D4vd on Writing Fortnite’s First-Ever Official Anthem, ‘Locked & Loaded’: ‘Fortnite Helped Shape My Life’ (EXCLUSIVE)

In a landmark collaboration, singer-songwriter D4vd has teamed up with Epic Games to launch Fortnite’s inaugural official anthem, titled “Locked & Loaded.” The track is already available on streaming platforms and will debut in-game on September 4 at 8 p.m. ET as part of the Fortnite Shop’s FNCS Emote and Jam Track. It has been designated the official theme for the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship, set to begin September 6 in Lyon, France—a city celebrated not only for its cultural heritage but also as a major hub for international esports. Elite players from around the world will compete for a prize pool exceeding $2 million.

D4vd, who is signed to Darkroom Records—an Interscope imprint recognized for launching alt-pop artists such as Gus Dapperton—has a longstanding personal connection to Fortnite. Before his music career took off, he cultivated an online following by creating and sharing Fortnite montages on YouTube in 2021. He began writing his own music partly to avoid copyright issues, a move that eventually led to three Billboard Hot 100 entries and recognition on Variety’s 2023 Young Hollywood list. Reflecting on the collaboration, D4vd said, “Fortnite played a huge role in my life and actually inspired me to start making music. Crafting the official anthem feels like everything has come full circle.” The song is specifically engineered to resonate with gamers, featuring energetic synths, deep basslines, and atmospheric production that echoes the thrill of high-stakes competition.

An official music video has also been released, blending animated sequences, competitive highlights, gameplay footage, and mixed-media elements. This partnership underscores the growing intersection between gaming and music, a trend that industry watchers say is reshaping how artists engage with audiences. Music and technology analyst Lena Choi observed, “Soundtracks within games are no longer secondary—they’re becoming focal points of cultural events and fan experiences.” D4vd expressed enthusiasm for future opportunities, adding, “I’m always open to working with the Fortnite team in whatever capacity they envision.”

Outside this release, D4vd is in the midst of his extensive “Withered” world tour, which includes over 50 dates across North America, Europe, and Australia. Support acts on the tour include rising artists such as Bryant Barnes, Yung Kai, Saga Faye, MOIO, and Hannah Bahng. High ticket demand has resulted in sold-out performances in numerous cities, including Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Paris, and Brisbane, highlighting his rapidly growing global fanbase.

The introduction of “Locked & Loaded” at one of esports’ most-watched tournaments marks a significant moment both for D4vd’s artistic journey and for Fortnite’s ongoing fusion with music and entertainment. As virtual performances and in-game releases grow more advanced, partnerships like this may signal a new era of seamless integration between musicians, gaming communities, and digital platforms—bridging virtual and real-world experiences in innovative ways.