No track has ever felt like completely myself more than this track.  A cross between dreamy, synth, indie pop and folk, singer/ songwriter, country.

Nights Alone

"Bohemian's Arcana" - Written and Performed by Xak Stahl

Journey into the mystical world of "Bohemian's Arcana," where Sage Rainbow Finch discovers he must live each card of the Major Arcana for twenty-two transformative days. This folk-rock interpretation captures the magic of Moving Mesa, Arizona, where fairy lights twinkle on Airstreams, cats offer cosmic wisdom, and love blooms over perfectly crafted lavender lattes.

Set against soft tabla rhythms and wrapped in rich vocal harmonies, "Bohemian's Arcana" tells the tale of a modern mystic's journey through the Tarot, blending the spiritual with the everyday. From The Fool's first leap of faith to The Magician's manifestations, and into The High Priestess's mysteries, each verse weaves together the story currently unfolding on Wattpad.

This musical collaboration accompanies the ongoing serial "Bohemian's Arcana," updating Mondays and Thursdays. Join our growing community of readers following Sage's magical adventure: 

https://www.wattpad.com/story/382681850-bohemian%27s-arcana

Produced in the spirit of 70s mystical folk rock, "Bohemian's Arcana" invites listeners to experience the same enchantment that transforms an ordinary desert town into a realm of endless possibility. Pour yourself a cosmic latte, light some sage, and let the magic flow.

🎵 Written and Performed by Xak Stahl
🌙 Inspired by "Bohemian's Arcana" on Wattpad
✨ New chapters every Monday and Thursday

Bohemian's Arcana

SLEEP SKATE DIE REPEAT (PROD. DJ SHMEE)

Modern Judas

Verse 1
You weep for Judas and his silver shame,
But sell your soul just the same.
You trade your morals for a fleeting deal,
The truth is lost under spinning wheels.

Pre-Chorus
Thirty pieces, you curse his name,
But what’s your price? It’s just the same.
A tank of gas, a shiny lie,
You’d burn the world to watch it die.

Chorus
What’s the cost of freedom’s fall?
Thirty pieces, that’s all.
While you cheer for those who oppress,
You’ve sold your soul for cheap success.

Verse 2
You kneel to idols dressed in suits,
Blind to the blood on their polished boots.
Your outrage rings so loud, so fake,
While you excuse every move they make.

Pre-Chorus
You point to Judas, say “How could he?”
But sell out truth for your luxury.
A tank of gas, a fleeting high,
You sell the future while you comply.

Chorus
What’s the cost of freedom’s fall?
Thirty pieces, that’s all.
While you cheer for those who oppress,
You’ve sold your soul for cheap success.

Bridge
You drive your car, you wave their flag,
Blind to the weight of the blood they drag.
You claim betrayal as history’s sin,
While your silence lets it happen again.

Chorus
What’s the cost of freedom’s fall?
Thirty pieces, that’s all.
While you cheer for those who oppress,
You’ve sold your soul for cheap success.

Outro
Thirty pieces and a tank of gas,
A future scorched, a world won’t last.
Judas fell, but so will you,
When the price of lies comes crashing through.

Moden Judas

'In-Between,' originally performed by Zoé Le Fleur, returns in a deeply personal rendition by its creator, Xak Stahl. This stripped-down acoustic version reveals new layers of meaning through Stahl's intimate performance, transforming what began as a meditation on mental health into a profound exploration of existence itself.

With just voice and fingerpicked guitar, Stahl creates a raw, vulnerable space where the lyrics take center stage. The minimal arrangement allows each word to carry its full weight, bringing new poignancy to lines like 'I'm standing on this edge, of what's real and what's not' and 'In this quiet after, I miss the noise somehow.'

While the original version beautifully captured the disorientation of finding stability after emotional turmoil, Stahl's interpretation adds deeper dimensions about navigating the spaces between different states of being. His delivery brings a weathered wisdom to lyrics that now seem to speak as much about spiritual and existential transitions as emotional ones.

The gentle, contemplative guitar work creates a meditative atmosphere that allows listeners to find their own meaning in the space between the notes. This version strips away all artifice, leaving only the essential elements: one voice, one guitar, and universal truths about learning to exist in the in-between spaces of life.

In returning to perform his own composition, Stahl transforms 'In-Between' from a song about healing into a timeless reflection on the nature of transition itself - those moments when we find ourselves between what was and what will be, between the known and unknown, between earthly limitations and cosmic possibilities.

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

🌙 Salvatore and Elena – A song of longing, fate, and love left unfulfilled. Inspired by Cinema Paradiso, this Northern Sky track captures the ache of waiting, the dreams of what could be, and the bittersweet pull of a love that lingers beyond time. Ethereal melodies and cinematic emotion weave together to tell the story of hearts that always seem to just miss each other. Will love find its way, or will it remain a dream?

🎶 Listen now and drift into the romance of Salvatore and Elena.

Written and Performed by Northern Sky

Salvatore And Elena

"Beaumont Nights" - Track 4 from "Echoes of a Life"

A folk rock ballad chronicling a pivotal journey of self-discovery in the oil town of Beaumont, Texas. Set against the backdrop of college dreams and late nights at The Copa, this track weaves together the complexities of first love, personal demons, and the courage to speak one's truth. From dormitory days to midnight evacuations, from lost support to unexpected salvation, the song traces a path through darkness toward a glimmer of hope on San Francisco's distant shore.

With raw vocals, stark guitar work, and emotive piano, "Beaumont Nights" builds from minor-key tension to a bridge of possibility. The arrangement mirrors the journey from confusion to clarity, from rejection to the promise of acceptance, as family reveals itself in unexpected forms.

Echoes of a Life

Beaumont Nights

Let your mind wander. Dive into the dreamy, cinematic world of "Unbound" – a blend of alternative, folk, and ambient vibes. Perfect for relaxing, reflecting, or simply escaping into the moment. 🌿🎶 #FeelTheMusic #UnboundJourney

✨ Stream now and let the atmosphere take you away. ✨

Unbound

"California Crossroads" - Track 7 from "Echoes of a Life"

A folk rock journey through a pivotal return to the Bay Area, where life's darkest moments intertwine with powerful transformations. From corporate networks to coastal highways, this track weaves together profound loss, unexpected challenges, and the strength found in a 500-mile AIDS Ride along California's coast. Through the loss of a brother and father, through professional pressures and personal awakenings, the song traces a path of recovery and revelation.

With determined guitar work, and emotional vocals, "California Crossroads" moves from fog-shrouded cities to sun-drenched coastal roads, capturing both the shadows and the light of a decade that ultimately points toward new horizons in the Pacific Northwest.

California Crossroads

This is a preview clip from our upcoming first release "Emerald Days" (OUT January 24th).  Emerald Days is an intimate, ethereal indie folk/pop ballad with a 90’s alternative rock feel.

Ira and I are excited for the upcoming release of our first single together, "Emerald Days". We started writing this song in November of 2023. This has been such a fun song to work on together! Working with Ira on these songs has been very inspiring!! AND, much thanks to our producer Simon Eugene, for putting in the work to help bring our vision to life.

Emerald Days (preview clip #3)

Northern Sky is a Detroit/London-based collaborative formed in 2021, crafting ethereal music that blends dreamy soundscapes with cinematic depth. Their music strikes a delicate balance between melody, emotion, and magic, influenced by timeless artists like Nick Drake and Norah Jones, as well as modern acts such as Beach House and The National.

At the heart of Northern Sky is Rose White, whose voice, like a soft breeze at twilight, guides the band’s sound with transcendent beauty. Supported by Eric Stajda, Dan Kendall, Steve Baker, and Andrea Di Fiore—who weave intricate layers of guitar, bass, drums, piano, synth, cello, and violin—the band creates soundscapes that are both fragile and infinite.

Northern Sky’s songs are vignettes, like postcards from distant places, carrying echoes of fleeting yet eternal memories. Tracks like "Paper Flowers," "Swimming in the Rain," and "Aurora" explore love, loss, and the bittersweet passage of time. Their music reflects the profound beauty found in life’s quietest moments, drawing inspiration from films that capture the magic in the everyday—Cinema Paradiso, Stolen Kisses, Sleepless Night in Paris, and Before Sunrise.

Northern Sky invites listeners to step into a world where music is not just heard, but felt deeply, offering a soundtrack for introspection, inspiration, and everything in between.

~ Warm, vibrant Indie Folk-Pop meets vintage soft prog rock ~

  “Lights of Egan” are an independent singer-songwriter duo, made up of Cameron DeVries and Ira Denis, who blend intimate, soaring indie folk-pop with vintage soft prog rock.  Relying on earnest, heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and expansive soundscapes, this music is warm, uplifting, and sincere; with songs that cut right to the soul of things, bringing listeners into territories of wonder, joy, and emotional warmth & depth.  This is music written to express authentic feelings, to bring the heart back to life, and to reach places within where old wounds can be revitalized.

 The music of Lights of Egan has been described as “Donovan meets Cat Stevens”, and “like a mix of some prog rock bands from the 70s, such as Caravan, and some indy bands like Field Report.”  Listeners have called it “ethereal”; and, a “70s throwback sound in a good way”.  
 
  Ira and Cameron met through SongTown.com in 2023, and immediately formed a connection through music.  They shared a lot of musical common ground, and had similar inclinations in the style of music they wanted to make.  The collaboration started when Ira answered Cameron’s post in a co-writing forum on SongTown.com, where he was looking for co-writers.  Ira shared some lyrics, and Cameron almost immediately began working to put the lyrics of one of Ira’s song ideas to music.  

  After their first song was done, they began working on another song together; and, after the second song was done, they later started working on a third song, and then a fourth.  After beginning to record the songs they’d written together, they settled upon the project name “Lights of Egan”, meant to reflect the earnest, heartfelt, and inspired nature of the songs.  Ultimately, Ira and Cameron feel that the songs they’ve written together are some of the best work each of them have done in their songwriting careers.  

  We are releasing our first single on January 24th, 2025.

Xak Stahl: Sonic Alchemist and Storyteller Extraordinaire

Xak Stahl is a boundary-pushing artist who transforms life's complexities into captivating musical narratives. His unique sound—a fusion of indie folk, electronic, and alternative influences—creates an immersive experience that resonates with the soul. Each composition is a journey, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion and the heights of musical innovation.

Introducing Zoé Le Fleur: The Voice of Enchantment

Elevating Xak's sonic landscapes is the mesmerizing Zoé Le Fleur. Her voice, a perfect blend of ethereal lightness and raw power, brings an extra dimension to tracks like "Ce qui est juste" and "Heartbeat High." Zoé's performances transform these songs into anthems of the heart, her dynamic range perfectly complementing Xak's intricate compositions.

From Personal Struggle to Universal Resonance

Xak's musical journey is one of transformation and resilience. Early works like 'Neon Dreams' and 'Rising Through the Darkness' showcase his gift for turning personal challenges into universal themes. His latest opus, 'Major Arcana,' is a bold exploration of life's archetypes, with each track inspired by a Tarot card, beginning with the adventurous spirit of 'The Fool.'

A Multifaceted Artistic Vision

Beyond music, Xak is a visual artist and storyteller, weaving rich narratives across multiple mediums. This interdisciplinary approach infuses his music with a depth and complexity that invites repeated listening and deeper exploration.

Join Xak Stahl on a sonic odyssey that challenges perceptions, touches hearts, and celebrates the transformative power of art. Each track is not just a song, but a world waiting to be discovered.

Maryam Mirbagheri aka “Maryama” is an award winning Iranian American composer/performer/music producer currently residing in Los Angeles, California.
Born and raised in the middle east to an art loving family, she was surrounded by great music from early childhood. Growing up she studied guitar with rock stars Ardavan Anzabipour and Homayoun Majdzadeh. 
Maryama has performed in prestigious international music festivals such as Fajr International Music Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival(student)and have competed and placed in competitions such as Iranian International Youth Competition : Music Composition category(semi-finalist) and Music Association of California(2nd place in state of California). She has won a Jazz Downbeat Award with ARC Advanced Vocal Jazz Ensemble, was nominated for two Hollywood Music in Media Awards and has worked with prestigious figures such as Deborah Lavine, James Franco, Michaell Skloff(composer of FRIENDS), prestigious groups such as Vox Musica Vocal Ensemble and many more.
She holds two Associate Degrees in Jazz Voice and Music Composition from ARC where she studied with one of her biggest inspirations, Joe Gilman. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Composition, Film Music) and a Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts where she studied with Ulrich Krieger( Lou Reed), Pirayeh Pourafar, Houman Pourmehdi, David Rosenboom, Larry Koonse , Miroslav Tadic and many more. Maryama has studied with Usher and Christina Aguilera through MasterClass inc.

Maryam’s musical style is derived from a fusion of jazz, soul, persian and classical music and inspired by endless number of artists. She has been the featured artist of the month in renowned publications such as GIRLTRIP, Muzik magazine, HuffingtonPost, DW Germany, POPDOSE, Obscure sounds, Girls underground, VENT Magazine, Celebrity cafe and many more. She is said to be one of Los angeles’s most unique and up and coming acts and has been compared to the likes of Sade, Dido, Natalie Merchant, Lianne Lahavas and Adele. 

in 2017 Maryama's new music video/single “Where The Mermaids Are” gained spectacular feedback making it one of the artist’s most critically acclaimed piece of work. Maryama’s record with the same name mixed and mastered by GRAMMY award winner Marc Urselli and Scott Hull, was released August 2017.
As of November 2017, the album has been nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media award, won a Music California Award and has been playlisted amongst artists such as Hozier, Beck, Brion Eno, Gustavo Santaolalla and many more. 
As of 2022 Maryama's music has been performed and play-listed internationally.  She is currently working with the iconic Universal Music Group and is a proud member of female lead groups Shesaid.so and Sheisthemusic.

SKELLY666 ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE 
INSTAGRAM: SKELLY.666

New tracks tagged #Alternativefolk