Meet Damon Eagleton

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Damon Eagleton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Damon below.

Damon, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

In all honesty, I had to look up what “imposter syndrome” is. (smile). There are areas in which I am naturally gifted. I learn things really quickly, and at a deeper level of understanding in those areas. However, even with God-given, natural talent, there comes the need to work on the skills associated with those talents. I practice. I practice. I practice… and I measure the progress/improvement that comes as a result of putting in the work behind the scenes. I am grateful that God gave me the talent, and when I look back over my life and consider how many hours of work I put into developing the skillsets to do what I do, I know how I got where I am and am able to do what I do. I don’t believe in luck, so I give it no credit for anything. But if I did believe in it, my favorite quote about it would be “Luck favors the prepared.” That statement is equivalent to this formula “preparedness + opportunity + competent execution = success.”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a multi-instrumentalist. I play drums, piano, saxophone, and bass guitar. I have been playing music since I started playing drums at the age of 3 (which would be about 47 years now). I took piano lessons and played sax in band, but I taught myself drums and bass. Playing in church is what really helped me to learn the instruments and what their roles are in the music. This led to me becoming a producer… putting all of the elements together to make a whole piece of music.

My production company, BaldEagle Productions is a full-service music recording, production, performance and education company. From providing musical entertainment at live events, to recording instruments and singers in a studio session, to producing full albums from concept to completion… we serve artists and clients who are looking for that extra touch that will make their project or event memorable to all who experience it. At the heart of it, I just want people’s lives to be enhanced by the services I provide and the music that I make.

Our goal is to satisfy those who employ our services. One thing that excites me most is hearing a concept from a nervous new artist, then seeing the sheer elation and satisfaction on their face once the product is complete and seems to have exceeded their expectations. Also, the energy of collaborating with other musicians and feeding off each others’ creativity and energy is a feeling that nothing else compares to. Another great feeling is the joy that comes from watching a music student progress and grow on their instrument, and seeing that difference over time.

I recently was the musical director for Devinaire Barnes’s stage play, “Faith For My Family” at the MATCH theater in Houston, TX. There are plans in the works for taking that show on the road. I am quite looking forward to that experience. People can be on the lookout for that in the future.

Some of my albums can be found on Amazon and Apple Music as well.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

People skills. If you’re going to be a producer or a musician, your business is going to come from the people who you work with. Your reputation will not just be about your music skills, but also will include how people felt working with you.

Technology integration. Music is not technological… it is spiritual. It is emotional. It is relational. However, the times in which we live call for those of us in the music industry to have certain knowledge of the technological as well. Recording and production software, new electronic instruments, MIDI production centers, performance equipment… These things are constantly changing and/or improving. At the very least, producers and musicians should be familiar with the connection between music and technology in order to stay relevant and broaden their client base.

Music theory. For me, this is one that a lot of musicians overlook these days. Music can often sound repetitious. That’s usually because a musician doesn’t take the time to fill or expand his/her musical library. The more music theory we know, the more creative and versatile we can become… again resulting in a wider pool of clientele with which we can work.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents were observant. They watched me and paid attention to the things that I gravitated towards, then they supported me in those areas. My dad made all of my siblings and me take piano lessons. But they also put me into guitar lessons, violin lessons, bought my first sax, and supported me financially in my early studio and recording days. They put me on a practice schedule. They bought me my first sequencing and arranging keyboard (which I still use as part of my studio setup). They have been genuinely supportive of me and my musical journey. My mom still cries when she hears new music from me. Sometimes I just record songs just for her to hear them. They supported me in my music. That’s HUGE!

But even bigger than that… they led good, Godly lifestyles and showed me in their everyday actions what it means to be a good person. They showed me how to treat people. They taught me that striving for excellence is an everyday life philosophy, not just something you turn on for a specific project. They instilled a love for God in me. That has proven to be HUGE-R than the musical support. They (and God) are my foundation.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Damon Eagleton
• Youtube: BaldEaglePro

Image Credits

Photos by Nikkia Eagleton