Northern Manitoba singer-songwriter C.C. Trubiak releases fourth independent album, Jukebox In Exile

FLIN FLON, Man. — Northern Manitoba singer-songwriter C.C. Trubiak has released Jukebox In Exile, a new country album that blends classic honky-tonk influences with stories shaped by life in Northern Manitoba.

The album, released today, marks Trubiak’s fourth independent full-length recording and arrives amid growing recognition for the Manitoba artist, whose music has drawn attention through CBC coverage, independent music publications and the Canadian Indie Country Countdown.

Drawing inspiration from artists including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, George Jones and Waylon Jennings, Jukebox In Exile embraces traditional country storytelling while exploring themes of home, memory, resilience and belonging.

“Classic country has always been about honesty and storytelling,” Trubiak said. “That’s the tradition I wanted to tap into on this record.”

The project features the singles “Old Country Songs” and “Being Rich,” along with a collection of material shaped during a period of personal and community upheaval.

Last year, Trubiak, his husband and their two cats joined thousands of other residents during a wildfire evacuation that affected communities across Northern Manitoba. While displaced, he says songwriting returned in a way he didn’t expect.

“I didn’t think I was in a place to write at all,” he said. “But once things quieted down, the songs just started showing up again.”

Although the evacuation helped shape parts of the record, Trubiak says Jukebox In Exile reaches beyond any single moment or event.

“At its core, this record is about rebuilding and finding your way back to steady ground,” he said.

A self-taught musician, registered SOCAN member and member of the Canadian Country Music Association, Trubiak began recording independently in Ottawa before returning to Manitoba more than a decade ago. Since then, he has become active in northern Manitoba’s music community through solo performances, collaborations and regional bands.

His songwriting has earned both provincial and national recognition. He was previously named a Manitoba Emerging Artist and placed in the Top 5 of CBC’s Searchlight competition with his song “Raven.” His single “Outlaws Meditation” entered the Top 40 of the Canadian Indie Country Countdown.

Trubiak describes the album as both a personal milestone and a tribute to the community that has supported his career.

“This record really belongs to the people who’ve been part of the journey,” he said. “Flin Flon has always been where my music started to make sense.”

As listeners begin discovering Jukebox In Exile, Trubiak hopes the songs offer a sense of grounding and connection.

“If even one song gives someone a moment of peace or recognition, that means everything to me,” he said.

Jukebox In Exile is available now on major streaming platforms.