Petals to Thorns

Petals to Thorns is the debut extended play by the American singer-songwriter D4vd. It was released on May 26, 2023, through Darkroom and Interscope Records. Primarily recorded in his sister's closet using the digital audio workstation tool BandLab, the EP features production from Spencer Stewart, Stint, and Robin Hannibal, among others.

Petals to Thorns was supported by seven singles, including the commercially-successful singles "Romantic Homicide" and "Here with Me". Thematically, the EP explores the topics of love and heartbreak. It became D4vd's first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 105.

Background
D4vd first began making music for his own video montages of the 2017 video game Fortnite. After repeatedly receiving copyright strikes, his mom suggested he make his own music. Eight of the nine songs included on the EP were recorded in the closet of D4vd's sister, using BandLab.

Composition and recording
Musically, Petals to Thorns does not have a specific genre, instead mashing multiple genres together. Atwood Magazine's Lauren Turner wrote that "not one song on the EP sticks to a particular genre or sound." The EP incorporates elements of alternative R&B, lo-fi, new wave, pop-punk, and post-punk. Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and unrequited love.

D4vd revealed how the EP first came together in an interview with Dork, stating that while he was recording songs in 2022 for Fortnite montages, he noticed that the songs fit together thematically. That same year, he realized that he had enough music both released and unreleased, so he used the material to create the EP.

Singles
The EP's lead single, "You and I", was released on January 10, 2022.

"Here with Me" was released as the EP's second single on July 18, 2022.

"Romantic Homicide" was released as the EP's third single on July 20, 2022. The song went viral following its usage on the video sharing app TikTok.

"Worthless" was released as the EP's fourth single on March 10, 2023.

"Sleep Well" was released on April 13, 2023, as the EP's fifth single.

"Don't Forget About Me" was released as the EP's sixth single a week before its release, on May 26, 2023.

"The Bridge" impacted triple-A radio on June 26, 2023, as the EP's seventh and final single.

Tour
In promotion of the EP, D4vd announced the Petals to Thorns Tour on April 3, 2023, spanning North America, Europe, and Japan. The tour began on April 30, 2023, and ended on August 10, 2023. The Asian leg of the tour was announced on August 22, 2023, which began on November 23, 2023, and ended on December 9, 2023.