David Alan Kushner II, an accomplished American singer-songwriter, hails from the vibrant suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Having made the leap to Los Angeles, California, he embarked on a musical journey that has garnered significant attention. One of Kushner’s standout tracks, “Miserable Man” (released in 2022), achieved viral status on the popular platform TikTok.
Its success extended to international music charts, reaching an impressive number 11 in Norway and number 19 in Ireland. Furthermore, the song secured a place in the top 40 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. “Miserable Man” is also featured on his debut extended play, titled “Footprints I Found” (2022). Within just a year of releasing his music, Kushner achieved a remarkable 556 million streams.
On April 14, 2023, Kushner released his latest song, “Daylight.” This talented artist has had the privilege of serving as the opening act for one of Lauv’s acclaimed tours.
Life and Career
Kushner’s musical journey began in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. After discovering his vocal talents upon completing twelfth grade, he embarked on songwriting collaborations with a close friend while residing in Florida. He honed his skills on the guitar and independently mastered the art of music. Eventually, Kushner sought the guidance of a vocal coach to further refine his abilities.
The breakout single, “Miserable Man,” was unveiled in January 2022 and swiftly gained immense popularity on TikTok. Its chart performance was outstanding, reaching number 11 in Norway and number 19 in Ireland, in addition to securing a spot within the top 40 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Manny Patston of Happy commented on Kushner’s deep passion for music, noting his youthful energy and magnetic presence. Kushner’s infectious enthusiasm has undoubtedly won him a devoted following.
The track “Mr. Forgettable,” alongside “Miserable Man,” is prominently featured on his debut extended play, “Footprints I Found” (2022). “Mr. Unforgettable,” a song narrated from the perspective of an Alzheimer’s patient, also captivated TikTok audiences, resonating with individuals who have experienced feelings of neglect from family members or grappled with mental health issues. Kushner’s music has collectively amassed an impressive 556 million streams within a single year.
Kushner’s journey extended to touring, where he had the privilege of joining Lauv on the road. His most recent release, “Daylight” (April 14, 2023), sparked a TikTok trend called “You look happier; what happened.” This trend involved individuals sharing photos of themselves beaming with happiness and then turning the camera toward their significant other to signify the source of their joy. The trend gained considerable traction and showcased Kushner’s ability to connect with new audiences through TikTok.
Reflecting on his meteoric rise on TikTok, Kushner acknowledged the platform’s pivotal role in his music career. Initially a source of fun, TikTok unexpectedly catapulted him to success. He has leveraged the platform to forge connections with a diverse range of fans.
