David Davis releases “Nails,” opening a new chapter in his music career
Image Credit: David Davis
An artist’s dedication to their craft is often what separates them from the rest.
For singer and songwriter David Davis, that devotion has been shaped by years of discipline and resilience, pushing his career forward through adversity while breaking barriers and continuing to define himself on his own terms.
For the Chicago-born artist, release day still carries a magnitude of weight, even after years of chart success, sold-out stages and industry co-signs built on deeply personal projects that examined love, heartbreak and emotional growth. With that chapter behind him, Davis has released a new single, “Nails,” marking the beginning of a fresh creative phase in his music career.
The track signals a shift away from the heartbreak that shaped earlier work and toward music rooted in self-acceptance and lived experiences. “Nails” is the first in a series of releases planned over the next year, accompanied by new visuals, a December tour and a premiere performance in Los Angeles.
Image Credit: David Davis
Together, the rollout reflects a moment of momentum for Davis, whose career spans songwriting for chart-topping artists and collaborations with some of the industry’s most influential producers.
“I just dropped a song, and it’s called ‘Nails,’ and I’m really excited about it,” Davis emphaszied adding that he eagerly checked his Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms early on release day.
Davis said his songwriting has always been shaped by the people around him and the conversations that inform his daily life. That sense of connection, he said, remains the foundation of his work.
“I am inspired by my community and my life and my friends. A lot of my songwriting comes from inspired conversations and connections. From love stories to social justice, it comes from living a real, authentic life.” The singer shared.
Raised in Chicago alongside eight siblings, Davis began learning piano and violin at age 3 and later sang in a children’s gospel choir. He said those early experiences helped shape both his musical instincts and his understanding of performance as a form of storytelling.
Davis’ debut album, “The Long & Short of It,” explored what he has described as the romantic narrative people are often taught early in life. The project resonated widely, with singles streamed millions of times and widely used across social media platforms.
Image Credit: David Davis
His sophomore album, “Memory Lane: The Album,” was released a few years later, focusing on loss and emotional recovery following a breakup.
“I think ‘Memory Lane’ is the more heartbreaking side of that romantic narrative,” Davis said. “It explores losing the dream of romance you have and the heartbreak behind that.”
The music he is releasing now reflects a clear pivot. The singer shared his insight on shifting his focus away from romantic longing and toward celebrating life as it exists in the present.
“These songs are about celebrating life as it is. Celebrating yourself and loving the people around you, instead of searching for one person.” Davis said.
The broader cultural climate also shapes his current work. While the songs are not explicitly political, they reflect a desire to affirm identity and individuality during uncertain times.
“This music is about how weird it is to be alive right now,” he said. “Sticking up for yourself and being proud of who you are matters, no matter who is in power.”
Image Credit: David Davis
Aside from his unique artistry, over the course of his career, Davis has worked with producers including RedOne and Ryan Tedder, experiences he described as formative to his growth as an artist.
“Working with them has been the grad school, master’s program of my music education,” Davis said. He added that the most impactful collaborations remained focused on the music rather than industry expectations.
His songwriting has also reached wider audiences through other performers. Davis wrote “Everything It Took to Get to You,” recorded by Ben Platt, which reached No. 1 on the New Pop Song Chart and ranked across multiple national charts.
“I loved the song. It was powerful to hear his interpretation, and I also got to sing backup on the song. That was a dream come true.” David shared.
When the singer isn’t performing or hitting the studio, philanthropy is also an important extension of his work. He supports organizations including Child Restoration International, the Global Banjara Foundation Trust and the Black Artist Fund.
“We get to share our hearts through our music,” he said. “Sharing that same care through our connections with people is just as important.”
Image Credit: David Davis
When asked what he hopes his legacy in music will be, Davis said he wants to be the artist he needed when he was younger.
“I want to be the voice I needed to hear. A confident queer person of color sharing human stories through music.” Davis openly shared.
Joy and self-acceptance remain central themes throughout his work, even in slower or more reflective songs.
Davis plans to release additional music and visuals over the next year. He will tour in December, including a Christmas run with artist John McLaughlin through the Midwest and Southeast.
He is also scheduled to perform at a premiere show at Sunrose Music in Los Angeles, celebrating the release of “Nails.”
As the year draws to a close, Davis is also closing one chapter of his career and stepping into the next, continuing to refine his craft and expand his voice as an artist in the year ahead.
