We had the good fortune of connecting with Eclipse and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Eclipse, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Belief in one’s self should be a birthright. Something that we just intrinsically walk in. Unfortunately, for many, including myself, it is anything but.
I grew up in a household divided by alcoholism on my father’s side. Due to this, my father wasn’t as present in teaching me the things all children, especially sons from a father, need to grow into men who trust their talent, instinct, and abilities. It also creates situations in which many hard lessons are learned through making uninformed choices.
I lost many friends, who in one way or another were affected by similar circumstances, to street life. These were young men, full of talent and promise. Many did not make it to 30 years old.
As such, I would say, that the single most important decision that I have made as a contributing factor to success is learning that I am enough. My talent, my thoughts, my person, even the errors that I have committed. I am enough. The deficiencies that I perceive myself as having due to circumstances that I could not change are not marks of a man who does not deserve success, nor the ability to believe in his own immense gifts and talents. And, that it is acceptable to keep telling this message to myself, especially on days when trauma and self doubt sometimes lead me to believe otherwise.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Charles R. Barnes. Jr., also known as “Eclipse”, is a talented lyricist, poet, ghostwriter, and music educator.
An ear for music, beats, patterns, metaphors, and word play, Eclipse is co-creator of an innovative music therapy program which teaches expression of anger, sadness, dreams, powerlessness, and aspirations through rhythm and poetry. He has worked with nonprofit organizations, school systems, educational facilities, the NAACP, and community organizations serving individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Born to a drummer in a music band, Eclipse accompanied his father on stage in performances starting as early as the age of 4.
By age 8 he was writing original songs to old school instrumentals such as The Gap Band or James Brown, by 10 he had formed his own rap group.
His professional music career began in 1998 when he joined a rap trio named Dark Alley. He quickly became a fan favorite and the lead writer of the many of their songs. In 2004 he left the group to go solo. In 2019, he founded his own label, Dark Squad Entertainment.
Eclipse is particularly gifted in writing lyrics that connect to the heart and the depth of the human experience. His music has been lauded as “audio food for the soul”.
His single “History”, written as a celebration of Black History, is a thoughtful journey into the lives of civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. It encourages us to come to the understanding that history consists of the personal actions we each perform from day to day and the way that we respond daily to decisions and adversity.
Presently, Eclipse has released his debut EP, “What’s Done in the Dark Will Come to the Light” on all streaming platforms. It is an introspective journey exploring all sides of Eclipse as a musician. From songs like “Love and Pain” to the straight club banger “Shut it Down”, his songs speak and connect to the ear and heart of audiences of all ages and backgrounds. His most recent release “Be Mine” a charming tale of the initial spark, connection, and journey of falling in love has received stunning reviews from critics of all ages and backgrounds.
He is co-host of a weekly YouTube podcast “The Eclipse with Dark Squad Entertainment”, an actor, and a Music Arts Therapist, teaching populations of all backgrounds to express trauma and triumph through rhythm and poetry.
He works as a songwriter, ghostwriter, and studio & music coach for artists in any geographic location who wish to improve in musicianship.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ben’s Chili Bowl, Washington, DC
The National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland
The Wharf, Washington, DC
The National Mall & Museums, Washington, DC
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dr. Patrise Holden, Manager Extraordinaire and Builder of Dreams & Community
Joyce, Charles, & Bianca Barnes, The Best Family Fanbase an Artist Could Have
Paul Butler, My Unofficial Manager, Friend, and Lead Publicist
Razr & Gizz of Dark Alley, 2/3 of the greatest rap trio of ever
Mo Digga, Mentor, Friend, Musician & Beatmaker Light Years Ahead of His Time
Kiana “Keyonce” Beekman, Comedian, Influencer, and Creative Director for all Dark Squad Events
Breeze of After Hours Recording Studio, Bowie, MD for his counsel, resources, and amazing spirit
The Dark Squad (fanbase) who always faithfully support. As an indie artist this support is priceless..
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darksquadentertainment
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eclipse-Dark-Squad-Entertainment-104109018599937/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EclipseofDarkSquadEntertainment
Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/65174N80pMifU6ZzmUBxfi iTunes https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eclipse/1604488090
Image Credits
LaTonia Sanders Instagram: @tonia_shoots Slab Lab Recording Instagram: @slablabrecording