Aftersun

I Did One Thing Right

Need You

You Destroyed My Slumber

LYRICS : 

The trees are tall, the sky so wide  
But there's a chill I can't shake inside  
The flowers bloom, the sun still shines  
But somewhere, I know, there's danger in the pines

The wind it whispers, the river hums  
But deep in the shadows, the wolf still comes
 
Among the trees, danger hides so well  
But in my heart, I break the spell  
The beauty blinds, but I see clear  
I’ll walk this path, and face my fear  
The forest calls, but I won't fall  
I’ll break the spell, once and for all
 
I hear his footsteps, soft and slow  
The creeping fear that I’ve come to know  
But I'll keep moving, I won’t turn back  
The wolf may follow, but I'll stay on track
 
The moon it rises, the shadows grow  
But I won’t fear what I don’t know
 
Among the trees, danger hides so well  
But in my heart, I break the spell  
The beauty blinds, but I see clear  
I’ll walk this path, and face my fear  
The forest calls, but I won't fall  
I’ll break the spell, once and for all

The forest calls

The Forest Calls

Crazy Days

"The Art of Starting Over" - A folk journey through life's unexpected turns. When corporate dreams crumble, sometimes we find our truest selves in the scattered pieces. This song traces the path from cardboard boxes and fluorescent lights to the gentle whisper of guitar strings and the healing strokes of a paintbrush.

Written in the quiet hours between job applications and self-discovery, this piece explores how losing what we thought we needed might lead us to what our soul always wanted. For anyone who's ever had to start again, find their voice, or turn their pain into art.

From corporate corridors to canvas dreams. And yes, 'cow-worker' is intentional - a nod to breaking free from the herd to find your own path. 🎸🎨✨

Lyrics:

Cardboard box of memories left in the hall
Stacks of papers and pictures
A life once tall
Faces and places
Now shadows on the wall
Gatherin' dust
Just waitin' for a call

Under the neon hum
Dreams felt far
Chasin' numbers and hours
Lost who we are
Blazin' through deadlines
Midnight’s last star
Empty hearted wanderers
Wonderin' where we are

Paintbrush strokes on canvas mendin' the soul
Guitar strings whisperin’
Tryin' to make whole
Brush away the sorrow
Let the colors unfold
Melodies and hues
Stories yet untold

Somethin' 'bout the rhythm of gentle strings
A tune to the past
What the future brings
Echoes of laughter
Of simpler things
Nature's own chorus
How the heart sings

Coworker farewells
Bittersweet claims
Chasin' down dreams
Never turning out same
Left with a title
Forgotten their names
Soul-searchin’ battles in corporate games

Paintbrush strokes on canvas mendin' the soul
Guitar strings whisperin’
Tryin' to make whole
Brush away the sorrow
Let the colors unfold
Melodies and hues
Stories yet untold

The Art of Starting Over

Babe I’m gonna leave you - Garance - cover

83 bpm - acoustic guitar , acoustic bass and vocal 

Fishing Boat

I wanted to create a song about the internal battle of the demons inside the mind.

Are my demons gonna be let free?

3/4 .98 bpm - nylon strung guitar, acoustic bass and a conversation with a willow tree

Willow Tree

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.

I love making music and training - they are my therapy

Hello, Matt here . I've changed my name from ' The Ageing Hippy 'to ' The Bloke Down The Road ' . There is a story attached to it ;
Many years ago there was a folk festival in a pub ( now gone ) , near me . Someone said to someone else ( whilst I was in hearing distance ). It's good to have some real musicians here not just ' The Bloke Down The Road '.
   Well , I suppose that's what I am . Some people play golf or go fishing . I write little tunes and songs . Join me for a while .

Artist-Singer-songwriter born in France. Started singing jazz in a Sextet in France in 2004. Lives in Cambridge UK. Jazz singer of the IJ7 Cambridge.

New tracks tagged #FolkSinger