Introduction: Over the past few years, I have had the incredible opportunity to conduct portrait shoots for the immensely talented DJ Total Eclipse in various locations such as Fortitude Valley, Newstead, and Redcliffe. His remarkable journey as an original member of New York City's legendary X-MEN/X-ECUTIONERS DJ collective has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. From pioneering Party Rocking Turntablism to touring with esteemed artists like Eminem and Jay-Z, Total Eclipse has carved a niche as one of the most sought-after DJs in the world.
A Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience: During our portrait sessions, it became evident that Total Eclipse is not only an extraordinary DJ but also a very relaxed and easygoing person to be around. His down-to-earth nature made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable, allowing me to capture the essence of his charisma and talent through my lens.
Success and Stardom: Total Eclipse's journey to success reached new heights when he recently returned from a triumphant Hilltop Hoods tour in Australia, captivating sold-out crowds with his mesmerizing performances. As a Red Bull 3Style & DMC Competition Alumni, he continues to make waves in the DJ world, starring in Season 2 of the television hit show Master of the Mix on BET.
An Unparalleled Pioneer: His contributions to turntablism are unparalleled, having played a significant role in producing influential albums like X-Pressions, Revolutions, and Built from Scratch. Notably, the album's single "It's Going Down" soared to the top spot on MTV's TRL for four consecutive weeks, solidifying Total Eclipse's reputation as a true trailblazer in the art form.
A Showmanship Extraordinaire: Total Eclipse's talents extend beyond DJ competitions, as he's performed alongside renowned artists such as Miri Ben-Ari and toured with hip-hop greats like Dilated Peoples and DJ Premier. His unforgettable appearance on MTV's Icon, introducing Aerosmith with the X-Ecutioners, showcased his exceptional showmanship to a star-studded audience.
An Evolving Legacy: Inspired by collaborations with legendary artist Mike Patton, Total Eclipse embarked on televised appearances that demonstrated his ever-evolving talent and showmanship. His diverse and charismatic style, combined with an innate ability to read and engage crowds, has earned him recognition as one of the most sought-after DJs in any music genre.
A Global Phenomenon: Total Eclipse's impact extends worldwide, with club residencies and tours taking him to multiple continents. Renowned brands like Nike and Red Bull seek his expertise to market their products, while media giants Maxim, MTV, and BET turn to him for rocking tastemaker events.
A Bright Future: As Total Eclipse keeps the legacy of Grandmaster Roc Raida and The X-Ecutioners alive, he is building an incredible legacy of his own around the world. His collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Matt Stein in creating high-impact, energetic music for various platforms further solidifies his status as a true artist and innovator.
Conclusion: Working with DJ Total Eclipse has been an unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of his extraordinary talent and captivating spirit. As he continues to evolve and inspire, Total Eclipse's journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to push the boundaries of artistic expression.