About
Unapologetically genuine, wry andsoft-hearted, Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’sin it for the long haul. She aims to find herself squarely on the fringes andexactly where she belongs: singing and writing songs for the underdogs. Raisedin the heart of Canada’s rodeo and country music scenes, she was destined tochallenge the boundaries around her, both in life and in song. With a fearlessspirit 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.
For her latest album, StrangeTrip Ahead, Buckley set her sights on Nashville, working with alt-Americanamastermind producer, Jarrad K (Ruston Kelly, Lucie Silvas,Fancy Hagood, Goo Goo Dolls) to bring her third studio album to life. The ninetracks explore the all-too-relatable vulnerability of existing in the uncertain- within one’s life, relationships, and career. Mariel notes, “this albumhas some genre deviations with the signature "sad guy" sauceremaining true. I used to steal my older brother's CDs in the early 00's, andfound myself pretty deep in the alt-rock of that era. In many ways, this albumwas my gateway drug to indie rock. Grief, loss, liminal spaces and of course,another song about doing it in the car.”
Writtenlargely during a reflective period in Edmonton and finished in Nashville, StrangeTrip Ahead is a meditation on the push and pull of creative life — theexhaustion and exhilaration of pursuing meaning through art. From the wearyconfessions of “Vending Machines,” to the watery nostalgia of “Swim Practice,”to the gut-punch self-awareness of “Sick of Myself,” Buckley captures thebeauty and burden of staying human through change.
“Ultimately, this album is one about choices, andaccepting the snack that falls when we push the button,” Buckley says. “I hopeyou find yourself somewhere in it. Hang on, buddy — the best is yet to come.”
Servingas the album’s emotional centerpiece, “Anvil” captures the tension oflife-altering decisions in a relationship — specifically around the question ofwhether to have children. Co-written with Nashville songwriter Robby Hechtand featuring Buckley’s brother T. Buckley on mandolin and backgroundvocals, the track is one of the most meticulously constructed on the record.
Buckley’s past albums, 2022’sPolaris Music Prize nominated Everywhere I Used To Be and 2018’s DrivingIn The Dark, have been praised by notable publications and recognized withprestigious accolades. Her work has charted on Sirius XM, college and campusstations across North America, and with local Canadian favs CKUA and CBCradio. Buckley’s live journey has been a strong, steady climb, touringacross Canada, America and the EU/UK as well as showcasing at SXSW,Americanafest, The Philadelphia Folk Fest and Folk AllianceInternational. She’s supported the stage for John Moreland, Orville Peck,k.d. lang, River Shook, Matt Andersen, Adam Baldwin, Kelsey Waldon and The BrosLandreth.
