D4vd


David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is an American singer-songwriter. In 2022, he released the singles "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide", which gained popularity on TikTok and led to him signing a record deal with Darkroom and Interscope Records.
Born in New York City, Burke began making music at his mother's suggestion to avoid YouTube copyright strikes on his Fortnite gameplay montages. Following several releases in 2023, Burke released two extended plays, Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals, with 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.
In September 2025, the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered inside a car registered to Burke. Following the identification, the remaining tour dates and the deluxe edition release of Withered were canceled. The cause of death remains undetermined, and the case is being investigated as a potential homicide.

Early life

David Anthony Burke was born on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York City. His family later moved to Houston, Texas. After seventh grade, he was homeschooled. Until he was 13, he solely listened to gospel music. As a child, he played piano and sang in a church choir.
Burke later discovered indie music through a Fortnite montage. In 2021, Burke uploaded his own Fortnite montages, launching his music career. Homeschooled as a teen, he described living "vicariously" through the experiences of his online friends, often referencing unfamiliar experiences in his music.

Career

2021–2022: Early career and rise to prominence

Burke began his music career by uploading Fortnite gaming montages. To avoid copyright issues, he started creating original music, blending lo-fi pop, R&B, and indie rock. He released his music to SoundCloud, including songs such as "You and I", "Take Me to the Sun", and "Runaway". He chose the stage name "d4vd" partially to increase his search engine optimization. He released the single "Romantic Homicide" on July 20, 2022, following TikTok snippets of it going viral.
"Romantic Homicide" charted at No. 3 on the Hot Alternative Songs charts and appeared at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking his first entry on the chart. The music video, inspired by film noir, was nominated for Music Video during the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards. After observing others reuse his music, he stated in an interview, "...I was like, 'Okay, this could be something', so I kept making songs."
The song's success prompted Darkroom and Interscope Records to sign Burke in September 2022. First released on SoundCloud before "Romantic Homicide", Burke's next single, "Here with Me", was released to streaming platforms in September 2022. The song entered multiple charts after gaining traction on TikTok, most notably at No. 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached the top ten in Singapore. Most of these songs were produced using a freemium DAW called BandLab.

2023–2024: Extended plays

Burke released his debut EP, Petals to Thorns, on May 26, 2023, through Darkroom and Interscope Records. His second EP was released on September 8, The Lost Petals, an extension of the former. "Here with Me", released in 2022, reached the top 40 in 2023. In July 2023, he was featured on "Superbloodmoon", a single from Holly Humberstone's debut album. Burke performed as an opening act for SZA's SOS Tour.
Burke released two promotional singles, "Leave Her" and "2016", as a double single titled "Withering" on February 9, 2024. In March, Burke released the single "Feel It" for the soundtrack of Amazon Prime Video's television series Invincible. On December 19, 2024, he released the single "Where'd It Go Wrong?". He also performed "Remember Me", featured on the soundtrack for the second season of the steampunk action-adventure television series Arcane.

2025–present: Debut album and investigation

On February 7, 2025, he released the single "One More Dance". On February 28, he released the single "Crashing" with Kali Uchis, followed by "What Are You Waiting For" on March 28. He held an album showcase for his debut studio album, Withered, at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Philippines. During his Coachella debut, he faceplanted while attempting a backflip. By November 2025, Burke had accumulated 3.6 million TikTok followers.
The Withered tour began in August 2025. However, on September 8, 2025, heavily decomposed human remains were discovered in a Tesla registered to Burke, prompting Crocs and Hollister Co. to remove his promotional content. Concerts scheduled for September 19–20 were canceled, and the deluxe edition of Withered, subtitled Marcescence, was shelved, along with planned appearances. Interscope Records suspended all Burke-related promotions.
In the following days, the tour's European and Australian shows, and Burke's planned performance at Spilt Milk in December, were canceled. Kali Uchis sought removal of their collaboration song "Crashing" from streaming platforms. During the investigation, Burke's music streams on Spotify doubled from the previous week. In 2025, Burke became the top-searched musician on Google and overall person.

Influences

In an interview with the Japanese YouTuber Takashii, while Burke was in Japan for the yearly festival Fuji Rock, he stated that anime is "one of my biggest influences", including series such as Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and My Hero Academia.
Over time, touring with artists like SZA and building real-world connections allowed him to infuse more personal, "evolved" maturity into his work, as he reflected in a 2025 interview with People.

Personal life

Burke is a Christian, stating in an interview with Astrophe Magazine: "I get my personal power from God for sure. I am a heavy believer in the Christian faith."

Legal issues

On September 8, 2025, Burke performed at the Fillmore Minneapolis as part of his Withered Tour. The same day, heavily decomposed human remains were discovered in Los Angeles inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke. The discovery came after the LAPD was called by a tow yard worker to investigate a foul odor emanating from the Tesla.
On September 16, 2025, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body as that of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. Her body was discovered one day after her 15th birthday, with evidence suggesting she died long before discovery. On September 18, 2025, LAPD investigators executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property previously occupied by Burke. Electronic materials, including a computer, were seized and shortly afterwards, Burke's manager terminated the lease on the property, and Burke moved out. Burke has retained a criminal defense attorney known for representing celebrities. As of , no charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Discography

Studio albums
  • ''Withered''

    Tours

Headlining

Cited literature