David Kushner (singer-songwriter) explained

David Kushner
Birth Name:	David Alan Kushner II
Birth Date:	6 September 2000
Birth Place:	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation:	Singer-songwriter
Years Active:	2021–present

David Alan Kushner II^[1] (born September 6, 2000) 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. 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, ^{[2] [3]} Kushner released the single "Miserable Man" in January 2022,^[4] which went viral on TikTok.^[5] The song peaked at number 11 on the charts in Norway and number 19 in Ireland,^{[6] [7]} additionally reaching the top 40 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.^{[8] [9] [10]} 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".^[11]

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.^[12] 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.^[13] 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.^{[14] [15] [16]}

Personal life

Kushner is Christian, and the content of his music is influenced by his faith.^[17] 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".

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col"

Details
The Dichotomy	Released: August 30, 2024 Label: Miserable Music Group Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"

EP details	Peak chart positions
BEL (FL) ^[18]	LTU ^[19]	SWI ^[20]
Footprints I Found	Released: September 16, 2022^[21] Formats: Digital download, streaming	114	68	93

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"

Year	Peak chart positions										Certifications	Album
US ^[22]	AUS ^[23]	CAN ^[24]	IRL ^[25]	NLD ^[26]	NOR ^[27]	NZ ^[28]	SWI ^[29]	UK ^[30]	WW ^[31]
"ILY"^[32]	2021	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		rowspan="4"
"To Let You Go"^[33]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Thank You"^[34]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Love You From Far Away"^[35]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Miserable Man"	2022	—	36	68	19	57	11	31	46	39	149	RIAA: Gold^[36] ARIA: Gold^[37] BPI: Silver MC: Gold^[38]	Footprints I Found
"Mr. Forgettable"^[39]		—	—	—	43	—	—	—	—	73	—	RIAA: Gold ARIA: Gold BPI: Silver^[40] MC: Platinum
"Burn"^[41]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Elk Grove"^[42]	2023	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Daylight"		33	4	6	2	1	2	1	1	2	11	RIAA: 2× Platinum ARIA: 3× Platinum^[43] BPI: Platinum IFPI SWI: Platinum^[44] MC: 4× Platinum NVPI: Gold^[45] RMNZ: Platinum^[46]	The Dichotomy
"Dead Man"		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Skin and Bones"^[47]	2024	70	84	28	40	—	19	—	22	36	76
"In My Bones" (with Lost Frequencies)		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Hero"^[48]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		The Dichotomy
"Humankind"		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"—" denotes a song that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other credits

• Hayd – "Don't Go, Don't Leave" (2022; writer)^[49]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cannon Beach . . April 27, 2023 . March 6, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130306032310/https://www.ascap.com/Home/ace-title-search/index.aspx#/ace/search/workID/918989910 . live .
2. Web site: Schade . Alessandra . David Kushner Battles the Dark in 'Daylight' . . April 15, 2023 . April 14, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415065727/https://www.papermag.com/david-kushner-2659852499.html .
3. Web site: Major . Michael . David Kushner Shares 'Daylight' . . April 15, 2023 . April 14, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415134950/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Shares-Daylight-20230414 .
4. Leight . Elias . Is the Next Big Hit 15 Seconds Long? . . April 15, 2023 . March 4, 2022 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415162050/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dove-cameron-david-kushner-tiktok-pre-save-1316040/ .
5. Web site: Lauren Spencer-Smith rockets to Number 1 in Ireland with viral hit Fingers Crossed. Official Charts Company. Ainsley. Helen. January 14, 2022. January 17, 2022. January 14, 2022. 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/. live.
6. Web site: VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2022-02. VG-lista. January 17, 2022. January 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220114143353/https://topplista.no/charts/singles/2022-w02/. live.
7. Web site: Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 . . April 15, 2023 . live . January 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230103203239/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/20220114/ie7501/ .
8. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. January 17, 2022. January 17, 2022. January 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220114061315/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2022-01-17. live.
9. Web site: NZ Top 40 Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. January 17, 2022. January 17, 2022. January 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220114214734/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=5263. live.
10. Web site: Official Singles Chart Top 100 . . April 15, 2023 . live . February 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230204020922/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20220114/7501/ .
11. Web site: Patston . Manning . David Kushner nails it on first go with sobering debut, 'Miserable Man' . Happy . April 15, 2023 . January 19, 2022 .
12. Web site: Carapellotti . Hannah . TikTok has changed music stardom . . April 15, 2023 . March 14, 2022 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415162050/https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/digital-culture/tiktok-has-changed-music-stardom/ .
13. Web site: Balao . Neia . Tiktok Users Are Celebrating Their Relationships With the 'You Look Happier; What Happened' Trend: 'This is So Pure' . . April 15, 2023 . March 22, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . 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/ .
14. Zellner . Xander . Hot 100 First-Timers: David Kushner Shines With 'Daylight' . . April 29, 2023 . April 25, 2023 . live . April 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140054/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/david-kushner-hot-100-debut-daylight-1235314640/ .
15. Web site: Griffiths . George . David Kushner interview on breakthrough single Daylight: 'Vulnerability is freedom' . . April 29, 2023 . April 25, 2023 . live . April 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140055/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/david-kushner-interview-on-breakthrough-single-daylight-vulnerability-is-freedom__39113/ .
16. Web site: Major . Michael . David Kushner Stuns Charts With 'Daylight' . . April 29, 2023 . April 25, 2023 . live . April 29, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429140054/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/David-Kushner-Stuns-Charts-With-Daylight-20230425 .
17. News: A Conversation with David Kushner. January 2023. Pemberton. Payton. Poptized.
18. Web site: David Kushner – Footprints I Found. Ultratop. nl. April 23, 2023. April 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230422220312/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/7e50d/David-Kushner-Footprints-I-Found. live.
19. Web site: 2023 16-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100). AGATA. lt. April 21, 2023. April 21, 2023. April 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230421112448/https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s16-2/. live.
20. Web site: David Kushner – Footprints I Found. Swiss Hitparade. de-ch. April 25, 2023. April 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230425150937/https://hitparade.ch/album/David-Kushner/Footprints-I-Found-517389. live.
21. Web site: Footprints I Found by David Kushner . Apple Music (US) . April 15, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415164755/https://music.apple.com/us/album/footprints-i-found/1643054930 .
22. Peaks on the Billboard Hot 100:
    • "Daylight": Billboard Hot 100: Week of October 14, 2023. Billboard. October 10, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": billboardcharts. 1752094036763017292. @davidkushner_'s "Skin And Bones" debuts at No. 70 on this week's #Hot100.. January 29, 2024. January 30, 2024.
23. Peaks in Australia:
    • All except noted: Web site: Discography David Kushner. Australian-charts.com. April 18, 2023. April 29, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230429025227/https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner. live.
    • "Skin and Bones": The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 January 2024. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1769. 4. January 29, 2024.
24. Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100:
    • "Miserable Man": Billboard Canadian Hot 100. Billboard. January 22, 2022. April 16, 2023.
    • "Daylight": Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of April 29, 2023. Billboard. April 25, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of February 3, 2024. illboard. January 30, 2024.
25. Web site: Discography David Kushner. Irish-charts.com. April 18, 2023. April 18, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230418222652/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner. live.
26. Web site: Discografie David Kushner. nl. MegaCharts. April 18, 2023. May 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230517061504/https://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner. live.
27. Web site: Discography David Kushner. no. Norwegiancharts.com. April 18, 2023. April 24, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230424221006/https://norwegiancharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner. live.
28. Web site: Discography David Kushner. Charts.nz. April 18, 2023. May 15, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230515053646/https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner. live.
29. Web site: Discographie David Kushner. de-ch. Swiss Hitparade. April 30, 2023. April 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230422100725/https://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=David+Kushner#charts. live.
30. Web site: David Kushner full Official Chart History. Official Charts Company. April 18, 2023. April 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230412090145/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/61748/david-kushner/. live.
31. Peaks on the Billboard Global 200:
    • "Miserable Man": Billboard Global 200. Billboard. January 22, 2022. April 16, 2023.
    • "Daylight": Billboard Global 200: Week of May 6, 2023. Billboard. May 2, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": Billboard Global 200: Week of February 3, 2024. Billboard. January 30, 2024.
32. Web site: ily - David Kushner. Spotify. April 27, 2023. April 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230427171315/https://open.spotify.com/album/3W1UIxYDGqbybzVpSbrmtV. live.
33. Web site: to let you go - David Kushner. Spotify. April 27, 2023. April 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230427171311/https://open.spotify.com/album/0blEpajcDURpMwQZ6MS8Ix. live.
34. Web site: Thank You - Single by David Kushner. Apple Music (US). April 27, 2023. April 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230427170443/https://music.apple.com/us/album/thank-you-single/1580212707. live.
35. Web site: Love You From Far Away - David Kushner. Spotify. April 27, 2023. April 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230427171316/https://open.spotify.com/album/5PfFAai4J5s67hqydqtTLi. live.
36. United States. David Kushner. March 12, 2024.
37. Web site: ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 17, 2024.
38. Canada. David Kushner. May 17, 2024.
39. Web site: Mr. Forgettable - Single by David Kushner . Apple Music (US) . April 15, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415164755/https://music.apple.com/us/album/mr-forgettable-single/1610640445 .
40. United Kingdom. David Kushner. July 22, 2024.
41. Web site: Burn - Single by David Kushner . Apple Music (US) . April 15, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415164757/https://music.apple.com/us/album/burn-single/1628935468 .
42. Web site: Elk Grove - Single by David Kushner . Apple Music (US) . April 15, 2023 . live . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415164301/https://music.apple.com/us/album/elk-grove-single/1675404704 .
43. Australia. single. 2024. February 12, 2024.
44. Switzerland. David Kushner. September 18, 2023.
45. Netherlands. David Kushner. August 25, 2023.
46. New Zealand. David Kushner. Daylight. single. 5632. February 18, 2024.
47. davidkushner_. 1748214329130819761. "skin and bones" OUT NOW!!!. January 19, 2024.
48. Web site: May 10, 2024 . Hero - Song by David Kushner - Apple Music . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240512095958/https://music.apple.com/us/album/hero/1742087191?i=1742087197 . May 12, 2024 . May 12, 2024 . Apple Music.
49. Web site: Don't Go, Don't Leave - Hayd. Spotify. April 27, 2023. April 27, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230427171539/https://open.spotify.com/album/6AYpseGYHB6Pmln8Wvcsey. live.