Today, we want to turn the spotlight onto Ed Boxall, who is a Hastings-based resident and creative force with work that effortlessly translates from music through to visual and written forms of storytelling. As a singer, songwriter, and author, Ed has a passion for songwriting as an actual craft that he has honed so that the words come together in the perfect stories. Years of amazing performances on stage have only culminated with Ed officially signing an LP with End of The Trail Records, with this being only the next step in his eventful journey as an artist. The main track from his future record, “The High Far Fields of Home,” came out on October 10th, and believe this, it’s amazing!

The music starts with a theme that has a sweet, soothing quality, which draws you in from the very beginning. The gentle, inviting opening theme is the ultimate hook, establishing an atmospheric sound that leaves you hanging, longing to hear where it’s all going.

Thematically, Ed says the song documents those sleepless nights where worries are racing around in your head, keeping sleep at bay. But rather than succumbing to darkness, the track veers exquisitely positively. It’s one about a character who finds a deep spiritual connection with the world around them, something bigger than themselves that elevates them from the weight of the moment. What resonates with me so much about this perspective is that the man has, in effect, reclaimed the power of insomnia. Rather than simply being the source of energy theft or stressful moments, the man has subsumed this time and made the darkness and the stillness the source of his amplified awareness of the surroundings and his connection to them.

Ed finds a lot of solace in 1960s folk and pop, in the spirit of old records and those rudimentary, authentic pieces of music that just hit the spot. Ed also finds himself passionate about maintaining an unrefined and earthy sound, one that revolves around his eccentric set of tools, including his beloved 12-string guitar, the harmonium, and Casio keyboards. What makes his work truly striking, however, is that he does not hold back in the digital aspect either. By combining retro elements with digital ones, he has made a sound that seems retro yet new at the same time. This has come together in the music perfectly, producing a piece that is both heartfelt and breathtaking.

This song is actually something very special – it’s a truly deep and profound ride that borders on being revolutionary. I’ve never thought of insomnia as being something positive before, and it really changes one’s perspective on insomnia-filled nights. It has definitely educated me, and I’m right there with you to encourage listeners not to fight the darkness and instead seek to tap into that deep, soulful level that Ed speaks of. A massive congratulations to Ed on creating such an incredible work of art, and I’m really looking forward to what his music has to offer!

Stream “The High Far Fields Of Home” on Spotify