Dive into the depths of introspection with "Reflective Rhythms," a collection of thought-provoking songs by Xak Stahl. This playlist weaves together melodies that evoke contemplation and serenity, guiding you through a journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration. Featuring tracks like "In-Between," "Whispering Shadows," "Innocence Lost," "Until We Meet Again," "Ab Imo Pectore," "Shadows & Light," "Rising Through the Darkness," and "Whispers of Hope," each song is a testament to the power of music to touch the soul and inspire reflection. Allow the gentle waves of sound and the subtle reflections in the lyrics to lead you to a place of peace and inner clarity.

Reflective Rhythms

"Whispers of Hope" is a poignant ballad that captures the essence of "Shelter of the Heart," a powerful debut novel by Xak Stahl. This emotive song tells a story of resilience, love, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity, mirroring the journey of the book's protagonist, Sam Bennett.

Set in the vibrant yet unforgiving streets of West Hollywood, "Shelter of the Heart" follows Sam, a once-aspiring artist now struggling with homelessness and addiction. The novel explores Sam's path to redemption as he rediscovers his passion for art and finds unexpected kindness in a world that had seemed indifferent to his pain.

Just as the song speaks of "a flicker of hope, a spark of light," the book delves into themes of second chances, the healing power of creativity, and the transformative nature of compassion. Through Sam's eyes, readers experience the harsh realities of life on the streets, the struggle to rebuild a shattered sense of self, and the profound impact of a supportive community.

"Whispers of Hope" encapsulates this journey from despair to hope, from isolation to connection, reflecting the novel's central message that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. The lyrics, "Through the pain and fear, we'll find our way, Together we'll rise, with each new day," echo the book's underlying theme of resilience and the strength found in human connection.

This song serves as both a companion piece to the novel and a standalone testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

Lyrics:

In the neon glow of the city streets
Where shadows dance and dreams retreat
A heart worn down, yet still it beats
Yearning for a place to belong

In the quiet storm of a restless night
Echoes of a life once shining bright
A flicker of hope, a spark of light
Guides the way through the darkest dawn

Whispers of hope, in the cold night air
Promises of love, a heart laid bare
Through the pain and fear, we'll find our way
Together we'll rise, with each new day

Footsteps echo on the broken ground
Lost and alone, where no love is found
Yet in the silence, a gentle sound
A voice that calls, "You're not alone."

With every breath, a chance to start
To heal the wounds, to mend the heart
In the shelter of a tender heart
We'll find our strength, we'll find our home

Whispers of hope, in the cold night air
Promises of love, a heart laid bare
Through the pain and fear, we'll find our way
Together we'll rise, with each new day

In the darkest hour, when hope seems lost
We'll stand together, no matter the cost
For in each other, we'll find the strength
To face the night, to go the length

Whispers of hope, in the cold night air
Promises of love, a heart laid bare
Through the pain and fear, we'll find our way
Together we'll rise, with each new day

So hold on tight, to the dreams we weave
In the shelter of love, we will believe
For in the whispers of hope, we'll find
The courage to heal, the strength to shine

Whispers of Hope

Buy on iTunes

"Whispering Shadows," written and performed by Xak Stahl, is a haunting indie folk ballad that explores the delicate landscape of a relationship in distress. This emotionally charged track weaves together introspective lyrics with a melancholic melody, creating a poignant narrative of love, loss, and regret.

Stahl's vocals carry a raw vulnerability, perfectly capturing the song's themes of emotional disconnection and unspoken pain. The lyrics paint vivid imagery using natural elements as metaphors for the relationship's decline, from wilting flowers to dimming stars, enhancing the song's atmospheric quality.

Musically, "Whispering Shadows" builds a soundscape that mirrors its lyrical content. Gentle acoustic guitar work intertwines with subtle, atmospheric elements, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The chorus, with its whispering wind and approaching storm, adds a layer of foreboding that heightens the emotional impact.

The bridge offers a moment of wishful thinking and desire for reconciliation, adding depth to the song's exploration of complex emotions. The outro's repetitive, almost mantra-like quality emphasizes the lingering pain and unresolved feelings.

"Whispering Shadows" is more than just a song; it's an emotional journey through the complexities of human relationships. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt the pain of growing apart from a loved one, offering a musical space for reflection and catharsis.

Lyrics:

Yesterday I saw you, 
but your smile was out of reach
Tried to find the words, 
but you turned away, said it’s just fatigue
One day turned into weeks
Now months blend into years
And a silence grows that only heightens all my fears
You’re lost in a labyrinth of thoughts, 
shadows cloud your mind
Distance fills the space where our laughter used to shine
I can’t find a way, I can’t see the path
But my soul feels heavy, and my heart starts to crack

"Whisper in the dark," the night wind gently sighs
"A storm is near, I feel its quiet rise"
Flowers close their petals and the rivers lose their song
Stars dim their light, showing something's deeply wrong

Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah

Just the other night, caught in life’s endless race
I failed to notice tears, that sadness in your face
Overlooked the signs, lost in my own grind
Now you’ve pulled away, left our love behind
You’re lost in a labyrinth of thoughts, 
shadows cloud your mind
Distance fills the space where our laughter used to shine
I can’t find a way, I can’t see the path
But my soul feels heavy, and my heart starts to crack

"Whisper in the dark," the night wind gently sighs
"A storm is near, I feel its quiet rise"
Flowers close their petals and the rivers lose their song
Stars dim their light, showing something's deeply wrong

Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah

If I could turn back time, hold you closer than before
Erase the shadows, bring light to where you’re torn
Every whispered word, every silent plea
I’d hear them clearly, bring you back to me

Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
You’re really hurting (ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
You’re hurting (ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah)
Ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah-ah

Whispering Shadows

This deeply personal and emotionally charged ballad is a poignant tribute to a mother's unwavering faith and a son's complex journey of love, loss, and healing. The song delicately balances themes of spiritual devotion with the weight of hidden trauma, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and cathartic.

Through gentle melodies and introspective lyrics, the song explores the dichotomy between a mother's steadfast belief and her son's struggle with faith in the aftermath of childhood abuse. It touches on the guilt of keeping secrets, the pain of loss, and the ongoing search for personal spiritual reconciliation.

The chorus serves as a powerful refrain of love and hope, expressing the desire for understanding and connection that transcends even death. The bridge offers a glimpse into the narrator's ongoing journey, honoring his mother's memory while seeking his own path to healing and faith.

This song speaks to anyone who has grappled with family secrets, religious trauma, or the loss of a loved one. It offers a raw and honest look at the complexities of faith, family, and personal growth in the face of profound adversity.

Lyrics:

You were a woman of faith, dear Mom
Your love for the Lord never waned
You found comfort in prayer, in the church's embrace
And I longed to share in your grace

But I held a secret deep inside
A pain too great to confide
I was just a child, innocent and pure
But a man of God stole that from me, I'm sure

I never wanted to burden you, Mom
With the truth of what happened, what I've become
But I know you're watching from above
And I hope you can see my heart, and my love

As you fought for each breath, dear Mom
Your faith was the last thing you held on
You clung to it tightly, with all your might
And I prayed to the Lord to make things right

But those memories still haunt me
The guilt and shame that won't set me free
I wish I could have told you, Mom
But I didn't want to break your faith, your bond

I never wanted to burden you, Mom
With the truth of what happened, what I've become
But I know you're watching from above
And I hope you can see my heart, and my love

I'm still searching for my own faith, Mom
Trying to find my way in this world
But I know you're with me, every step I take
And I'll honor your memory, for heaven's sake

I never wanted to burden you, Mom
With the truth of what happened, what I've become
But I know you're watching from above
And I hope you can see my heart, and my love

I love you, Mom, more than words can say
And I'll carry your memory with me, every day
Until we meet again, in God's embrace
I'll keep searching for my own faith, and my grace

Innocence Lost

"In-Between," written by Xak Stahl and soulfully performed by Zoé Le Fleur, is a poignant indie-folk ballad that delves into the complex emotional landscape of healing. This introspective track explores the liminal space between overcoming depression and anxiety and adjusting to a new, calmer reality.

Le Fleur's vocals carry a delicate vulnerability, perfectly capturing the song's bittersweet tone. Her nuanced delivery brings to life the conflicting emotions of relief and disorientation that come with newfound stability after emotional turmoil.

Musically, "In-Between" creates a soundscape that mirrors its lyrical content. Gentle acoustic guitar melodies intertwine with subtle, atmospheric elements, creating a sense of space that echoes the emotional "in-between" described in the lyrics. The arrangement maintains a delicate balance between melancholy and hope, mirroring the protagonist's journey.

The chorus serves as a powerful reflection on the complexities of healing, with its refrain of "feeling okay, yet not okay" resonating deeply with anyone who has navigated the aftermath of mental health struggles. The bridge offers a moment of self-awareness, acknowledging the possibility of personal change and the shifting dynamics of relationships post-recovery.

"In-Between" is more than just a song; it's a compassionate exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of the healing process. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt caught between two emotional states, offering a melodic validation of these complex feelings and a reminder that healing is a journey, not a destination.

Lyrics:

I woke up today, the sun on my face,
No shadows creeping in, no dark embrace.
But there's a hollowness, a quiet space,
Where once the storm would rage, now just an empty place.

I've climbed out of the abyss, found solid ground,
But in this newfound calm, something's missing, I've found.
My friends, they've stepped back, their worries now unfound,
Maybe they're facing their own battles, now that I'm not around.

In this in-between, where I'm neither high nor low,
I’m learning to live, in a world I barely know.
It’s a strange kind of peace, a calm yet hollow show,
Feeling okay, yet not okay, it's a feeling I can't outgrow.

The laughter feels distant, the silence too loud,
In this space of nothing, I’m lost in the crowd.
They say I'm better now, no longer under a cloud,
But in this quiet after, I miss the noise somehow.

I've healed from the pain, but there's an ache I can't define,
A sense of loss in this newfound peace of mind.
My friends are now distant, caught in their own line,
Their worries untangled, while I unravel mine.

In this in-between, where I'm neither high nor low,
I’m learning to live, in a world I barely know.
It’s a strange kind of peace, a calm yet hollow show,
Feeling okay, yet not okay, it's a feeling I can't outgrow.

Maybe they're finding their own way,
Now that I'm no longer in disarray.
Or maybe I’m the one who's changed,
In this calm, everything feels so strange.

In this in-between, where I'm neither high nor low,
I’m learning to live, in a world I barely know.
It’s a strange kind of peace, a calm yet hollow show,
Feeling okay, yet not okay, it's a feeling I can't outgrow.

I’m standing on this edge, of what’s real and what’s not,
In the calm after the storm, in this empty spot.
Finding my way, in this new, quiet plot,
Feeling okay, yet not okay, in this in-between I've got.

In-Between

"Until We Meet Again," a soul-stirring composition by Xak Stahl, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. This acoustic ballad, featuring delicate guitar work and emotive piano accompaniment, creates an intimate soundscape that perfectly complements Stahl's introspective lyrics and heartfelt vocal delivery.

The song weaves a tapestry of memories and emotions, capturing the bittersweet essence of farewell tinged with the hope of reunion. Stahl's vocals carry a raw vulnerability that resonates deeply, conveying both the pain of separation and the strength found in cherished memories.

Lyrically, "Until We Meet Again" paints vivid imagery of shared moments, from laughter and dreams to the comfort found in each other's presence. The chorus serves as a powerful affirmation of love's persistence beyond physical boundaries, offering solace to those experiencing loss.

The bridge introduces a spiritual element, suggesting a continued connection through nature and the cosmos, adding depth to the song's exploration of eternal bonds. The outro leaves listeners with a sense of peace and hope, reinforcing the idea that love transcends even death.

This track stands as a testament to Stahl's ability to craft deeply personal yet universally relatable narratives. "Until We Meet Again" is more than a song; it's a cathartic journey through grief, remembrance, and the unbreakable ties that bind us to those we love, even when separated by time and space.

Lyrics:

When the sun sets low
And you think of me
Remember the laughter
The love, the glee
The moments we shared
The dreams we chased
The joy in our hearts
The smiles on our face

Life's a journey
With its highs and lows
But in your hearts
My memory glows
Hold on to the good
Let the bad ones fade
In the warmth of love
Our bond is made

Hold on to the joy
Let go of the pain
In the light of our memories
Love will remain
Until we meet again
In the sky so blue
I'll be waiting there
Watching over you
We'll find each other
Where the sun never sets
In a place of peace
Where our hearts connect

When storms would come
You were my shield
In your embrace
My heart could heal
The whispered words
The laughter's light
Our bond grew strong
In darkest night

Life is fleeting
But love endures
In every heartbeat
It assures
Let not sorrow
Cloud your mind
For in your hearts
I’m intertwined

Hold on to the joy
Let go of the pain
In the light of our memories
Love will remain
Until we meet again
In the sky so blue
I'll be waiting there
Watching over you
We'll find each other
Where the sun never sets
In a place of peace
Where our hearts connect

If ever you feel 
Lost and alone
Look to the sky
You’re not on your own
My spirit's there
In the whispering breeze
In the rustling leaves
And the swaying trees

Remember me with joy
Not with tears
For in the afterlife
I’ll be near
Until we meet again
Hand in hand
In a realm of peace
In a promised land

Until We Meet Again

"The End of Longing" is a poignant acoustic ballad that explores themes of unrequited love, fading connections, and the bittersweet process of moving on. Set to a gentle guitar accompaniment, the song's lyrics paint a picture of a one-sided relationship where communication has broken down. 

The verses depict the singer's attempts to reach out and connect, only to be met with silence and indifference. Imagery of smoke dispersing and echoes fading emphasize the sense of loss and emotional distance. 

The chorus poses the central question of the song - whether falling out of love will end the longing, and if pretending is still an option. This reflects the internal struggle between holding on and letting go.

The bridge introduces a shift in tone, suggesting a growing acceptance that it may be time to move on as the nights grow colder and the emotional distance increases.

"The End of Longing" captures the melancholy and introspection characteristic of the folk and contemporary singer-songwriter genres, offering a relatable exploration of love's complexities and the pain of its potential end.

Lyrics:

Were the words I spoke
Never reaching you?
And I watched the smoke
Disperse into the gloom
Say that love is worth the waiting
But the silence speaks loud
I poured my heart into your hands
But you never saw it

If I fall out of love now
Will the longing ever end?
If I fall out of love now
Can we still pretend?

Every time I call
Echoes fade alone
In an empty hall
Where the memories roam
Say that we'll find our way back someday
But the path is fading
I showed you every piece of me
But you never noticed

If I fall out of love now
Will the longing ever end?
If I fall out of love now
Can we still pretend?

And the nights grow colder
As the distance grows
Every word feels older
It's time to let it go

If I fall out of love now
Will the longing ever end?
If I fall out of love now
Can we still pretend?

The End of Longing

#indie #dreamy #pop #ambient #lanadelrey @lanadelrey

We use to dream

Russian Drive-By Vol. 3 (Letting You Go Preview) [Русский Драйв-Би]

#electronica #electro #experimental #hommage #artists #davidbowie  #electroclash #rock

Best music for best people

Daydreaming through the dark times.

A song of daydreaming trying to forget your stress but it's always there as a slow building constant.

A happy accident but if you loop this track it flows perfectly into itself lol. 

Updated the track 1st August 2025 with a fresh mix and added acoustic guitar work. Also added some subtle ambient percussion and some vox for depth. 

Please feel free to leave a comment as your feedback is really valuable.

Hope you enjoy it

Daydreaming

A Rock-Metal banger with smokin' leads and an 80s Hair Band vibe

Tumble

Colors On The Floor

Inspiré de la composition D'un matin de printemps de Lili Boulanger.   Les matins sont éternels.
Découvrir : https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili_Boulanger

Matinée Parisienne

A re-recording of an older piece that, honestly, wasn't a very good rendition. Hopefully, this version does it a little more justice... 🤞

The Traveler

Dear friends, we have seen many videos from Gaza, but I have never seen a flower there. Nor any green trees - only ruins!

Where do the Flowers Bloom

They sent their kids to the place where they
have heard is help
but they did not realise the danger
for the kids when they seek for
something to eat because hell is here
They have to run through the streets
between volleys of fires from soldiers guns
But where can we see them bloom, the flowers in our world

In other parts of the world we see
healthy children play 
under green trees with birds who are singing
for all kids who are stopping to
listen to their song since they live where they
take peace for granted when they are out on the 
streets also when the night has come
But where can we see them bloom, the flowers in our world

The nature gives so much life to all
of us who live
on this planet whereever we may be
it’s also for the people who are un-
lucky to be in the middle of disgusting hell
but they will raise and show everybody 
that the peoples wish is powerfull 
But where can we see them bloom, the flowers in our world

Lyrics in Swedish

Var slår blommorna ut

De skickade sina barn till den plats där de
har hört talas om hjälp
men de insåg inte faran
för barnen när de letar efter
något att äta eftersom helvetet är här
De måste springa genom gatorna
mellan eldsalvor från soldaters vapen
men var kan vi se dom slå ut, blommorna i vår värld


I andra delar av världen ser vi
friska barn leka
under gröna träd med fåglar som sjunger
för alla barn som stannar upp för att
lyssna på deras sång eftersom de bor där de
tar fred för given när de är ute på
gatorna även när natten har kommit
men var kan vi se dom slå ut, blommorna i vår värld


Naturen ger så mycket liv till alla
oss som lever
på denna planet var vi än må vara
det är också för de människor som har
otur att befinna sig mitt i det vidriga helvetet
men de kommer att resa sig och visa alla
att folkets önskan är kraftfull
men var kan vi se dom slå ut, blommorna i vår värld

Where do the Flowers Bloom - 2025-08-13 18.02

👉This track grows with every bar, stacking intensity until it explodes 💣
What begins raw turns massive 🚀

It’s a daydream’s price tag
left behind – no cares, busy kick-flippin’
Lunchbox crown on a jet-lag stag
card tricks spill while the crowd keeps sippin’
Got a coin-flip swagger on a Tuesday frame
spit barcodes ‘til the cash looks tame
Basslines for parking fines
mark my words in the subway signs

Polished fork in a shoebox crown,
grinning at the law while the law looks down
Half-smile killer with a boarding pass
Sniper…smile…Police…–hit your class
Slide in the room like a glass full of thunder
Credit card cut, still I’m cashin’ that wonder
Bootleg saints in a moonlit van
With a cigarette glow and a one-hand plan
You took my go, you took my flo
And on Christmas you took my snow – what the hell is wrong with you?
“He’s wild”
Bass light dads in the folding chairs,
telling ghost stories ‘bout the wrong bass snares
“You keep that low end out my yard
or I’ll tax your kicks like a credit card”
 
Why you walk like that?  
‘Cause the ground’s afraid of me, babe  
Why you talk like that?  
‘Cause the words just beg to misbehave  
But I keep drums loud in a paper-thin hall
make the wallpaper sweat ‘til the portraits fall
Sugarcoat venom in a handshake scheme
flip that script like a vending machine

Bass light dads in the back of the lot  
Turn it down – you know what you got 
I said no, I said no, I said I run this show  
Bass light dads gonna let it all blow  
Bass Light Dads – can’t turn me down
Kick so deep it’ll shake your town
Sniper smile Police–eyes on the crown,
Every beat I drop’s like a four-ton pound

Then Dreymond Green say, 
“Sit the fuck down, son – I got a story to tell”  
It’s a long one, you might be old before we’re done as well  
G is for Green – and ya’ll know what that mean  
He has no wish to be seen… unless he’s on the scene  

Shot his own pet alligator in the yard last week  

So, Six million pizzas to bake, hence a rush, need more ovens
Kanye nods-agrees, now play that beat!
An aligator down in backyard, dogs fell, rumors of humans too
Dinsdale Piranha cameo drop – whispers in shadows 
“you must be new in the hood…”
I got jailhouse manners in a limousine mood
pocket full of rumors and a fork for food
I’m the landlord’s landlord, rent in reverse
charge you for breathing and bill you for thirst
Crosswalk outlaw with a frostbite tongue
make a grown man run when the beat gets swung

“Why you walk like that?”  
‘Cause the ground’s afraid of me, babe  
“Why you talk like that?”  
‘Cause the words just beg to misbehave  
But I keep drums loud in a paper-thin hall
bitch please, her dance break knees, with ease 
like the dancing Israelis
Flip that script like a vending machine
Tie clip sharp like a crowbar smile in a concrete dive
Sniper…Smile…Police-shadowing every mile
Bass light dads on the back porch glare
but I blow their caps off with the kick right there

“Turn it down–you know what you got”  
I said no, I said no, I said I run this show  
Bass light dads gonna let it all blow  
Bass Light Dads – can’t turn me down
Kick so deep it’ll shake your town
Sniper…smile…Police…–eyes on the crown
Every beat I drop’s like a four-ton pound

Run your whole block like a crossword clue
and the answer’s always just “don’t be you.”

Sniper Smile Police–better grin real wide  
Sniper stale police – you can’t run, can’t hide  
They’ll summon your face like a late-night sin  
Catch you stone-faced, and the board go in  
Fold that map ‘cause I win the streets
turn left twice just to meet my beats

I’m the madest page missing in a holy book,
got the preacher’s car keys and a the party look,
Run my hands through the skyline’s hair,
while the city screams back, “you don’t live here”
 I’ll paint your shadow on a billboard sign,
then sell it back twice just to make it mine,

Bass Light Dads – can’t turn me down,
Kick so deep it’ll shake your town,
SNIPER…SMILE…POLICE…–never backing down,
Every beat I drop’s like a four-ton pound.

DinsDale Piranha

Xak Stahl: Alchemist of Sound, Architect of Emotion

Xak Stahl is a genre-blurring music artist, sonic storyteller, and relentless experimenter. Every track he creates is a new world—a kaleidoscope of indie folk, alt-pop, electronica, and global flavors—infused with raw emotion and boundless curiosity. Xak’s music isn’t just heard; it’s felt.

From Shadow to Spotlight

For Xak, music is metamorphosis. His journey began in the shadows, transmuting heartbreak and struggle into songs that glow with hope. Early anthems like “Neon Dreams” and “Rising Through the Darkness” invite listeners to find their own light. His newest project, Major Arcana, channels the mysteries of the Tarot—each song an archetype, each lyric a step along the path from the Fool’s first leap to the wisdom of The World.

More Than Music: A Multisensory Universe

But Xak isn’t confined to sound. As a visual artist and writer, he crafts immersive stories that spill across genres and languages—sometimes haunting, sometimes playful, always honest. Whether he’s conjuring lush soundscapes, weaving bilingual lyrics, or creating striking visuals, Xak’s art dares you to feel deeper and dream wilder.

An Invitation to Transformation

Join Xak Stahl on a sonic odyssey that blurs borders—between genres, between artforms, between you and the music. Each release is an invitation to explore, to heal, to become. For Xak, every song is a spell, every album a universe. The only question is: are you ready to step inside?

The End of Longing

XAK STAHL

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