About
Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. Never one for following the rules, she aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: writing songs for the underdogs. Raised in the heart of Canada’s rodeo and country music scenes, she was destined to challenge the boundaries around her, both in life and in song. With a fearless spirit that’s consistently broken through both genre and personal barriers, Buckley’s unique blend of angst-driven alt-folk has made her a standout artist, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on modern Americana music.
Her latest single, Vending Machines, marks the beginning of a new sonic and individual chapter. While familiar, darker instrumentation and themes are sprinkled throughout. She shares: “I was itching to try something a little heavier than my previous stuff. I wanted to move away from synths and keys in general, citing references from indie rock, pop music, and alt-country.” An avid admirer of his work, Mariel connected with Nashville based alt-Americana producer, Jarrad K (Ruston Kelly, Lucie Silvas, Fancy Hagood, Goo Goo Dolls) for the new single.
Despite having grittier undertones, the writing is intentionally vulnerable and specific, resulting in something inviting and universal. Vending Machines explores themes of self-doubt, uncertainty, and questioning one's path. It beautifully captures the feeling of restlessness and being in a constant, seemingly cyclical state of transition, unsure of where things are headed, and trying to find a way forward. Buckley confides, “I was genuinely questioning my career, personal life as a result of that career, mydistant-feeling relationships with family and friends, and how I could restart after yet another big change. It should feel looping, liminal and never ending, like an endless travel day.”
The song opens with an irresistible pedal steel hook, while a steady backbeat anchors a deep groove. Jangly acoustic guitar creates a bright, rustic charm around Buckley’s smooth and velvety vocals, infused with her signature melancholy tone. As the captivating, storytelling lyrics unfold, they paint a vivid, cinematic picture, drawing you deeper into the song's world with every word. Buckley explains, “My guitar/steel player, Ryan, came up with that amazing riff at the beginning of the tune that works like a magnet and a revolving door. It gives the whole song its swaying motion, huge vibes.”
Buckley’s past albums, 2022’s Polaris Music Prize nominated Everywhere I Used To Be and 2018’s Driving In The Dark, has been praised by notable publications and recognized with prestigious accolades. Her work has also charted on Sirius XM, college and campus stations across North America, and on local Canadian favs CKUA and CBC radio. Buckley’s live journey has been a strong, steady climb. She’s toured across Canada, America and the EU/UK, as well as showcasing at SXSW, Americanafest, The Philadelphia Folk Fest, and Folk Alliance International. She’s shared stages with artists like Orville Peck, k.d. lang, The Bros Landreth and Frazey Ford, among many others.
