Valdii Wins Best Songwriter

Oshawa, ON. — Bowmanville’s VALDII was named Oshawa Music Award’s Best Songwriter in a live award show segment hosted online on Saturday, May 16.

Other nominees in the category included, Barbara Lynn Doran of Brooklyn and Hunter Sheridan of Ajax. Each finalist was showcased through a pre-recorded medley of their work and spoke to their experiences with their craft in a virtual songwriter’s circle moderated by Artemis Chartier and Dale Russell, songwriting advocates and co- founders of School Alliance of Student Songwriters (S.A.S.S.).

Daniel Waldi Richter (Valdii) kicked off his musical career through the creation of the band Eleven Past One in 2009. Eleven Past One found success through their breakout gold selling single 'The World Is Ours' released 2013, with over 1 million views on YouTube and reaching status of being a Top 15 Radio hit in Canada. Valdii has performed with artists such as Down with Webster, Hedley, Cody Simpson, Tyler Shaw, and Danny Fernandes, in addition to making tv appearances on MuchMusic's New Music Live, The Marilyn Denis Show, YTV's The Next Star, The Morning Show, Breakfast Television, CP24, Family Channel among others. Now pursuing his solo career, Valdii is continuing to work with top producers, writers and artists to bring his upcoming debut solo album to the world’s stage with Soundrive Records under the management of Future5th.

“Thank you OMA’s for the recognition, this is my first award ever and to the other talent; it was amazing to be in the same category with you. After working with my band [Eleven Past One] for almost a decade, and then to be releasing music as a solo artist for only one year, it feels amazing to be receiving this award,” Valdii said in a heartfelt acceptance speech.

The show was by hosted by Sandy Horne, from iconic 80’s band Spoons. Catherine Richards, Manager of Culture and Central Recreation Services, City of Oshawa. presented the award for Best Songwriter on behalf of Oshawa Express. Nomination for the award was open to songwriters from all genres who had released music for public consumption within the eligibility period, the finalists were selected by a committee of judges and the winner through results of the public vote that reflected the decision of 4000 unique voters across 16 countries.

“We would like to congratulate Valdii on receiving the Best Songwriter award for 2020. We are very proud to be a part of these awards ceremonies to acknowledge the local talent here in Oshawa. Your courage and sacrifices for the arts are an inspiration to many and we recognize the huge contribution you make to our community and to people’s lives. We thank you for all of your passion, your efforts, and artistic creativity that inspires and moves us,” Kim Boatman, Director of Advertising said in a special message to Valdii on behalf of sponsor Oshawa Express.

The final award presentation of Durham Song of the Year takes place on May 23, live on at 7:00 PM EST. The Awards show can be viewed (after) from the OMA website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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For more information or further questions, please visit our website at oshawamusicawards.ca or email us at oshawamusicawards@gmail.com. For media, please contact, pressmedia.oshawamusicawards@gmail.com

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