David Kushner (singer-songwriter)

David Alan Kushner II^[1] (born September 6, 2000^{[citation needed]}) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. 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.

David Kushner
Kushner in 2022
Background information
Birth name	David Alan Kushner II
Born	(2000-09-06) September 6, 2000 (age 24) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Singer-songwriter
Years active	2021–present
Website	https://www.davidkushnermusic.com/

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.^[2][3] 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."^[2] 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]

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".^[17]

In late 2024, he announced plans for a single, titled "Empty Bench".^[18] The single was released on December 6, 2024.^[19]

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.^[20]

Personal life

Kushner is Christian, and the content of his music is influenced by his faith.^[21] 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."^[2] He is dating TikTok influencer Nicole Mitchell, with whom he posted a TikTok to promote "Daylight".^[13]

Discography

Studio albums

Title	Details	Peak chart positions									Certifications
		US [22]	AUT [23]	BEL (FL) [24]	LTU [25]	NLD [26]	NOR [27]	SCT [28]	UK [28]	UK C&G [28]
The Dichotomy	Released: August 30, 2024 Label: Miserable Music Group Formats: Digital download, streaming, CD, LP	146	72	97	97	74	22	37	74	1	MC: Gold[29]

Extended plays

Title	EP details	Peak chart positions
		BEL (FL) [24]	LTU [30]	SWI [31]
Footprints I Found	Released: September 16, 2022[32] Label: Independent Formats: Digital download, streaming, LP	114	68	93
20 Years from Now[33]	Released: February 14, 2025 Label: Miserable Music Group Formats: Digital download, streaming	—	—	—

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions and album name

Title	Year	Peak chart positions										Certifications	Album
		US [34]	AUS [35]	CAN [36]	IRL [37]	NLD [26]	NOR [38]	NZ [39]	SWI [40]	UK [41]	WW [42]
"ILY"[43]	2021	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		Non-album singles
"To Let You Go"[44]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Thank You"[45]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Love You from Far Away"[46]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Miserable Man"	2022	—[A]	36	68	19	57	11	31	46	39	149	RIAA: Gold[48] ARIA: Gold[49] BPI: Silver[50] MC: Gold[29] RMNZ: Gold[51]	Footprints I Found
"Mr. Forgettable"[52]		—	—	—	43	—	—	—	—	73	—	RIAA: Gold[48] ARIA: Gold[49] BPI: Silver[50] MC: Platinum[29] RMNZ: Gold[51]
"Burn"[53]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Elk Grove"[54]	2023	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		Non-album single
"Daylight"		33	4	6	2	1	2	1	1	2	11	RIAA: 3× Platinum[48] ARIA: 3× Platinum[55] BPI: 2× Platinum[50] IFPI SWI: Platinum[56] MC: 6× Platinum[29] NVPI: Gold[57] RMNZ: 2× Platinum[51]	The Dichotomy
"Dead Man"		—	—	—	—	—	—	—[B]	—	—	—
"Skin and Bones"[59]	2024	70	84	28	40	—[C]	19	—[D]	22	36	76	MC: Gold[29]
"In My Bones" (with Lost Frequencies)		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	BAE: Gold[62]	Non-album single
"Hero"[63]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		The Dichotomy
"Humankind"[64]		—[E]	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
"Empty Bench"[18]		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		20 Years from Now
"Breathe In, Breathe Out"	2025	—	—	—	—	—	—	—[F]	—	—	—
"—" denotes a song that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

List of songs, showing year released, selected chart positions and album name

Title	Year	Peak chart positions			Album
		US Alt [66]	US Christ. [67]	NZ Hot [68]
"Darkerside"	2024	20	22	35	The Dichotomy

Other credits

• Hayd – "Don't Go, Don't Leave" (2022; writer)^[69]

Notes

1. "Miserable Man" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 23 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.^[47]
2. "Dead Man" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 26 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.^[58]
3. "Skin and Bones" did not enter the Dutch Single Top 100, but peaked at number seven on the Single Tip chart.^[60]
4. "Skin and Bones" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number two on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.^[61]
5. "Humankind" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart
6. "Breathe In, Breathe Out" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 35 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.^[65]

References

1. "Cannon Beach". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Archived from the original on March 6, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
2. Schade, Alessandra (April 14, 2023). "David Kushner Battles the Dark in 'Daylight'". Paper. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
3. Major, Michael (April 14, 2023). "David Kushner Shares 'Daylight'". Broadway World. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
4. Leight, Elias (March 4, 2022). "Is the Next Big Hit 15 Seconds Long?". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
5. Ainsley, Helen (January 14, 2022). "Lauren Spencer-Smith rockets to Number 1 in Ireland with viral hit Fingers Crossed". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
6. "VG-lista – Topp 20 Single 2022-02". VG-lista. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
7. "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
8. "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. January 17, 2022. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
9. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 17, 2022. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
10. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
11. Patston, Manning (January 19, 2022). "David Kushner nails it on first go with sobering debut, 'Miserable Man'". Happy. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
12. Carapellotti, Hannah (March 14, 2022). "TikTok has changed music stardom". The Michigan Daily. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
13. Balao, Neia (March 22, 2023). "Tiktok Users Are Celebrating Their Relationships With the 'You Look Happier; What Happened' Trend: 'This is So Pure'". In the Know. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
14. Zellner, Xander (April 25, 2023). "Hot 100 First-Timers: David Kushner Shines With 'Daylight'". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
15. Griffiths, George (April 25, 2023). "David Kushner interview on breakthrough single Daylight: 'Vulnerability is freedom'". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
16. Major, Michael (April 25, 2023). "David Kushner Stuns Charts With 'Daylight'". Broadway World. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
17. "'You all mean so much to me': David Kushner cancels Australian tour". Beat Australia. November 2, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
18. ‘empty bench’ december 6th. Retrieved December 4, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
19. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
20. "David Kushner - 20 Years From Now". presave.umusic.com. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
21. Pemberton, Payton (January 2023). "A Conversation with David Kushner". Poptized.
22. "Billboard 200: Week of September 14, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
23. "Discographie David Kushner". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved September 12, 2024.
24. "David Kushner – Footprints I Found" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
25. "2024 36-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
26. "Discografie David Kushner" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
27. "Album 2024 uke 36". VG-lista. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
28. "DAVID KUSHNER". Official Charts. January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
29. "Canadian certifications – David Kushner". Music Canada. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
30. "2023 16-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. April 21, 2023. Archived from the original on April 21, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
31. "David Kushner – Footprints I Found". Swiss Hitparade (in Swiss High German). Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
32. "Footprints I Found by David Kushner". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
33. who’s ready for '20 Years From Now'. Retrieved January 29, 2025 – via www.youtube.com.
34. Peaks on the Billboard Hot 100:

    • "Daylight": "Billboard Hot 100: Week of October 14, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": @billboardcharts (January 29, 2024). "@davidkushner_'s "Skin And Bones" debuts at No. 70 on this week's #Hot100" (Tweet). Retrieved January 30, 2024 – via Twitter.
35. Peaks in Australia:

    • All except noted: "Discography David Kushner". Australian-charts.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 January 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1769. Australian Recording Industry Association. January 29, 2024. p. 4.
36. Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100:

    • "Miserable Man": "Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. January 22, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
    • "Daylight": "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of April 29, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of February 3, 2024". illboard. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
37. "Discography David Kushner". Irish-charts.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
38. "Discography David Kushner". Norwegiancharts.com (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
39. "Discography David Kushner". Charts.nz. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
40. "Discographie David Kushner". Swiss Hitparade (in Swiss High German). Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
41. "David Kushner | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
42. Peaks on the Billboard Global 200:

    • "Miserable Man": "Billboard Global 200". Billboard. January 22, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
    • "Daylight": "Billboard Global 200: Week of May 6, 2023". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
    • "Skin and Bones": "Billboard Global 200: Week of February 3, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
43. "ily - David Kushner". Spotify. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
44. "to let you go - David Kushner". Spotify. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
45. "Thank You - Single by David Kushner". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
46. "Love You From Far Away - David Kushner". Spotify. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
47. "Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. January 22, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
48. "American certifications – David Kushner". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
49. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
50. "British certifications – David Kushner". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 19, 2025. Type David Kushner in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
51. "New Zealand single certifications – David Kushner". Radioscope. Retrieved December 21, 2024. Type David Kushner in the "Search:" field.
52. "Mr. Forgettable - Single by David Kushner". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
53. "Burn - Single by David Kushner". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
54. "Elk Grove - Single by David Kushner". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
55. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
56. "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (David Kushner)". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
57. "Dutch certifications – David Kushner" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved August 25, 2023. Enter David Kushner in the "Artiest of titel" box.
58. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 2, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
59. @davidkushner_ (January 19, 2024). ""skin and bones" OUT NOW!!!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 19, 2024 – via Twitter.
60. "Dutch Single Tip 27/01/2024". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved March 24, 2024.
61. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 29, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
62. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2024". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
63. "Hero - Song by David Kushner - Apple Music". Apple Music. May 10, 2024. Archived from the original on May 12, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
64. "Humankind - Single by David Kushner on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
65. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
66. devops (January 15, 2025). "Alternative Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
67. devops (January 2, 2013). "Hot Christian Songs". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
68. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
69. "Don't Go, Don't Leave - Hayd". Spotify. Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2023.

External links

• Official website