Ones2Watch Home

Photo: Nick Walker

Genre-defying singer-songwriter d4vd, née David Anthony Burke, continues to amaze fans with yet another heartstring-tugging, intricate, and innovative ballad. The heartbreaking single sees our protagonist go through the mourning cycle of a relationship turned sour and processing the loss of a love that wasn't real.

The single opens with d4vd's smooth, somber vocals seeping into a world full of stripped, warm guitar riffs. The melancholic lyrics tell the story of unrequited love set to ambient mournful instrumentals. The singer-songwriter realizes that what he experienced was just a placebo effect of the real thing, crooning to listeners, "I know what we had / It was make-believe, oh / A placebo / I can't take a loss like that again/I'd rather float off in the wind / Maybe this is how it's supposed to be."

As the song's intensity builds with subtle percussion framing the swirling layers of goose-bump-inducing guitar riffs and bass lines, d4vd meditates further on the relationship. He struggles to come to terms with the reality of the situation and his failed relationship, declaring that "Love isn't real / Not to me."

The Houston native's latest track follows the release of his chart-topping singles "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide," which showcase his natural musical versatility and have captured the hearts of millions. For more on d4vd, check out our latest zine, in which the breakout star made his mark as our latest cover star. 

Listen to "Placebo Effect" below: