"New Strings for an Old Guitar is not Stephen's first CD, but it is a brand new sound, with a full rich country music band backing up his often deeply personal lyrics, verse and vocals. Some of the lyrics confront the trauma of Stephen's Residential School experience. 'I write of the moments of pain and longing in my life to get it out, and deal with it' As in the song, Stone Face: 'You gave me my stone face - you took me from my home and put me in that awful place'." Whit Fraser - Above & Beyond Magazine, 2010 Both this CD and Stephen's release of "Spirit of Yamogha - Songs of the Dene", a project dedicated to the traditional Dene songs, were co-produced with Randall Prescott. Prescott is no stranger to Northern music having produced early and successful recordings for Susan Aglukark, William Tagoona and Charlie Panigoniak. "Stephen poured his heart and soul into these recordings. Getting in front of a microphone and baring his soul to the world was very brave" says Prescott. "He doesn't hold back on the extent of pain and suffering that shaped his life". Stephen's songs speak of personal experience, Dene leaders and the land he grew up on. Stephen Kakfwi was born at a traditional Dene bush camp on Yelta Lake, near Fort Good Hope (Radileh Koe), Northwest Territories. The outspoken former NWT Premier, Dene Nation President and singer/songwriter has adamantly fought for Aboriginal involvement in political and economical matters, as well as for the protection and preservation of Aboriginal culture and traditions.