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Sometimes the brightest inspirations come from the most unexpected—and even painful—places. For Manitoba singer-songwriter Byron Falk, his new track Stare Into The Sun is exactly that: a moment captured in time, where life’s confusion met the stunning glow of a late summer sunset.
Byron recalls the exact scene that sparked the song: driving away from his grandparents’ farm near Pansy, watching a fiery west sunset paint the sky in deep oranges and purples. “It was one of those seasons of my life,” he says, “where you feel lost—like your job isn’t where you want it to be, you’re dreaming about music, or horses, or just trying to figure out where you’re headed.”
That feeling, combined with the vivid scene of the sun sinking low, shaped the mood of Stare Into The Sun. But Byron notes it wasn’t just about the words or the line itself—it was about capturing that deep, almost cliché yet universal feeling of searching and uncertainty that many can relate to.
Interestingly, Byron says this song is quite different from his earlier work, which leaned into a more quirky, honky-tonk vibe. “My earlier stuff was fun, but a bit youthful,” he laughs. “I was trying to find my voice back then.” Stare Into The Sun, on the other hand, took years to come together, evolving into a more mature, layered sound. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, when Byron played it live with his full band, that he realized how much people connected with it—even his drummers told him it was their favorite.
Talking about songwriting, Byron shares the honest journey of finding authenticity. Early on, he was heavily influenced by his idols—Lyle Lovett, Corb Lund —and admits he “kind of stole riffs” to shape his own style. But over time, he’s aimed to make something both recognizable and fresh, something that says, “This is a Byron Falk song.”
And that authenticity shines through his connection to southeastern Manitoba. While many songwriters borrow American country imagery, Byron purposely keeps his lyrics open and adaptable—no specific places named, just the feeling of wide-open spaces and endless sunsets. Still, his life on the land—with horses and now cattle on his own farm—adds a genuine depth to his music.
Though he calls himself a “part-time rancher” with a day job still in the mix, Byron’s passion for both music and the land is clear. He’s been steadily building momentum, with shows coming up like the Virden Rodeo and a ticketed event at Steinbach’s Public Brew House where he’ll mix original songs with dance-worthy covers.
What does Byron love most about performing? “That first note,” he says simply. “Before the show, I’m thinking maybe I shouldn’t even do this. But once I start, it all just flows, effortless.” That moment, when the music takes over and the nerves fade, is his favorite part.
For anyone hearing Byron’s music for the first time, he hopes they come away feeling the honesty in his songs. “I want people to believe me,” he says. “Whether the song’s their story or someone else’s, it’s got to feel real. Especially with Stare Into The Sun—it’s about running away, trying to escape, and realizing sometimes that just doesn’t work.”
Byron's music isn’t just a soundtrack for a moment; it’s a reflection of life’s messy, beautiful reality—captured under the vast skies of Manitoba, with all the uncertainty and hope that comes with staring right into the sun.
To hear more from Byron Falk, check out the full interview in our latest podcast episode below.