How David Kushner Explored the Contradictions of Life With Debut Album, The Dichotomy

If you've been on social media at all in the last year or so, chances are you've heard David Kushner's haunting and unforgettable breakout single, "Daylight."

Since its release in April of last year, the song has gone on to become a viral hit, with more than 2 million TikTok videos using its sound and a billion streams on Spotify alone. The song propelled the powerful folk-pop singer-songwriter into the limelight thanks to his surprisingly deep and rich vocals and evocative lyricism, including the line, "Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time," which drives home the theme of his debut album, The Dichotomy.

The album is out today, Aug. 28, exploring the dichotomies and contradictions we all experience in life, between light and dark, love and hate, joy and despair and everything in between. It consists of a whopping 17 must-listen tracks, concluding with the one that propelled him to superstardom. We got the chance to catch up with David to get the inside scoop on The Dichotomy and how it revealed itself to him during the songwriting process in the interview below.

Sweety High: What does the album name The Dichotomy mean to you? Why did that one word feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

David Kushner: The album name The Dichotomy represents the contrast and balance of opposing forces that we all experience in life. Whether it's love and hate, light and darkness or peace and conflict, these dichotomies shape our existence. The word "dichotomy" felt perfect because it captures the essence of the album, which explores these contradictions in a way that's deeply personal but also universal.

(Image courtesy of Big Hassle)

 

Also read about: How David Kushner Explored the Darkness and Gave Into the Light in Viral 'Daylight'

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What types of dichotomies exist across its 17 songs? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

DK: The overarching themes revolve around inner conflict, existential reflection and the journey toward healing and understanding. Across the 17 songs, you'll find dichotomies like life and death, hope and despair and desire and restraint. I hope fans walk away with a sense of connection, maybe even finding some clarity in their own experiences through the stories and emotions in the music.

 

Also read about: Lily Meola on Taking Listeners for a Ride With Her Heartbreak Rodeo EP

 

SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

DK: The sound is dark, ethereal and emotional, blending acoustic elements with rich, atmospheric production. We wanted the music to feel raw and real, yet expansive, like it could fill up a room or just as easily be the soundtrack to someone's thoughts. Bringing these tracks to life was about capturing the emotions in the lyrics and translating them into sound.

(Image courtesy of Big Hassle)

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you are in life right now?

DK: These songs are a reflection of the journey I'm on right now—navigating through the complexities of life, desires and my own personal growth as I seek after the "light." Each track is like a snapshot of a moment, a feeling or a realization that's part of this larger process of understanding and acceptance.

 

SH: What's your favorite song on the album? Why?

DK: It's hard to pick just one, but I'd say "Buried at Sea" holds a special place for me. It's a song that really captures the tension between hope and despair, which I think is something a lot of us feel these days. The lyrics are raw, and the music complements that in a way that feels very true to where I'm at creatively.

 

Also read about: Paris Paloma Makes Sense of the Noise and Chaos in Her Mind With Debut Album, Cacophony

 

SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut album?

DK: One thing that surprised me was just how much the songs evolved during the recording process. I went in with certain ideas, but as we laid down the tracks, new layers and meanings emerged that I didn't expect. It was like the album had a life of its own and was revealing itself to me as we went along.

 

SH: How are you feeling about releasing this debut album to the world?

DK: I'm both excited and nervous. This album is deeply personal, so sharing it feels a bit like putting a piece of my soul out there. But at the same time, I'm excited for people to connect with it in their own way, and I hope it resonates with them as much as it does with me.

(Image courtesy of Big Hassle)

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

DK: Just that I'm incredibly grateful for all the support and love I've received so far. This album is for everyone who's ever felt lost, conflicted or just searching for something more. I hope it brings some light to those moments.

 

For more on our favorite new albums out today, be sure to click HERE to read our interview with Marianas Trench on their newest release, Haven.