Cartier then teamed with producer Fred Maher to create his major label studio debut for Rocket Records.

Cartier toured throughout America and Europe and made several appearances on national television (MTV, VH1, NY1 News, FX, CNN) and radio in cities throughout the U.S.

He also appeared in numerous magazines, including Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Interview, HITS, PAPER, Vogue, Spin, New York Times, and The Boston Globe.

The album featured contributions by members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, P-funk All Stars, The Wallflowers, Sheryl Crow's backup band, and the Nashville Symphony.

In 2021, Cartier's music appeared in the critically acclaimed film Swan Song, starring Udo Kier, Linda Evans, and Jennifer Coolidge.

At the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion that marked a turning point in the LGBT movement, Daniel received a standing ovation from an estimated 500,000 people after performing his song, "Pushing Back Life."

He has been compared to artists including Al Green, Cat Stevens, Donovan, Sonic Youth, the late Jeff Buckley, and "a kinder, gentler Prince.