Reading that he was the first artist signed to Elton John's Rocket Records; I wanted to know what type of artist would Elton want to compliment his label. (I'm a keyboard player, and Elton has influenced most gay keyboard players in one way or another.) I was also curious because Daniel and I sport shaved heads; with one major exception: his entire head has been tattooed.

The level of musicianship shouldn't have surprised me. After all, Daniel has received Elton John's seal of approval. Initially, I thought the timbre of Daniel's voice reminiscent of Morrissey. Unlike Morrissey, Daniel exhibits an optimistic passion that I found uplifting.

When asked about his influences, Daniel replied, "I love singer/songwriters like Sinead O'Connor and Patti Smith, but I also like bands like The Cars, Journey and Missing Persons. I was in my first band when I was 12 or 13 and we were very Gary Newman. Then I went through Gothic death rock and punkabilly. Now I realize I'll listen to anything if the people have heart and soul."

But it was the message in this artist's debut project that impressed me the most. In the 1st track of Avenue A entitled, Stumbling Home, Daniel sings:

Daniel's repertoire consists of over 500 original songs, which made it difficult for him to narrow down what songs would go on this album. He likes to rent movies while writing songs and will simultaneously work on about 20. When asked what types of movies inspire him, he replied, "Usually scary movies, but it depends on the song that I'm working on." He enjoys watching the same title repeatedly, and he also likes to watch nature films.

Daniel arrived in New York's East Village a few years ago flat broke and started performing in the city's subways. "I did that full-time for two years. It was a lot of fun because I could do anything I wanted – like play beautiful acoustic versions of really cheesy early –80s pop songs, which everybody always loved. It was also helpful because I had to win a new audience every 10 minutes."

I asked him what were some of his favorite covers and he listed these titles: I'll Melt with You by Modern English, Here Comes the Rain Again by the Eurhythmics, Billy Idol's White Wedding and Summertime from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

He established himself as an institution in the East Village, developing a large following. His first album, "Live from New York – The Subway Session" was recorded in the Canal Street station. Though pleased with this project, like most producers he wanted to give his fans something more. "I heard the songs fully produced, with keyboards and more guitars and full drums." His current release Avenue A is closer to his vision and is a tribute to the personalities of the East Village.

Even if you've never been to New York, or Avenue A, he acknowledges that most cities have a cultural haven where creative talent seems to thrive.

What also impressed me about Daniel was his total commitment to his project. He and his bassist Nayla della Penna drove down from New York to hang posters promoting their recent residency at the North Star Bar.

I hung out with the two of them and was impressed at how he diligently carried out his promotional duties. He confided that unlike most artists, he loves to do interviews as they provide insights on himself, "It's like receiving free therapy and helps put everything into perspective."

Although the label has been very supportive, he says, "I don't take anything for granted. I still hang posters and make phone calls. They are aware of a long term commitment into developing my career as an artist." When asked about his status as a new icon on the New York scene, he replied, "I don't trust it and don't take anything for granted."

Daniel's residency was advertised but not well attended. Part of that may have to due with the fact that the North Star Bar is off the beaten track and Philadelphians are territorial by nature, rarely venturing outside their neighborhoods. This author was disappointed but Daniel's fan base did grow exponentially. I was surprised to see that if somebody attended one show, they attended all of the subsequent shows and bought their friends with them.

During a recent in-store promotion at HMV Records, one fan bought 4 copies of Avenue A. We talked later and I discovered that he had to go out and buy additional copies because he wanted all of his friends to have them as Christmas gifts. This fan told me, "For some reason I was touched by his music which is unusual for me, I'm generally a 'circuit' person." Later I received an e-mail from the same fan inviting me to go to New Hampshire to see Daniel play December 27th.

It was also refreshing to see Daniel spend quality time with his fans, talking to each one as if he had known them for years. He embraced all of his fans – from drag queens to blacks, whites, gays and straights. One reason for this may be his exposure to the East Village. He has written a tribute to his dear friend (and New York legend) Mistress Formika, called "She".

Daniel also believes in giving back to the community that has supported him so long. In "Come Alive" a song about people living with AIDS he sings,

As a person living with HIV, I felt like he was singing directly to me.

It's Thanksgiving, and all of my friends are with their families enjoying the holidays. I'm sitting home about to get depressed when I pop his CD into my computer. The lyrics from Stumbling Home are echoing in my head like a mantra:

"Everyone deserves to feel love"

I'm impressed that Daniel Cartier got the message right on the first track of his major label debut. I'm also proud to call him a newfound friend.

Courtesy of Au Courant's GayPhilly Website