David Kushner (singer-songwriter)
{{Short description|American musician (born 2000)}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = David Kushner
| image = David Kushner LIVE at Lauv North America Tour.png
| caption = Kushner in 2022
| birth_name = David Alan Kushner II
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2000|09|6}}
| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
| origin =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| occupation = Singer-songwriter
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| years_active = 2021–present
| label =
| website = {{url|https://www.davidkushnermusic.com/}}
}}
David Alan Kushner II{{cite web |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/918989910 |title=Cannon Beach |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=April 27, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306032310/https://www.ascap.com/Home/ace-title-search/index.aspx#/ace/search/workID/918989910 |url-status=live }} (born September 6, 2000{{Cite web |date=2022-05-23 |title=David Kushner Wiki, Age of Singer, Songs, Parents, Girlfriend, Height, and Net worth |url=https://www.wikicelebs.com/david-kushner-wiki/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |language=en-US}}) is an American singer-songwriter. Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and began releasing music. Kushner's song "Miserable Man" (2022) went viral on TikTok and peaked at number 11 on the charts in Norway and number 19 in Ireland, additionally reaching the top 40 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Along with the single "Mr. Forgettable", it appeared on his debut extended play Footprints I Found (2022). Kushner received 556 million streams within a year of releasing music. His song "Daylight" was released on April 14, 2023, and also gained huge traction on TikTok; the song would appear on his debut album The Dichotomy (2024). Kushner has served as the opening act for one of Lauv's tours. He headlined the Daylight 2.0 tour.
Life and career
Kushner was raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. After realizing he could sing after finishing twelfth grade, he began writing songs with a close friend while living in Florida. Kushner played the guitar and taught music to himself. Although never using a vocal coach, {{cite web |last=Schade |first=Alessandra |title=David Kushner Battles the Dark in 'Daylight' |url=https://www.papermag.com/david-kushner-2659852499.html |website=Paper |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=April 14, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415065727/https://www.papermag.com/david-kushner-2659852499.html }}{{cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |title=David Kushner Shares 'Daylight' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Shares-Daylight-20230414 |website=Broadway World |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=April 14, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415134950/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Shares-Daylight-20230414 }} Kushner released the single "Miserable Man" in January 2022,{{cite magazine |last=Leight |first=Elias |title=Is the Next Big Hit 15 Seconds Long? |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dove-cameron-david-kushner-tiktok-pre-save-1316040/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=March 4, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415162050/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dove-cameron-david-kushner-tiktok-pre-save-1316040/ }} which went viral on TikTok.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lauren-spencer-smith-rockets-to-number-1-in-ireland-with-viral-hit-fingers-crossed__34993/|title=Lauren Spencer-Smith rockets to Number 1 in Ireland with viral hit Fingers Crossed|publisher=Official Charts Company|last=Ainsley|first=Helen|date=January 14, 2022|access-date=January 17, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114210909/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lauren-spencer-smith-rockets-to-number-1-in-ireland-with-viral-hit-fingers-crossed__34993/|url-status=live}} The song peaked at number 11 on the charts in Norway and number 19 in Ireland,{{cite web|url=https://topplista.no/charts/singles/2022-w02/|title=VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2022-02|publisher=VG-lista|access-date=January 17, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114143353/https://topplista.no/charts/singles/2022-w02/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/20220114/ie7501/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 15, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103203239/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/20220114/ie7501/ }} additionally reaching the top 40 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2022-01-17|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|date=January 17, 2022|access-date=January 17, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114061315/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2022-01-17|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2022-01-14|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=January 17, 2022|access-date=January 17, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114214734/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=5263|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20220114/7501/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 15, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204020922/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20220114/7501/ }} Manny Patston of Happy commented: "He really, really cares about music. You can tell from his sheer excitement [...] I'm sure Kushner's youthful energy, magnetism, and blessed DNA will result in flocks of adoration".{{cite web |last=Patston |first=Manning |title=David Kushner nails it on first go with sobering debut, 'Miserable Man' |url=https://happymag.tv/david-kushner-miserable-man/ |website=Happy |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=January 19, 2022 }}
Along with the single "Mr. Forgettable", it appeared on his debut extended play Footprints I Found (2022). "Mr. Forgettable", written from the perspective of an Alzheimer's patient, also gained attention on TikTok, with some users expressing being forgotten by family members and others relating it to mental illness.{{cite web |last=Carapellotti |first=Hannah |title=TikTok has changed music stardom |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/digital-culture/tiktok-has-changed-music-stardom/ |website=The Michigan Daily |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=March 14, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415162050/https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/digital-culture/tiktok-has-changed-music-stardom/ }} Kushner accumulated 556 million streams within a year of his released music, and toured with Lauv later on in the year. He released the single "Daylight" on April 14, 2023. Kushner created a TikTok trend, called "You look happier; what happened", to accompany its release. The trend, which showcased people posting a photo of themselves smiling and looking content, and then pointing the camera at their partner to indicate they were the reason why, gained traction.{{cite web |last=Balao |first=Neia |title=Tiktok Users Are Celebrating Their Relationships With the 'You Look Happier; What Happened' Trend: 'This is So Pure' |url=https://www.intheknow.com/post/tiktok-users-are-celebrating-their-relationships-with-the-you-look-happier-what-happened-trend-this-is-so-pure/ |website=In the Know |access-date=April 15, 2023 |date=March 22, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415162051/https://www.intheknow.com/post/tiktok-users-are-celebrating-their-relationships-with-the-you-look-happier-what-happened-trend-this-is-so-pure/ }} He commented on his success on TikTok: "TikTok has played the biggest role in my music career. It started as a fun thing. I definitely had not planned to market my music [... but after the unexpected success] I knew that TikTok would be a powerful tool to be able to connect with new people." Kushner served as the opening act for Dean Lewis' the Future Is Bright Tour in April, and was scheduled to open for Lewis Capaldi on the July 1, 2023, date of his Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent Tour in Chepstow, Monmouthshire.{{cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |title=Hot 100 First-Timers: David Kushner Shines With 'Daylight' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/david-kushner-hot-100-debut-daylight-1235314640/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 29, 2023 |date=April 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140054/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/david-kushner-hot-100-debut-daylight-1235314640/ }}{{cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |title=David Kushner interview on breakthrough single Daylight: 'Vulnerability is freedom' |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/david-kushner-interview-on-breakthrough-single-daylight-vulnerability-is-freedom__39113/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 29, 2023 |date=April 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140055/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/david-kushner-interview-on-breakthrough-single-daylight-vulnerability-is-freedom__39113/ }}{{cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |title=David Kushner Stuns Charts With 'Daylight' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Stuns-Charts-With-Daylight-20230425 |website=Broadway World |access-date=April 29, 2023 |date=April 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140054/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Stuns-Charts-With-Daylight-20230425 }}
Kushner was due to tour Australia and New Zealand for the first time in November 2023, however was forced to cancel the tour at short notice due to "unforeseen circumstances".{{cite web|url=https://beat.com.au/david-kushner-announces-highly-anticipated-debut-australian-shows/|title='You all mean so much to me': David Kushner cancels Australian tour|work=Beat Magazine |publisher=Beat Australia|date=2 November 2023|accessdate=31 August 2024}}
In late 2024, he announced plans for a single, titled "Empty Bench".{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f8m0nCqjEfo |title='empty bench' december 6th |language=en |access-date=2024-12-04 |via=www.youtube.com}} The single was released on December 6, 2024.{{Cite web |title=Spotify |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3km5zzX8gjqQwNcc2E6LHk?si=Kxbwb9kpQO-vp8PnruFbqA |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=open.spotify.com}}
In early 2025, he began releasing teasers for a song titled "Breathe In, Breathe Out". The song was released on January 31, 2025. His second extended play, 20 Years from Now, was released on February 14, 2025.{{Cite web |title=David Kushner - 20 Years From Now |url=https://presave.umusic.com/david-kushner-20-years-from-now?utm_campaign=666522_1.31.25_Breathe%20In,%20Breathe%20Out_NA%20+%20SA_352469_US&utm_source=dotmailer&utm_medium=email&dm_i=7JYT,EAAI,88P7WS,264P1,1 |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=presave.umusic.com}}
Personal life
Kushner is Christian, and the content of his music is influenced by his faith.{{cite news|url = https://poptized.com/music/a-conversation-with-david-kushner/|title = A Conversation with David Kushner|date = January 2023|last = Pemberton|first = Payton|work = Poptized}} In a 2023 interview, he said, "My faith in God has been a foundational thing in my life. Although sometimes things can get challenging if I'm being completely honest, I have learned that it's okay. [...] I don't really get caught up with any scrutiny. I embrace my faith and write music that I think will speak to people." He is dating TikTok influencer Nicole Mitchell, with whom he posted a TikTok to promote "Daylight".
In March 2025, Kushner cancelled the remaining dates of his UK and Europe tour due to mental health issues, writing on Instagram that he "need[s] to step back and focus on getting better".{{cite news |last1=Swash |first1=Rebecca |title=David Kushner cancels tour following mental health struggles |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce981ryr5nko |access-date=11 March 2025 |work=BBC |date=11 March 2025}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
=Extended plays=
=Singles=
=Other charted songs=
=Other credits=
- Hayd – "Don't Go, Don't Leave" (2022; writer){{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6AYpseGYHB6Pmln8Wvcsey|title=Don't Go, Don't Leave - Hayd|website=Spotify|access-date=April 27, 2023|archive-date=April 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427171539/https://open.spotify.com/album/6AYpseGYHB6Pmln8Wvcsey|url-status=live}}
Notes
{{notelist-ua}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{URL|https://www.davidkushnermusic.com|Official website}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kushner, David}}
Category:21st-century American male singers
Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters
Category:American male singer-songwriters
Category:Christians from Illinois