D4vd is the professional name of David Anthony Burke, an American singer and songwriter born in 2005, who rose to fame through a unique blend of digital culture, gaming, and music. He began his career by creating Fortnite gameplay montages on YouTube, which led to making music as a way to avoid copyright issues. His early songs, like "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide" (both released in 2022), gained viral popularity on TikTok, leading to a record deal with Darkroom and Interscope Records[1][2].
Burke's music is notable for its dark, introspective lyrics and its resonance with Gen Z listeners, who find authenticity in his origins from digital ecosystems such as gaming platforms and social media. He started making music in his sister’s closet, drawing lyrical inspiration from manga and anime, and quickly became recognized for his emotional depth and lyrical command. His debut EP, *Petals to Thorns*, charted in five regions, followed by *The Lost Petals* in 2023, both of which solidified his rising status in pop music[1][3]. He has toured extensively, including sold-out headline tours in the US and Europe, and performed at major events like Valentino Men's Fashion Week and prominent music festivals. He also supported R&B star SZA on her North American tour[3].
In 2024 and 2025, D4vd continued his momentum with multiple singles, including "Feel It," which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut studio album, *Withered*, was released in 2025[1].
However, D4vd’s career faced a serious controversy in late 2025 when the decomposed remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in a Tesla registered to him. This discovery led to a police investigation, a search of his property, and the cancellation of his album deluxe edition and world tour