Ben Cornel is a singer-songwriter based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Rooted in place and community, his music reflects the quiet warmth of northern life—intimate, grounded, and shaped by the natural world. His songs feel familiar and lived-in, offering listeners a sense of home through thoughtful songwriting and understated arrangements.
Originally from Montreal, Ben relocated to Yellowknife in 2020 and quickly became an active presence in the local music scene. He has performed at major territorial events including Folk on the Rocks, Fireweed Festival, Still Dark Festival, Open Sky Festival, Old Town Ramble and Ride, and most recently headlined the Top Knight in November 2025 with special guests Hughes and Wyatt C. Louis.
Beyond the stage, Ben is a music teacher and engages his community through coffee shop performances, house shows, school events, and songwriting workshops. He also contributes to the northern music ecosystem through collaborative projects such as Live From the Penalty Box, a video series capturing live sessions of northern musicians.
Ben’s career spans multiple genres. He is a founding member of Montreal psych-rock band MOOCH (Black Throne Productions), performs with Yellowknife indie/folk project Hughes as his backing band, and is a touring guitarist for Juno-nominated composer Carmen Braden.
His latest EP, Evergreen, includes the single “North Star,” featured in CBC’s Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2025. He is currently in pre-production for his debut LP, scheduled for a Summer 2027 release and Canadian tour.