Biography

Daniel has composed music since taking up the acoustic guitar at eight. By 15, he began playing the piano. Stylistically influenced by American musicians, yet barely out of his teens, he had a great desire to discover the roots of the music he loved. So, he hitchhiked to New Orleans and Nashville seeking out jam sessions with local talents, while absorbing all the knowledge these veteran musicians had to share.

In 2009, Daniel realized his musical dream with his first studio album Nine at the Time. His rich, haunting voice met with critical acclaim including a rave review in Cashbox Canada. Soul Reunion, Daniel’s second album launched in 2013 was so well received, he landed a Cashbox Canada cover story and a link on the Cashbox website in the US. (http://www.cashboxcanada.ca/4334/daniel-casavant-soul-reunion)

Daniel has received international airplay and appeared on Canadian and American television. Career highlights include six honorable mentions from The Billboard Magazine World Song Contest, top 10 Canadian finalist at The Mountain Stage Newsong Contest presented by Folk Alliance in 2008, two top 10-rated folk songs on the popular American Idol website in May 2006, and two songs semi-finalist in both the U.K. Songwriting Contest and Mike Pinder’s Songwars in 2009.

The accolades continued. In 2010, Daniel was selected as one of the best independent artists by Head Case Radio in Seattle, Washington, and artist of the month for March 2010 on Country Mania Radio in The Netherlands. In 2011, his song “Travellin’ Girl” reached number one on Indie - Music’s website in the folk/rock category for 14 consecutive weeks and “I Will Be a Real Cowboy” was the fifth most listened to song on the all-genres charts for that entire year.

Since December 2013, Daniel and co-writer Kathryn Kates have released four singles. “Wishes for Christmas”, a sentimental and reflective melodic holiday single with Daniel on vocals and guitar. “Walking from the Clouds”, originally written as a folk song by Kathryn Kates, in honour of her late mother, is an upbeat adult contemporary, country influenced with uplifting melody and joyous vocals. The lyrics won a grand prize from Cadbury’s Mother’s Day Contest. Here’s Daniel on CHCH Morning Live (http://www.chch.com/live-music-friday-daniel-casavant/)

“Never Too High, Never Too Low”, is a hopeful, upbeat song about battling the ups and downs of life. Depression has touched many of us or our family members… the message of this very relatable song is simply about balance in our day-to-day lives. “Jam in Jamaica” is a catchy tune about the warmth and rhythms of the Caribbean island. Daniel’s unique singing style combines a hint of rock, roots, country and reggae.

Quotes:

“I absolutely LOVE Daniel Casavant’s music. I see it as a sort of an indie folk version of Bruce Springsteen with a little Cat Stevens thrown in for good measure. Very cool vibe and I could really see him having huge worldwide success.” Ken McMeans, Ken McMeans Presents...Representing National Country Artists & Tours, United States

"Daniel's voice is engaging and distinctive and I love it! Daniel's love of life comes to lifein this song - an uplifting ode to hope. It would do very well in the gospel/Christian genre." Elissa Lansdell, Former host of CMT (Country Music Television) Canada

"Terrific intellectual property. Good on ya - great song." Ronnie King, The Stampeders – recipient of the Socan Lifetime Achievement Award

“One of Montreal’s most eclectic musicians. Since this is radio, let me just describe that you can’t imagine the joy on Daniel’s face when he performs. I love the raspy voice… a lot of fun to listen to. I love listening to musicians that know what they are doing!” Barry Morgan, The Barry Morgan Show, CJAD Radio, Montreal

“I quite enjoy Daniel’s music. He’s got a really nice voice and his music doesn’t sound like anybody else’s and these days and ages it is hard to come up with a really unique sound. It is really a pleasure to play you on the show.” Chris Sturgess-Olliffe of Insomnia Radio Canada

''Daniel Casavant crosses the boundaries between roots and intelligent commercial idioms with a wide expanse of styles and influences in both his writing and vocal performances - one to watch in my opinion!" Internationally renowned singer/songwriter Steve Payne, United Kingdom

“Daniel was very personable and easy to talk to...allowing me to help bring awareness to his beautiful music.” Diana Broomfield, WDGP Radio, Maryland

“When speaking to Daniel Casavant his charming accent and warmth immediately makes you feel his passion for his music. Born in Montreal, Quebec, this singer/songwriter has it all; a great look, musical talent and a flair for writing wonderful songs.” Sandy Graham, Editor-in-Chief, Cashbox Canada

"Don't be fooled by a song title like "I Will Be A Real Cowboy" because Daniel Casavant is no cowboy in training. He's much more of a soul man, instead. While folk music also enters the musical picture, "Once In A While" plays to Casavant's strength - the soul ballad. He sounds a little like Cat Stevens at times, as well, which only makes everything better. These are well-developed songs by a true pro, so it's easy to ease into listening to Daniel Casavant.”
Dan MacIntosh, Indie Music