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While Canadian singer/artist Daniel Richter isn't new to the music industry, he's branching out into the Christian side of things with his new single.
Richter, from Ontario, was in the band Eleven Past One right out of college.
"We were a pop band, top 40, mainstream," says Richter. "We were grinding for a long time, starting back in 2006. In 2009, we started taking things seriously as I had just graduated University, and my brother and his buddies just graduated high school. We took off, living in trailer parks all over the states, going for it."
In 2013, the band signed a record deal with Warner Music Canada, which lasted a few years. The record label then offered Richter a solo contract.
"I was praying and praying about it. It's one of the hardest things to pray when you're saying, 'God, have your way and close a door if you want it to be closed, even if I might want it, extremely bad.' I just had to say no."
Richter went on to release music as a solo artist on his own, under the name Valdii, which is his middle name. That lasted for four years.
"Just this past year, God called me, saying, 'You've been waiting long enough. I really need you to go into Christian ministry.' I can't run from it, so I've decided to go hard at this now. God is using me, and it's exciting. I've been leading worship at my church for the past two years."
New Christian Music
Richter's first single on the Christian music scene was released May 9, 2025, and it's called "Light That Shines."
"It's about redemption, hope, second chances, and just honesty. I open up in the verses talking about how I had a lot of shame and guilt from things I've done in the past. When you believe the enemy's lies, it can really tear you down. I'm just encouraging people that God is there to take away that guilt and shame. You just got to let him."
Richter says some of his musical influences include Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, and Phil Wickham.