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David Givens, born August 27th 1990, is a Trinidadian-American singer-songwriter.
David Givens (Singer) | |
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Background information | |
Born | New York, NY, U.S. | August 27, 1990
Genres | Pop, Electronic, R&B |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, entertainer |
Years active | 2015–present |
Labels | Diamond Dust Music Ltd Co. |
Website | www.davidworld.us |
Early Life
[edit]David Givens was born in New York on August 27, 1990. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to his father’s hometown of Green Pond, South Carolina. Givens exhibited an early passion for singing, performing in church choirs throughout his youth. He graduated from Agape Christian Academy in 2009 and Benedict College in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. He briefly attended Savannah College of Art and Design, studying Performing Arts, before leaving in December 2016. Currently, Givens is pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology at South Carolina State University. He is of Trinidadian and Gullah Geechee heritage and has two older siblings, Lucinda “Cindy” Ali, who passed away in 2016 due to multiple sclerosis, and Renee.
Career Highlights
[edit]David Givens officially began his professional music career in 2015 with a project titled "AWAKEN," produced by South Carolina’s Fat Rat Da Czar. Though the album was shelved, its single "Welcome to the Show" was released as the project’s introduction. In 2018, Givens relaunched his career with the release of his single "Crush" on September 18, marking his true debut. Later that year, he performed at the Coast 2 Coast World Championship, securing 12th place.
In 2019, Givens released two singles, "Pulse" (January 1) and "Addiction" (October 18), which received favorable reactions from fans. He co-headlined the inaugural Black Summer Music Festival in Columbia, SC.
On March 7, 2020, Givens released his debut EP, Electric Kingdom Volume I: INNOCENCE + FALL, featuring the critically acclaimed single "When I Fall." Plans for a tour were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting Givens to organize a drive-in music festival in Green Pond, SC, called Stars Dance Music Festival. During the festival, he premiered four new songs: "Delusional," "Ready" (featuring Latin artist Lawd Ito), "Born Again (Phoenix)," and "Higher.
In 2022 and 2023, he headlined the Launch Music Festival in Lancaster, PA, and released Electric Kingdom Volume II: Midnight Sun. In 2024, Givens traveled to the Netherlands to perform at the New Skool Rules Music Festival. On October 23, 2024, he released his debut studio album, Electric Kingdom [Deluxe].
Achievements
[edit]Four-time nominee at the Pop Smash Radio Music Awards (2022–2024)
Best Collaboration: "Social Cues (Remix)" with Xoe Miles
Top Pop Male Single: "When I Fall" (2021), "Masquerade" (2023)
Song of the Year: "Masquerade"
Artist of the Year (2024)
2024 Metro Music Awards: Pop Artist of the Year
2024 Carolina Music Awards: Nominee for Top R&B Male
Musical style and influences
[edit]Givens’ music integrates elements of deep house, rock, dubstep, and urban pop. Tracks like "Delusional" and "Higher" reflect 1980s synthpop, while songs like "H8 That I Love U" and "Masquerade" draw from 2000s pop influences inspired by artists such as N’Sync and 98 Degrees. Givens cites Prince for his genre-defying artistry, Robyn for her electronic and emotional depth, Dawn Richard for her avant-garde pop experimentation, Zedd for his production techniques, Little Mix for their powerful vocal harmonies, and Janet Jackson for her stage presence and boundary-pushing visual storytelling.
Vocally, Givens draws from gospel legends like Dorinda Clark-Cole, whose dynamic range and emotional delivery have influenced his power ballads. He also credits R&B artist Tank for his smooth vocal stylings, global pop artist MNEK f or innovative vocal arrangements, and Jason Derulo for his ability to blend dance-pop with R&B grooves. Givens has also been influenced by the storytelling and cultural impact of Afrobeat and Caribbean music, which resonate with his Trinidadian heritage.
Discography
[edit]Studio Albums
[edit]Year | Title |
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2024
|
Electric Kingdom [Deluxe] |
Extended Plays (EPs)
[edit]Year | Title |
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2020
|
Electric Kingdom Volume I: INNOCENCE + FALL |
2021
|
When I Fall: Diamond Edition I |
2021
|
When I Fall: The Remixes Volume II |
2023
|
Midnight Sun EP |
2023
|
Electric Kingdom Volume I (Expanded Edition) |
2024
|
No Love (Single EP) |
Singles
[edit]Year | Title |
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2016
|
"Welcome to the Show" |
2018
|
"Crush" |
2019
|
"Pulse" |
2019
|
"Crush (Heart & Seoul Mix)" ft. Skimsam |
2019
|
"Addiction" |
2020
|
"When I Fall" |
2020
|
"Delusional" |
2020
|
"Ready" ft. Lawd Ito |
2020
|
"Listo" ft. Lawd Ito |
2020
|
"Born Again (Phoenix)" |
2020
|
"Higher" |
2021
|
"When I Fall (Electric Kingdom Remix)" ft. ElloXO |
2022
|
"FREQUENCY" |
2022
|
"FREEQUENCY (LIVE)" |
2022
|
"Crush (Live)" |
2023
|
"H8 That I Love U" |
2023
|
"Sweet Seduction" |
2023
|
"Warrior" ft. T-Money |
2023
|
"Masquerade" |
2024
|
"No Love" ft. Deuce Fantastick |
Performances
[edit]2019: Black Summer Jam
2020: Stars Dance Music Festival
2022–2023: Launch Music Conference and Festival
2024: New Skool Rules Music Festival
Awards and Recognitions
[edit]Four-time nominee at the Pop Smash Radio Music Awards
Winner: Pop Artist of the Year (2024 Metro Music Awards)
Nominee: Top R&B Male (2024 Carolina Music Awards)
References
[edit]RGM Introducing: We Interview American Artist David Givens
External Links
[edit]