He’s getting into his second act.
Actor Ben Barnes, who has been a Hollywood staple for many years in reveals like “Westworld,” “The Punisher,” “Shadow and Bone,” and films like “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has launched his debut album, referred to as “Where The Light Gets In” (now obtainable).
His music video for his track “One Minute More” feat. Monica Martin is out Friday, Feb. 14.
“The fact that I’m doing this new thing in my 40s is something that people have really found that they can take some kind of comfort in. It’s never too late to try something new,” Barnes, 43, advised The Put up.
“As I’ve been doing shows [on tour], I found myself talking about that more and more — about just getting out and doing the thing that makes you happy, because our time is very precious on this planet.”
He added that it’s been gratifying to see his followers comply with him into this new endeavor.
“They’ve gone with me through playing psychopathic murderers in Marvel shows,” he stated, referring to his character Billy Russo / Jigsaw on “The Punisher.”
He continued, “All the way through to all different genres that I’ve done…And now I’m doing this music thing, which is so much more and about sharing something of my authentic self, rather than hiding behind a character or delivering someone else’s script.”
Barnes’ musical sound is a combination of poppy and soulful. He cited Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Rolling Stones as being amongst his influences that he favored listening to throughout his childhood in England.
He additionally collaborated with Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine on his album by way of a contented coincidence, when he ran into them on the fitness center.
“He had seen me in a show, and obviously I had seen him as part of one of the biggest bands in the world. And I just thought it was worth taking a chance. I ran after him in the parking lot, and I said, ‘I’m putting together some music. Would you ever be interested in writing a song together or anything?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, sure, why not?’” Barnes recalled.
“So we started to write a song together…and he ended up producing the album. Having that kind of endorsement felt really wonderful.”
Barnes hasn’t ditched his performing profession, nevertheless. He’s nonetheless bought an upcoming starring function in a Stephen King adaptation (“The Institute,” coming to MGM+ at an unannounced date).
“I think my career started out — there was a lot of ‘boy with sword’ kind of arcs,” he stated, referring to his function as Prince Caspian within the “Narnia” franchise and his function in “Stardust.”
He stated after that, he had enjoyable taking part in “naughty” characters, just like the sleazy Logan on “Westworld,” the “murderous and narcissistic” Jigsaw within the “Punisher” after which “just sort of a pure villain in ‘Shadow and Bone.’”
Barnes tried “to find an element of charm” in his latest villain roles.
However now in “The Institute,” he’s trying ahead to circling again to “playing a character that you’re rooting for.”
“I play an ex-cop [and] you’ll be either very disappointed or very relieved to hear that this is a man with a moral compass!” he advised the Put up. “It was fun after quite a few years of playing manipulative liars to play someone who tells the truth.”
One in all Barnes’ earliest tasks, 2008’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” can also be getting an replace — as “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig is making a “The Chronicles of Narnia” film.
“It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. So, this new version is going to be the best thing that’s ever happened to somebody else. I think Greta Gerwig always makes really fresh feeling, exciting films….I’m excited to see what that is.”
About whether or not he’d take part within the movie if requested, Barnes quipped: “Probably if I could voice some kind of beaver or something, why not?”
