Hughes Releases Self-Titled Debut Album and New Single “The Cabin” Featuring Shea Alai
Yellowknife musician Benji Straker has released the debut self-titled album from his indie folk project Hughes, now available on all streaming platforms. Alongside the album, Hughes shares a new single, “The Cabin”, a moving collaboration with fellow Yellowknife artist Shea Alain (Rueben and the Dark, Sub Islands, Maazes).
Tracked entirely at Straker’s home studio in Yellowknife – affectionately named The Penalty Box – Hughes is a heartfelt collection of songs that spans more than a decade of songwriting. Originally a solo project, Hughes evolved into a full band in late 2024, bringing new life to Straker’s compositions with rich textures of pedal steel, keys, percussion, and synth. Two reimagined singles, “Despite the Distance” and “Idaho,” also appear on the album in newly recorded versions.
“Hughes is a collection of songs that span over a decade – some written in the last couple of years, others reaching back more than ten. Each track is rooted in personal experiences – love, nostalgia, loss, and the deep connections we form with people and the land,” says Straker. “Over the past year, Hughes has grown from a solo singer-songwriter project into a full band, and that evolution shaped the sound of this album. At its core, this album is about family, friendship, and the places that shape us – I think there’s something in it that any listener can connect with.”
The new single “The Cabin” captures the emotional centerpiece of the album. Inspired by a remote family cabin built by Straker’s father – accessible only by boat or snowmobile – it’s a song steeped in memory, reverence, and connection to land.
“This song is about a place that holds my deepest memories – it’s more than just a structure; it’s a place of reflection, connection, and the lessons passed down through generations,” says Straker. “While the song is personal, I think anyone with a special place in nature – a retreat that feels like home – can relate. My good friend and incredible musician Shea Alain added ambient guitar work and harmonized vocals, bringing the perfect atmosphere to the track.“
With themes of place, lineage, and belonging running throughout the record, Hughes offers listeners a glimpse into the northern landscapes and emotional terrain that have shaped Straker’s life and music.