Relocation to Texas and early interests
In 2018, following the completion of his eighth-grade year, d4vd (born David Anthony Burke on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York) and his family relocated to Houston, Texas.[1][17] The move distanced him from his childhood friends in Queens, contributing to a sense of isolation during his early teenage years.[18] Upon settling in Houston, d4vd transitioned to homeschooling under his mother's guidance, a arrangement that continued through his high school graduation.[19] This shift from a structured school environment to independent study proved challenging, as he spent up to nine hours daily alone with a computer, adapting to a more solitary routine.[18] To navigate this adjustment, d4vd turned to gaming as a primary outlet and escape. Introduced to video games at a young age through console titles like Crash Bandicoot, he developed a particular passion for Fortnite after the family's move.[18] Aspiring to go professional, he began creating and streaming Fortnite gameplay content, including edited montages set to music, which he uploaded to YouTube as an emerging content creator.[20][21] These early videos, produced between 2018 and 2020, helped him build an online presence within gaming communities, though they faced setbacks from copyright claims on the accompanying tracks.[22] Parallel to his gaming pursuits, d4vd's interest in music began to deepen pre-2021, evolving from his gospel-only background. Raised in a devout Christian household, he had exclusively listened to gospel music and received piano lessons from his mother during his New York years.[20][22] The relocation at age 13 exposed him to secular genres for the first time—sparked by overhearing peers—which prompted informal experimentation on piano, including simple compositions shared privately with online acquaintances.[20] This period laid the foundation for his creative process, blending piano skills with newfound influences before he explored digital production tools.[15]Career
2021–2022: Beginnings and TikTok breakthrough
In 2021, while still attending high school in Texas, David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, began producing music using the free mobile app BandLab to create original tracks for his gaming videos, initially as a way to avoid copyright issues with licensed music.[21][2] This self-taught approach marked his entry into music creation, leveraging his existing online presence from Fortnite montages to experiment with lo-fi R&B and alternative sounds on his phone.[23] By early 2022, d4vd released his debut single "Here With Me" independently via DistroKid on September 22, which quickly gained traction on TikTok through user-generated content and emotional resonance, amassing millions of streams and propelling his visibility beyond gaming circles.[24] His breakthrough came later that summer with "Romantic Homicide," released on July 20, 2022, which exploded on TikTok due to its raw depiction of heartbreak and went on to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify alone while peaking at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3][23] The viral success of these tracks led to d4vd signing a recording contract with Darkroom and Interscope Records in September 2022, just months after his high school graduation, allowing for official re-releases and broader distribution.[3] This deal accelerated his fanbase growth, particularly through overlap with the gaming community where his early content had built a dedicated following online, though he began transitioning to small-scale live performances to connect directly with supporters.[21]2023–2024: EPs, tours, and mainstream recognition
His debut extended play, Petals to Thorns, arrived on May 26, 2023, comprising eight tracks that blended alternative R&B, indie pop, and lo-fi elements. The EP featured standout singles like "Here with Me," which explored themes of longing and vulnerability, and "This Is How It Feels" with a guest appearance by jazz-pop artist Laufey, marking one of d4vd's early high-profile collaborations.[25][26][27] That summer, d4vd gained significant live exposure as the opening act for the second North American leg of SZA's SOS Tour, announced on August 21, 2023, and commencing September 20 in Miami. Performing hits from his burgeoning catalog to sold-out arenas, this run—spanning over 20 dates through October 29—represented his first major touring milestone, introducing him to larger audiences and honing his stage presence amid SZA's theatrical production. The opportunity amplified his visibility, with performances drawing praise for their intimate energy contrasting the headliner's scale.[28][29] Building momentum, d4vd released his second EP, The Lost Petals, on September 8, 2023, as a thematic companion to his debut, delving deeper into emotional introspection across five tracks including "Notes From A Wrist" and "Rehab." In 2024, he issued standalone singles such as "Feel It" on March 28, tied to the Invincible animated series soundtrack, which debuted at number 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over 600 million Spotify streams. Another collaboration emerged that year with 21 Savage on "Call Me Revenge" for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III soundtrack in October 2023, blending d4vd's melodic style with hip-hop edge. These efforts contributed to broader recognition.[30][31][23] By late 2024, d4vd's catalog had amassed over 1.5 billion global streams on Spotify, driven by viral holdovers like "Romantic Homicide" surpassing 1 billion streams and new releases boosting his monthly listeners to peaks above 20 million. This streaming success, coupled with chart entries on Billboard's Hot 100 and Global 200, solidified his transition from TikTok sensation to mainstream contender, with media outlets highlighting his authentic storytelling and production prowess.[32][33]2025–present: Debut album and career milestones
On April 25, 2025, d4vd released his debut studio album, Withered, through Darkroom/Interscope Records.[34] The 15-track project, which builds on the narrative arcs from his prior EPs Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals, features introspective songs exploring the stages of a deteriorating relationship.[35] Key tracks include the lead single "Atomic Land," the Kali Uchis collaboration "Crashing," and the closing ballad "Where'd It Go Wrong?," with production largely handled by d4vd himself using the BandLab mobile app alongside contributors like Jack Hallenbeck and Tyler Spry.[34][36] The album's minimalist, lo-fi aesthetic emphasizes emotional vulnerability through layered vocals and subtle instrumentation, recorded primarily on d4vd's phone to maintain an intimate, DIY ethos.[37][38] Withered achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 with 30,000 equivalent album units in its first week and reaching No. 3 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart.[37][39] Critics praised the album for its raw emotional depth and thematic focus on heartbreak, isolation, and self-reflection, with Rolling Stone describing it as a "bleeding heart bombshell" that reboots the indie-R&B heartbreak trope through 14 "intoxicating scorchers."[40] Atwood Magazine highlighted its worldbuilding elements, noting how d4vd's personal evolution shines through serendipitous song sequencing and ethereal production.[41] Following the album's release, d4vd issued several singles in 2025, including the collaboration "Always Love" with Stray Kids' Hyunjin, which amassed nearly 2 million streams on its first full day on Spotify, and "L.O.V.E.U." featuring hannah bahng.[42] Another standout was "Locked & Loaded," the official Fortnite anthem. These releases contributed to d4vd's streaming surge, with the artist logging his career-high daily streams on Spotify exceeding 12 million by September 2025, driven by playlist placements and viral TikTok resurgence of older tracks.[43] To capitalize on this momentum, d4vd announced his headlining Withered World Tour in April 2025, a 50-date run across 13 countries that elevated his live presence from supporting slots to arena-level production with elaborate staging and anime-inspired visuals.[44] The tour kicked off in May with sold-out shows in North America, including intimate performances at venues like the Van Buren in Phoenix and Marathon Music Works in Nashville, where d4vd debuted extended album cuts and fan-favorite medleys, marking a pivotal step in his transition to global stardom.[45][46] However, in September 2025, the remaining dates, including planned expansions to Europe and Asia, were canceled amid the ongoing LAPD investigation (see "Personal life and controversies").[47] A planned deluxe edition of the album, Marcescence, was also canceled.[12]Artistry
Musical style and themes
d4vd's music primarily blends alternative R&B and bedroom pop, incorporating indie and lo-fi elements to create an intimate, atmospheric sound.[48] His production often features minimalistic arrangements, heavy use of auto-tune for a dreamy vocal texture, and subtle instrumentation that emphasizes melody over complexity.[49] This genre-bending approach draws from a wide palette, including trap beats, acoustic folk strums, and experimental dance rhythms, resulting in tracks that evade strict categorization.[49] Central to d4vd's songwriting is a DIY ethos rooted in his early use of the BandLab app on an iPhone, allowing him to craft full productions solo in confined spaces like his closet.[50] This method fosters emotional vulnerability, with lyrics that delve into raw personal experiences rather than polished narratives.[8] Recurring themes include heartbreak, isolation, and the angst of youth, often exploring the pain of fractured relationships and the yearning for connection.[8] For instance, in "Romantic Homicide" (2022), he metaphorically depicts the end of a toxic romance as a homicide, conveying indifference toward emotional destruction without literal violence.[51] Over time, d4vd's sound has evolved from the sparse, lo-fi simplicity of his 2022 breakout singles to greater sonic complexity in his 2025 debut album Withered.[41] While early works like "Romantic Homicide" relied on minimal beats and auto-tuned vocals for immediacy, Withered integrates '90s rock and indie sensibilities, expanding production with dynamic layers while retaining bedroom pop intimacy.[41] The album's themes build on isolation and youth angst, tracing the lifecycle of doomed love through floral metaphors of growth, bloom, and decay, reflecting personal evolution amid emotional turmoil.[52] Following the September 2025 LAPD investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas, fans and media have re-examined d4vd's lyrical content, particularly metaphorical depictions of violence and loss, though the artist has consistently described such elements as figurative expressions of emotional experiences, with no charges filed as of November 2025.[53]Influences
d4vd has cited Frank Ocean as a significant inspiration, particularly for his approach to emotional depth and creative perseverance in R&B music. In a 2025 interview, he described Ocean as "a big inspiration of mine," noting how Ocean's work encourages him to prioritize artistic integrity over frequent releases.[52] Similarly, d4vd has expressed admiration for The Weeknd, including him in personal playlists alongside Ocean, highlighting the artist's influence on blending introspective lyrics with atmospheric production.[54] Tyler, the Creator stands out as a key influence on d4vd's production techniques and multifaceted creativity. d4vd has referenced Tyler's innovative methods in storytelling and music-making, drawing from his ability to integrate visual and narrative elements into sound. In a 2025 discussion, he cited Tyler as a "major influence," emphasizing how such approaches shaped his own experimental processes.[55] d4vd's early immersion in gaming and internet culture, especially through Fortnite streaming, profoundly impacted his songwriting by fostering melodic and accessible structures suited for short-form content. He began creating original tracks in 2021 to accompany his Fortnite montage videos on YouTube, avoiding copyright issues while building an audience; this experience taught him to craft emotionally resonant music that thrives in digital spaces.[13] In a 2023 interview, d4vd explained that Fortnite "pushed [him] to create music," leading to his transition from gaming content to full-time artistry.[52] Additionally, his New York upbringing in Queens exposed him to hip-hop, evolving from classical influences like Mozart to contemporary acts such as Lil Pump, which informed his rhythmic foundations before relocating to Texas.[56] These elements, drawn from 2023–2025 interviews, underscore how d4vd's sound emerged from diverse cultural touchpoints.[57]Personal life and controversies
Family and relationships
Limited public information exists about d4vd's family structure, but he has mentioned having a younger sister, with whom he shares close bonds; he even recorded his first song, "Run Away," in her closet using free software.[13][58] d4vd's family dynamics emphasize faith and closeness, influencing his grounded approach to fame. He has described bringing his entire family, including his sister, on tour as "part of the band," highlighting their ongoing support for his music pursuits.[59][60] In a 2025 interview, he noted, "I love including my sister and my family in anything I can," underscoring how familial ties provide stability amid his rising career.[60] Regarding romantic relationships, d4vd maintains a high level of privacy and has not publicly confirmed any partners. In media appearances, he has emphasized keeping personal matters "close to the chest," focusing instead on his art and avoiding disclosures about dating history.[61] This stance aligns with his overall avoidance of oversharing in interviews, prioritizing conceptual themes in his music over real-life relational details.[62]2025 legal investigation
On September 8, 2025, the severely decomposed remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, at a Los Angeles impound lot in Hollywood.[6][63] The vehicle had been towed to the lot on September 5, 2025, following a parking violation, prompting an initial inventory search that uncovered the body three days later.[64] Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded immediately, securing the scene and launching a homicide investigation, with the cause and exact time of death remaining undetermined as of November 2025.[65][6] The timeline of events began with the vehicle's impoundment on September 5, after which it sat unexamined until the routine check on September 8 revealed the remains.[64] By September 10, the LAPD confirmed the car's registration to d4vd, opening a formal probe into potential foul play, including how the body ended up in the trunk.[66] The victim was publicly identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez on September 17, a teenager reported missing by her family in April 2024, with last contact in May 2024; subsequent evidence, including surveillance video of her in a confrontation dated September 8, 2024, at her parents' home, indicated she had returned after running away but was believed to have been murdered earlier in 2024.[67][68] Authorities executed a search warrant at d4vd's Hollywood Hills mansion in mid-September 2025, where investigators noted items such as farm tools and pill bottles, though no official links to the case have been established.[4][69] On September 23, 2025, d4vd transferred ownership of his Texas home to his mother's name amid the probe.[68] He canceled his remaining U.S., UK, and European tour dates in September 2025.[68] As of November 18, 2025, law enforcement sources consider d4vd a suspect in the death investigation but state he has not been cooperating; the probe remains active with no arrests or charges filed against him or any other individuals, and the LAPD continues to determine who placed the body in the vehicle.[6][68][70] The incident drew widespread media attention, with outlets like KTLA, ABC7, and the New York Post covering the discovery and subsequent developments in real-time, often highlighting the unusual circumstances of the impounded car and the singer's rising profile as a TikTok-originated artist on the cusp of mainstream success.[6][63][64] Fan reactions were polarized, with some expressing shock and support for d4vd on social media platforms, while others engaged in online speculation and "sleuthing," leading to criticism of the "parasitic cruelty" of unverified theories flooding forums and comment sections.[71] In terms of professional impact, streaming data showed a surge in September 2025 following the victim's identification on September 17, with d4vd's catalog earning over 30 million U.S. on-demand streams between September 18–22 (more than double the previous week), attributed to morbid curiosity; overall platform metrics remained stable without significant declines reported as of November 2025.[72]Discography
Studio albums
d4vd released his debut studio album, Withered, on April 25, 2025, via Darkroom and Interscope Records in formats including LP, CD, digital download, and streaming.[11] The project, consisting of 15 tracks, explores themes of heartbreak, isolation, and personal growth, continuing the emotional introspection seen in his prior EPs.[37] Bonus tracks were released on June 23, 2025. A deluxe edition titled Withered: Marcescence was planned for September 19, 2025, but was canceled by Interscope Records.[11][73] The album's recording process emphasized d4vd's independent ethos, with approximately 80 percent created on his smartphone using the BandLab digital audio workstation app, marking the first major album produced primarily through the platform.[37] d4vd, writing under his real name David Anthony Burke, served as the primary producer and songwriter, collaborating with figures like Jack Hallenbeck and Tyler Spry on several tracks; he discarded multiple earlier full-length attempts before settling on this raw, mobile-centric method to capture authentic vulnerability.[74][75] Leading up to release, d4vd issued singles "What Are You Waiting For?", "One More Dance", and "Crashing" (featuring Kali Uchis) to promote the album.[76] Upon debut, Withered entered the US Billboard 200 at number 13, moving 30,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, while peaking at number 3 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart.[37][39] Critics lauded the album's emotive songwriting and lo-fi production, with an aggregate score of 73 out of 100 from four reviews on Album of the Year, highlighting its blend of alternative pop and bedroom production as a mature evolution for the artist.[77]Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Atomic Land" | Burke · Hallenbeck | d4vd · Hallenbeck | 4:07 |
| 2. | "Sky" | Burke · Hallenbeck | d4vd · Hallenbeck | 3:32 |
| 3. | "You Left Me First" | Burke · Spry | d4vd · Spry | 3:01 |
| 4. | "Say It Back" | Burke | d4vd | 3:04 |
| 5. | "Friend Again" | Burke | d4vd | 3:36 |
| 6. | "Somewhere in the Middle" | Burke | d4vd | 3:39 |
| 7. | "Crashing" (featuring Kali Uchis) | Burke · Uchis | d4vd | 3:15 |
| 8. | "Invisible String Theory (Interlude)" | Burke | d4vd | 1:45 |
| 9. | "Is This Really Love?" | Burke | d4vd | 3:22 |
| 10. | "One More Dance" | Burke | d4vd | 3:28 |
| 11. | "What Are You Waiting For?" | Burke | d4vd | 2:58 |
| 12. | "Where'd It Go Wrong?" | Burke | d4vd | 3:10 |
| 13. | "Barbed Wire" | Burke | d4vd | 3:05 |
| 14. | "Echoes" | Burke · Spry | d4vd · Spry | 3:50 |
| 15. | "Withered" | Burke | d4vd | 4:00 |
Extended plays
d4vd released his debut extended play, Petals to Thorns, on May 26, 2023, via Darkroom and Interscope Records.[80] The project features eight tracks—"Sleep Well," "Here With Me," "This Is How It Feels" (featuring Laufey), "Don't Forget About Me," "WORTHLESS," "Backstreet Girl," "You and I," and "Romantic Homicide"—exploring themes of love, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil through a blend of indie pop and alternative R&B.[80] The artwork depicts a ladder against a minimalist background, symbolizing ascent amid personal growth and hardship, aligning with the EP's narrative of transitioning from innocence to maturity.[80] Built on the momentum of viral singles like "Romantic Homicide," the EP's release strategy emphasized streaming platforms and social media teasers to capitalize on d4vd's TikTok following, resulting in widespread organic promotion.[15] Commercially, Petals to Thorns debuted at number 105 on the US Billboard 200 in June 2023 and later peaked at number 51 in October 2025, driven by a surge in streams following external media attention.[81] The standout track "Here With Me" reached number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned RIAA platinum certification for one million units sold in the US.[82][83] On September 8, 2023, d4vd followed with The Lost Petals, a five-track companion EP that delves deeper into introspection and loss, produced primarily by collaborators like prod.melone and Nelson Moneo.[30] The tracks—"Notes From A Wrist," "Hollow Prayers," "Rehab," "Poetic Vulgarity," and "Once More"—feature raw, acoustic-leaning production without guest artists, emphasizing d4vd's solo vulnerability; "Rehab" stands out for its confessional lyrics on recovery and regret.[84] The artwork adopts a darker, fragmented floral motif, evoking scattered remnants to contrast the inaugural EP's structured ascent and underscore themes of fragmentation.[30] Released amid d4vd's European tour, The Lost Petals employed a surprise-drop approach via social media announcements, fostering immediate fan engagement without preceding singles.[85] While it did not enter major album charts like the Billboard 200, the EP garnered strong streaming numbers, with tracks like "Rehab" contributing to d4vd's growing alternative audience.[56] Together, these EPs established d4vd's signature sound and built anticipation for his full-length debut.Singles
d4vd's singles career began with viral breakthroughs in 2022, propelled by TikTok popularity that led to major label signing with Darkroom/Interscope Records. His early releases blended alternative R&B and indie elements, achieving notable commercial success on streaming platforms and charts. By 2025, following the release of his debut album Withered, d4vd issued several promotional singles tied to the project, alongside standalone tracks and features that expanded his collaborative reach. Key standalone singles include:- "Romantic Homicide" (2022): This debut single peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking d4vd's breakthrough hit with over 1.5 billion Spotify streams by mid-2025. It earned RIAA multi-platinum certification for surpassing 2 million units in the U.S. The track re-entered the Hot 100 at No. 38 in October 2025 amid heightened media attention.
- "Here with Me" (2022): Released as a follow-up, it reached No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved RIAA platinum status for 1 million certified units. The song's slow-building melody contributed to its enduring playlist presence.
- "Feel It" (2024): Written for the animated series Invincible, this single peaked at No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a nomination for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television at the 2025 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. It highlighted d4vd's venture into television soundtracks.