Hello. My name is Daniel J. Cartier.
I live in a log cabin and write songs. I'm inspired by starry night skies, love, loss, redemption... and having a wonderful time while we're on this planet spinning through space.
As a recovering drug addict, alcoholic and psych ward attendee... I'm also inspired by the concept that we all deserve second chances in life... not to mention third and fourth chances. We all deserve to live our lives free of shame.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone... hope exists if we choose to see it. Having been saved by friends in the past, I now hope to do the same for others. All of us have the potential to be a spark of change in another persons life.
I hope I'm not too preachy. It isn't my intention. I've copied and pasted my official "bio" below. It does a better job of listing my accomplishments then I ever could. Now that I've properly introduced myself, let me add that I hope you're having a great day! I send you good tidings from Nashville.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Cartier
songwriter, singer, producer, filmmaker, actor, writer, visual artist and all around groovy dude.
Biography of Daniel J. Cartier
"BEHOLD! HERE'S REASON FOR APPLAUSE!" (Interview Magazine)
After 10 years of self-imposed isolation, singer songwriter Daniel Cartier re-emerges triumphantly in 2010. Daniel’s new album, Redemption, showcases the powerhouse vocals which “wrenched from a wounded place, set him on a par with Annie Lennox. Beneath the tough-guy swagger he’s a broken bird pleading for love.” (Time Out New York)
Redemption, produced by TONY® AWARD winning producer Joe McGinnis (Spring Awakening, Best Musical 2007) and Cartier, along with Nashville sound engineer Derek Garten (Pico vs. Island Trees, Parachute Musical, Jewel, Band Of Horses) brings Daniel’s voice front and center. Symphonic elements — strings, horns, and woodwinds — weave through a landscape of thundering guitars, drums and electronic machinery. It’s classic vintage rock (Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues) meets Radiohead with a dash of Rufus Wainright drama and Smashing Pumpkins angst. It’s all these things to a point… but beyond that it’s uniquely Daniel Cartier.
The road to Redemption has not been smooth. It’s littered with record deals gone sour, a nervous breakdown, alcoholism, drug addiction, heartache, psych wards, and rehab. It’s a story heard before, one that kills dreams and ends lives… yet in true survivor fashion Daniel has come full circle and is once again standing at a microphone singing. Some things are just meant to be. Redemption tells the tale.
Discovered by Elton John and signed to Elton’s label Rocket Records in the late 1990s, Daniel was paired with legendary producer Fred Maher (10,000 Maniacs, Matthew Sweet, Lou Reed). The resulting disc, Avenue A, was a critical smash, receiving 5-star reviews in various publications and landing on many “best of” lists at the year’s end. Sadly, the party was cut short when a corporate takeover of PolyGram put countless artists, including Cartier, out of a deal.
Defying all odds and despite personal turmoil, Daniel forged ahead. Piecing together a small recording setup, he educated himself on the art of sound engineering and recorded four CD's on his own. His organic approach to songwriting and prolific ability has resulted in a catalog of 600 songs spanning many different musical styles. Daniel is also currently working on a Christmas album and a CD of cover songs. When not recording or performing Daniel spends his time creating gigantic works of art which have been shown in galleries around America. He also began his acting career with a bang, landing roles in films, and is working on a book about happiness; a subject he is learning more about with each passing day.
Daniel’s fascinating experience has included many thrills. The Subway CD recorded live in the tunnels beneath NYC raised thousands of dollars to benefit the homeless. Daniel has hosted countless fundraisers for animal shelters and donates his time and talent to both human- and animal-related charities. He’s been privileged to work with and learn from many accomplished people, among them Daryl Hall and Sir Elton himself. This résumé combined with innate talent makes Daniel’s music inspiring and unique.
Redemption features brilliant work by some of Nashville’s best players along with stunning performances by members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, P-funk All Stars, The Wallflowers and more. From soaring cathedral sounds to down-and-dirty grit, Redemption provides a musical journey that speaks to the soul of every human trying to stay calm in a sometimes-crazy world.
Redemption is due for release in Spring 2010. Expect great things.
