🎢Upside Down, Boy, You Turn Me Inside Out and Round and Round🎡
D4VD (pronounced David) is an American singer-songwriter who became one of the most unexpected success stories in recent music. Born David Anthony Burke on March 28, 2005, the Houston native went from recording songs in his sister's closet to opening for SZA on a massive arena tour—all before turning 20.
D4VD's origin story is refreshingly modern. He initially started making music not out of artistic ambition, but practicality: his mother suggested he create original tracks to avoid copyright strikes on his Fortnite play-throughs. What began as a workaround became a genuine creative outlet.
Recording entirely on an iPhone, D4VD uploaded Romantic Homicide to streaming platforms in 2022. The track— a moody, emotionally raw bedroom pop ballad —exploded on TikTok and eventually reached No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. His follow-up single Here with Me similarly went viral, establishing him as a voice for Gen Z's particular brand of melancholic romanticism.
Musical Style
D4VD's sound blends bedroom pop, R&B, and alternative rock with vulnerability and unpolished authenticity. His lo-fi production aesthetic and confessional lyrics resonated with millions who discovered him through social media. As of late 2025, he has accumulated 24.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
His debut album Withered, released in April 2025, showcased his evolution as an artist while maintaining the intimate sound that initially connected with fans.
Recent Developments
D4VD's rising career trajectory has been overshadowed by serious developments. In September 2025, authorities discovered the remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing since April 2024, in a Tesla registered to the artist. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
D4VD has canceled scheduled tour dates and is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement. As of this time, he has not been charged with any crime, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that behind viral fame and streaming numbers are real people navigating real—and sometimes tragic—circumstances.
