Missing You is a song that has enjoyed being a live favourite, but this is it's debut release! 
Quiet & intimate, played on guitar with gentle fingerpicking & voice, it is the love story that never happened, the possible future that wasn't taken further, the deep regret of missing a lover who never was.

Missing You

"The Lovers," a captivating track from Xak Stahl's "Major Arcana" album, is a soulful ballad that explores the profound depths of love and connection. Inspired by the Tarot card of the same name, this song weaves a tapestry of emotion, celebrating the beauty of romantic bonds and the transformative power of love.

Stahl's vocals caress each lyric with tender passion, embodying the intimacy and vulnerability inherent in deep relationships. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of two souls intertwining, navigating life's journey hand in hand, and finding strength in their union.

Musically, "The Lovers" is a delicate blend of soft rock and acoustic elements, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that mirrors the closeness of a loving embrace. Gentle melodies and harmonies intertwine like lovers' hands, while subtle instrumental flourishes add depth and texture to the sonic landscape.

The chorus serves as a powerful affirmation of love's transcendent nature, with its declaration "We are The Lovers" becoming an anthem for those who have found their other half. The bridge expands this personal connection to a cosmic scale, emphasizing the timeless and universal nature of love.

"The Lovers" is more than just a love song; it's a celebration of the choices we make in the name of love and the profound impact these decisions have on our lives. It speaks to anyone who has experienced the transformative power of a deep connection, offering a musical reflection on the beauty of shared journeys and intertwined destinies.

Lyrics:

In the dance of destiny, where two hearts collide,
I found a spark of magic, in the warmth of your eyes.
Through the trials and the tears, and the moments we share,
Our love grows ever stronger, in the gentle air.

In the choices we make, and the paths we choose,
With every step together, there's nothing we lose.
Hand in hand we journey, through the highs and the lows,
With the light of our love, in our hearts it glows.

We are The Lovers, bound by fate and fire,
In the embrace of the stars, we find our desire.
With the strength of our bond, and the courage to be,
In the tapestry of love, we are wild and free.

In the whispers of the night, and the dawn's first light,
I feel your love surround me, like a guiding light.
Through the storms and the calm, and the shadows of fear,
I find my home within you, where the heart is clear.

In the laughter we share, and the dreams we weave,
With every touch and moment, our hearts believe.
Together we stand, in the face of the world,
With the power of love, our souls unfurled.

We are The Lovers, bound by fate and fire,
In the embrace of the stars, we find our desire.
With the strength of our bond, and the courage to be,
In the tapestry of love, we are wild and free.

Through the seasons of life, and the turns of time,
Our love remains a constant, in the rhythm and rhyme.
With the harmony of hearts, and the song of the soul,
We embrace The Lovers, in the journey as a whole.

We are The Lovers, bound by fate and fire,
In the embrace of the stars, we find our desire.
With the strength of our bond, and the courage to be,
In the tapestry of love, we are wild and free.

In the dance of destiny, where two hearts collide,
I found a spark of magic, in the warmth of your eyes.
Through the trials and the tears, and the moments we share,
Our love grows ever stronger, in the gentle air.

Major Arcana

The Lovers

"Colors of Love" is a heartwarming acoustic ballad that beautifully captures the transformative power of love. The song begins by depicting a world of gray skies and faded hues, symbolizing loneliness and a longing for change. The arrival of love is compared to a soft morning light, bringing color and vibrancy to the singer's world. Through gentle melodies and poetic lyrics, the song paints a picture of a love that completes the singer's world, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. The bridge emphasizes how this love brings harmony and rightness to every moment. The outro reinforces the idea that simple moments shared paint a lasting story of love in the sky, using vivid imagery to express the depth and permanence of their connection.

Colors Of Love

"Shawn" is a deeply moving acoustic ballad that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the songwriter's brother. This intimate, guitar-driven composition weaves a poignant narrative of loss, love, and the enduring bond between siblings.

The song's gentle melody provides a tender backdrop for lyrics that paint a vivid portrait of Shawn - a quiet, introspective soul who struggled with alcoholism and the challenges of life after military service. The songwriter's vocals carry a weight of emotion, conveying both the love for his brother and the pain of his untimely loss.

Each verse unfolds like a chapter in Shawn's life, touching on his role as a protector, his struggles with civilian life, and the tragic circumstances of his passing. The pre-chorus and chorus serve as emotional anchors, highlighting the shock of discovery and the lingering questions left in the wake of Shawn's death.

The bridge adds another layer of complexity, addressing family dynamics and the additional pain of unsupportive siblings. This section deepens the song's emotional impact, speaking to the often complicated nature of grief and family relationships.

"Shawn" is more than just a song; it's a musical eulogy that keeps a beloved brother's memory alive. It speaks to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, especially those who have lost siblings or dealt with the impacts of addiction. The song offers a space for reflection, remembrance, and the bittersweet comfort of cherished memories.

Lyrics:

In the silence of June,
the air was so still,
Found you alone,
against your will.
A soldier lost,
with battles unseen,
A life torn apart,
by the ghost of a dream.

The lights were on,
but your voice was gone,
In the shadow of sorrow,
the nights grew long.
The world turned away,
but I knocked on your door,
Two weeks too late,
you weren't there anymore.

Oh Shawn,
my silent knight,
My protector in the darkest night.
Fighting demons, no end in sight,
Left without answers, no goodbye.
Now every June, I wonder why,
No note, no farewell, just silent cries.

Kicked out and lost,
two years too soon,
The Army's hope faded,
under a harsh, cruel moon.
Struggled as a civilian,
money running dry,
A black sheep wandering,
under a starless sky.

Lived with an aunt,
who knew the fight,
But even her heart
couldn’t hold you tight.
Thrown into the world,
where the bottles piled high,
Alone in the dark,
under a forgotten sky.

Two brothers never came,
their excuses so thin,
One too busy,
the other's hollow within.
Grieving for show,
not for the loss,
Their absence a wound,
my heart's heavy cross.

In the echoes of time,
your memory remains,
A whisper of laughter,
amidst all the pain.
I'll keep knocking on doors,
for the love that we knew,
In the heart of June,
I'll always find you.

Shawn

"Just Breathe" is a raw exploration of trauma, survival, and the ongoing journey of healing. Written from the perspective of both a child learning to survive and an adult learning to live again, this acoustic piece traces the path from building walls to slowly letting them decay. With each "just breathe," the song transforms a survival mantra into a reminder of resilience and self-compassion.

Inspired by the power ballads of the 1980s but stripped down to intimate acoustic guitar, "Just Breathe" acknowledges that while some scars may never fully heal, we can learn again how to feel. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to survive, heal, and eventually find its way home.

Lyrics:

I know how to silence screams (just breathe)
I know how to hide my dreams (just breathe)
I know how to freeze in time
When shadows cross that sacred line
I know how to leave my mind (just breathe, just breathe)

I know how to face the day (just breathe)
I know how to act okay (just breathe)
I know how to lock away
Each memory until someday
I know how to make it fade (just breathe, just breathe)

But I don't know how to trust again
And I don't know how to feel
When every breath I've ever held
Reminds me this is real

So I breathe through walls of stone
I breathe through years alone
I breathe until these lungs might break
Just trying to make it home
Just trying to make it home

Now I know the years have passed (just breathe)
But these walls, they're built to last (just breathe)
When the panic starts to rise
And darkness floods behind my eyes
I have to remind myself I'm still alive (just breathe, just breathe)

And I'm learning day by day
How to let these walls decay
Though these scars may never heal
I'm learning again how it is to feel

So I breathe through walls of stone
I breathe through years alone
I breathe until these lungs might break
And somehow find my way home
I'm finally finding home

Just Breathe

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.

For over 30 years, singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns’s allegorical folk-pop has offered a form of literate escapism for her worldwide fanbase. “I feel driven to create songs that people can disappear into. I want to pluck them away from reality so that they can lose themselves for a few minutes,” says the Guernsey-based artist. 

In turn, her singular musicality has taken Maryen on a fantastical journey of a music career. This has included releasing 7 critically-acclaimed solo albums; being produced and mentored by Rolling Stone's producer Chris Kimsey; a professional association with former Marillion lead singer Fish; and many other adventures. 

Today, the restless creative shows no signs of slowing down. She will be issuing a newly-recorded series of live albums that reimagine her classic recordings, beginning with One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1 which will be Maryen’s first vinyl release. 

Maryen is a solo artist, a multi-instrumentalist, a producer, and a storytelling songwriter with a flair for compelling narrative arcs, character development, and transporting imagery. Her work is both delicate and powerful, featuring her folksy guitar accompaniment, her crystalline piano playing, and her stunning vocals replete with a unique intonation and invigorating register swings.

Her latest era of creativity has been inspired by a 10-date, one-woman-show tour of the UK that took place in August of 2023. The concept initially blossomed from Maryen’s desire to connect with her audience during the pandemic. The story goes Maryen started a couple of initiatives during lockdown, including The Cairns Club, a series of emails with stories and pictures from Maryen’s musical life, and a popular livestream series. For these special streaming shows, fans wanted her to perform intimate, stripped down renditions of her classic repertoire, and Maryen began to experiment. “I am a believer that good songs can shine, presented just with voice, and simple accompaniment,” Maryen says. 

Right after the final date of her one woman tour, Maryen went into a nearby studio for two days with producer Chris Kimsey. There, in front of a small audience, Maryen performed 30 songs from her back catalog. Often, Maryen would sit on a cajón and pivot between a guitar and piano, and perform impressive one-woman band feats. Nine songs from these sessions have been cherry-picked for One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1.

This intimate music making has been the direct result of a self-growth evolution for Maryen which will continue to shape her artistic continuum. “When I was younger, people knew me deeply through my music, but I wasn’t as open to connecting as I am today,” she says. “The connection I now have with my audience has breathed new life into my music.”

New tracks tagged #IntimateAcoustic