DAVIS BURLESON DOESN’T KNOW WHERE HE’D BE WITHOUT FREE SPEECH
At only 22-years-old Davis Burleson has taken his social media career to new heights and we got to learn all about it. From his online series “What’s Poppin?” to hosting his own TikTok Radio show and so much more. If you want to know all about Davis and what’s up next for him, keep reading below:
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
TALK TO US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE SPEECH.
Well, if we didn’t have free speech, I would be out of a job! But seriously… Free speech is the ultimate freedom. I can’t imagine living in a world where we are restricted on how we express ourselves, how we communicate, or what we wear, read, for example. We are living in a critical time where these are often threatened and in parts of the world do not exist. I feel really lucky to have my freedom.
HOW HAS YOUR SHOW “WHAT’S POPPIN” HELPED YOU TO COME INTO YOUR OWN?
When I first started the show, I was 18 and had just moved to NYC. I wasn’t very comfortable, and I was freshly out of the closet. When I first started approaching strangers, I was terrified! I had no idea what I was doing. I live for the quote “fake it till you make it” and when that camera came on, I tapped into a version of myself I’ve never seen before.
I also tapped into my innate interest in others and in diving into the world of others, it took the focus away from me. The more I dove in, the less I worried about if I looked silly or like I didn’t know what I was doing. Throughout the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of people from all walks of life and parts of the world. With this, I’ve realized that there is a beauty in being unique, its ok to be yourself, and it’s okay to state your opinion regardless of criticism.
WHERE DID THIS SHOW CONCEPT COME FROM AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE MAKING THE FIRST EPISODE?
I don’t remember the first episode actually! However, I can guarantee you it wasn’t great. The initial idea for the show was a streetstyle game show in the heart of soho. Some of the ideas were “truth or dare”, “never have I ever” and “would you rather”. After the first shoot, I interviewed about 10 people and noticed immediately I wasn’t loving it. Mainly because it was superficial and felt restricted because I wasn’t able to get to know the person. The next shoot, I started asking random questions I was truly passionate about like “what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen on a NY city subway” because these are the burning questions that need answers!
After a couple of shoots, we slowly moved our way up to Washington Square park because the people of Soho have places to be and don’t want to be bothered. What was once a place I hung out with my friends drinking white claws out of a paper bag at night, is now my office. This park is truly magical, every kind of person you can think of passes by here. The stories are endless, making it the perfect home for What’s Poppin’ with Davis!
WE ARE CELEBRATING ALL THINGS PRIDE THIS MONTH. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?
Honestly….SiriusXm put me on a billboard in Times Square celebrating PRIDE. The billboard was OF COURSE a big deal but the fact that it was celebrating LGBTQ+ hosts and giving our community the spotlight, using me as a representative, was an unbelievable honor. My past self never thought this moment would be possible, or that being capable of owning my sexuality to this magnitude would be possible much less celebrated. Fifteen-year-old Davis wouldn’t believe it and it makes me so proud to be here.
Jewelry: PANCONESI
HOW IS YOUR CREATIVITY DISRUPTING THE WORLD OF RADIO AND TIK TOK?
When it comes to anything I do, there will always be A HOOK. I think to myself.. How can I capture someone’s attention when they are doom scrolling? I’m not going to give away all my secrets but usually, asking a question or bringing the viewer into the topic gets you in. Now that the science is out of the way, when it comes to what I create, I always say to myself “create what you care about” (a sticky note I keep on my mirror) because if I don’t care about what I’m doing, no one else will.
For example, I recently interviewed Mason Ramsey a.k.a the Walmart yodel kid. Leading up to meeting him, I asked myself “how can I make this a MOMENT.” The idea came to me an hour before I needed to leave, because creativity can strike at any moment and dressing like his OG Walmart outfit HAD to happen. From this, a slew of videos came about bringing my followers on the journey while involving them in the process.
In terms of radio, I try to bring an aspect of humor and personality. Whenever I’m speaking or interviewing an artist, I bring myself into the conversation to make a connection. Traditional radio can be very separated from the audience, but I add personal anecdotes wherever I can, relating it to the topic at hand, which to my belief brings a fresh take making the listener part of my world.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE INTERVIEW SO FAR?
Olivia Rodrigo! Usually the people I interview or work with are older than me so it’s a little intimidating. When I got to interview her, it felt like I was talking to a friend and although she is one of the biggest stars in the world, I was like… “wait? Are we hanging out after this?” and it was even more special because I’ve gotten to chat with her twice! Love her. And if I can give another one it has to be Jimmy Fallon. That had my friends and family (and me, but don’t tell anyone) GEEKING. I got to interview THE interviewer.
WHAT SONG ARE YOU CURRENTLY PLAYING ON REPEAT?
“ART” by Tyla. From the moment I saw her walk (or should I say be carried) in that Balmain sand dress, I needed to know more about her. I have been listening to her self-titled album TYLA nonstop. Her music makes me shake my hips and that’s always a good sign!
HOW WAS YOUR COMING OUT EXPERIENCE AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE READING THIS WHO WANTS TO COME OUT TO THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
I came to terms with my sexuality my first year of high school but I planned on not coming out until I graduated. However, COVID happened before I could walk the stage, so the day they announced we would not be going back to go back to school, I decided to pick up the phone and tell my dad. I can still remember my heart beating out of my chest to this day and the body shakes. I’m fortunate enough that the moment my dad heard “I’m gay,” the pause was followed by an I love you.
My advice for anyone coming to terms with who they are is to ensure you feel safe and secure in your decision on who you tell. You have to be one thousand percent ready for any response, feedback and criticism. Even if you know, maybe sit on it for a second to make sure you are comfortable in your timing. Timing is everything and everyone’s journey is different.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY DATING IF SO HOW IS THAT AND WHAT BEEN THE CUTEST NYC DATE MOMENT YOU HAVE HAD THIS YEAR?
OMG how do we make cricket noises? My dating life has been so stale this past year, but I think I’m finally ready to make a comeback. Before this, I was dating but nothing crazy. My favorite date was with this Irish guy who was here for the summer. He asked me out on DM’s – shoot your shot!. We went on a picnic on the west side highway, and things were going very well. All of a sudden he gets a call and gets Coldplay tickets for the concert happening that same night! This date was so magical, I think about it all the time and I’m still blushing talking about it to this day. The spontaneity of it is the energy I love and look for. YES we kissed to “Sky Full of Stars”.
RED CARPETS CAN BE OVERWHELMING HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?
Ooof. I used to get so nervous about these things because I felt like I needed to be poised and bigger than myself, from what I saw in magazines and online. Now when I go on a red carpet, I fully embrace who I am. I play and have fun with the photographers and crew because we’re all just here to entertain. Lights, camera, fuck it!
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE?
It depends on my MOOD. I use scent to emphasize my feelings and emotions. If I’m going to the clurb or looking to meet someone, I’m all about Aqua di Gio. However, Davis in a bottle is The Youlong by Armani/Prive.
Sunglasses: RAY-BAN
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE AND WHAT PRODUCTS ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH AT THE MOMENT?
Call me crazy but there is this night cream by revive that I spent more money than I’d like to admit (that stuff works wonders) and glow recipe dew drops ONLY on the cheeks. Overall, less is more!! After Accutane, I’ve cut things back to 3 products TOPS.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
SLOW DOWN. You’re driving way too fast. Be nicer to your dad and come downstairs for dinner! Get out of your room.
SIMPLE SKIN CARE IS KEY SOMETIMES – HOW HAS CERAVE HELP TO MAKE YOUR SKIN SLAY
I double cleanse every night. CeraVe is so gentle on the skin and keeping the skin hydrated is their main focus. So If i ever get down to just one product, the cleanser is never going to be one that is gone.
YOU LOVE READING AND BOOKS – TALK TO US ABOUT THAT. WHAT IS READING MEAN TO YOU, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO BECOME AN AUTHOR ONE DAY?
Before last year you couldn’t pay me to open up a book. I literally made my mom read the hunger games out loud to me. By the second book she was over it, so I never found out what happened! What really inspired my reading was “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Janette McCurdy. From there I was hooked and since then I have read 20+ books in the last year. Books are great because I am challenged to use my imagination, I am the creator of this world being presented to me on paper. Also, my vocabulary has gotten so much better because of it and it is so calming for me. I absolutely want to be an author one day, it’s coming.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU ON THIS SUPERSTAR JOURNEY?
We’re just getting started. Buckle up! There’s so much I want to do. Long term, a talk show on TV. For now, continue growing with SiriusXM TikTok Radio and What’s Poppin’? with Davis!. I want to write a book, and I am being so serious right now…I want to be on Survivor.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Photographer: Jana Schuessler (@janaschuessler)
Stylist: Emma Oleck (@emmaoleck)
Grooming: Stevie Barbieri (@stevie.barbieri)
