@katherine-chatham: Hi Katherine, WOW! thank you, thats a really nice comment and really makes us ready to get stuck into our next track. all the very best for now, cheers Matt & John :)

@koluchka-koluchka: Hi there, thank you so much for your kind comment, all the best for now, cheers Matt & John :)

Like it very much. This is really great work Matt & John.
A very dramatic and dark theme........
And so the story could go on...
The traveler awakens from his dream when the alarm goes off ....

great music, matt & john ...& wonderful description, too!!! :)

It fits the picture but Excellent with this composition!

A Mood Music uploaded, as I expect you! -Fantastic -

Hi there and welcome to our latest track in our 'Themes' Sound set
'The Cottage in the Woods'.

In this track we imagine an old cottage that's located deep within a dark foreboding forest. Nobody knows who lives there and the locals seem unaware of the route through the dark forest surrounding it, as nobody has been there for years. Its only really known about at all through local folklore and tales passed from one generation to the next. People say its a bad place and tell youngsters not to go there! even though nobody knows how to get there? 

But one day, when travelling along a very well worn route through the forest, a lone traveller comes across a small winding path leading from the main path that they've never noticed before? In the distance they are sure they can hear the feint noise of a woman singing, over the breeze through the branches and the rustle of leaves. Intrigued the traveller begins following the small path towards the singing, fixated with discovering its source. But when the singing stops, they suddenly realise they cannot find their way back. 

After trying to retrace their steps for several hours, dusk slowly settles across the forest and as the crows cry and fight for their night-time roosts the shadows grow longer and a chill descends to blanket the land. 

Alone, cold, frightened and lost the traveller starts to panic, and as they hurry through the dark forest, they only find themselves becoming more and more disorientated. When the finally slump to the floor resting against the trunk of a mighty tree, they notice what seems to be an orange glow in the distance?At first they are unsure of what this light is, wondering if their eyes are playing tricks on them. But as they start to work their way through the tangled woodland under-storey, they realise their is a small cottage, nestled between the trees, occupying a small clearing. 

They finally break free from the woodlands dark fringe, with hope filling their heart, but as they step into the clearing, the strange singing starts again...........The traveller is draw to the voice, as before, but this time they also get a very uneasy feeling that something isn't quiet right, like there is no going back! Almost in a trance they slowly walk towards the dark cottage in the woods...........

We like to leave the rest of the story to our creation and want you to decide how the story ends.........?

Composed by: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker & John Styles
Arrangement: John Styles & Matt Baker
Production: John Styles

We had great fun making this track and I thank John for all of his hard work to make the finished piece so magical. We hope you enjoy it to and would love to hear and comments and feedback you have, or how you think the story may end.........?

Thanks for listening, all the best for now, Cheers Matt & John :)


Matt Baker & John Styles - The Cottage In The Woods

Music has always been an integral part of my life. From my earliest memories, it has shaped how I express my emotions and bring my creative ideas to life. Whether it was hours spent with a slightly out-of-tune upright piano or strumming on my sister's guitar, I was hooked. While I struggled with traditional music theory and never quite mastered reading or writing music, my passion for sound and composition only grew.

My journey truly began with a Casio VL-Tone, a keyboard that allowed me to record simple melodies. Throughout my teenage years, I poured countless hours and resources into building my first collection of music gear, recording everything from theme songs to pop and punk covers with friends. In my early twenties, I played in several bands and immersed myself in the live music scene, which was a great experience but often came with late nights and long hours.

During this time, I also began exploring electronic music more seriously, acquiring my first proper setup: a Kawai keyboard, Technics sequencer, Alesis HR16 drum machine, and a Yamaha MT100 4-track recorder. These tools opened up new possibilities and inspired me to experiment with electronic music production and midi-based compositions.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, fantasy, and cinematic soundtracks, I soon found myself gravitating toward composing thematic music. Movies, being my second greatest passion, heavily influenced the direction of my creative work.

In my 30s, life’s demands shifted my focus toward career and family, but my love for music never waned. Entering my 40s, I had the opportunity to refocus, acquiring new gear and fully committing to my musical development. With the help of modern technology, I now have a home studio where I can bring my musical ideas to life with greater precision and depth.

My current setup includes a Korg Triton LE, Cubase 12, Nektar LE88, Steinberg UR824 interface, and an array of VSTs such as Kontakt, Halion Sonic SE, Retrologue, and EastWest Symphonic Choirs, among others. This home studio, built over nearly a decade, allows me to push creative boundaries and explore new sounds and compositions.

Based in Liverpool, I’m currently writing is almost every style. Rock songs for my band Inner Fire. Pop tracks inspired by the 80's and 90's. Theme music inspired by film and literature with the aspiration of one day scoring a full-length production. 

Since joining SoundCloud, I've had the privilege of connecting with talented musicians and creative minds from around the world. One of the most fulfilling collaborations has been with John Styles, where we’ve explored a wide range of musical genres. 

I’m also proud to serve as the principal composer for Music for Brains, a project dedicated to healing through music and creativity. Working on this project has been deeply rewarding, as it has allowed me to connect with individuals on an emotional level, crafting compositions inspired by their stories.

I’m always open to feedback and collaboration, as it helps me refine my craft. While working in the music industry is a dream, I am also a grateful family man, and the support of my loved ones plays a crucial role in fuelling my passion. I am thankful to have such a strong network of family and friends who encourage me to keep pursuing my musical ambitions.

If you're in need of music for a production or project, feel free to reach out. I would be excited to contribute my creativity and help bring your vision to life.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my music—I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Matt

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