Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, JUNO Award winning artist, Mariel Buckley, has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. She aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: singing and 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. 

For her latest album, Strange Trip Ahead, Buckley set her sights on Nashville, working with alt-Americana mastermind producer, Jarrad K(Ruston Kelly, Lucie Silvas, Fancy Hagood, Goo Goo Dolls) to bring her third studio album to life. The album, which was awarded the 2026 JUNO for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, explores the all-too-relatable vulnerability of existing in the uncertain - within one’s life, relationships, and career.  Of the nine tracks, Mariel notes, “this album has some genre deviations with the signature "sad guy" sauce remaining true. I used to steal my older brother's CDs in the early 00's, and found myself pretty deep in the alt-rock of that era. In many ways, this album was my gateway drug to indie rock. Grief, loss, liminal spaces and of course, another song about doing it in the car.”

Written largely during a reflective period in Edmonton and finished in Nashville, Strange Trip Ahead is a meditation on the push and pull of creative life — the exhaustion and exhilaration of pursuing meaning through art. From the weary confessions of “Vending Machines,” to the watery nostalgia of “Swim Practice,” to the gut-punch self-awareness of “Sick of Myself,” Buckley captures the beauty and burden of staying human through change.

“Ultimately, this album is one about choices, and accepting the snack that falls when we push the button,” Buckley says. “I hope you find yourself somewhere in it. Hang on, buddy — the best is yet to come.”

‍ Serving as the album’s emotional centerpiece, “Anvil” captures the tension of life-altering decisions in a relationship — specifically around the question of whether to have children. Co-written with Nashville songwriter Robby Hecht and featuring Buckley’s brother T. Buckley on mandolin and background vocals, the track is one of the most meticulously constructed on the record.

‍Buckley’s past albums, 2022’s Polaris Music Prize nominated Everywhere I Used To Be and 2018’s Driving In The Dark, have been praised by notable publications and recognized with prestigious accolades. Her work has charted on Sirius XM, college and campus stations across North America, and with local Canadian favs CKUA and CBC radio.  Buckley’s live journey has been a strong, steady climb, touring across Canada, America and the EU/UK as well as showcasing at SXSW, Americanafest, The Philadelphia Folk Fest and Folk Alliance International.  She’s supported the stage for John Moreland, Orville Peck, k.d. lang, River Shook, Matt Andersen, Adam Baldwin, Kelsey Waldon and The Bros Landreth. 

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Western AF acoustic performance of Vending Machines

Socan’s Words and Music – Song of the Week (Swim Practice)

“Mariel Buckley returns with ‘Vending Machines’ a raw and restless track that signals a bold new chapter” – Earmilk

“…it is full of good songs with great ‘earworm’ melodies and catchy choruses” – Americana UK

“The Canadian country singer leans into her love of alt-rock and indie folk on this raw, honest new album” – Brooklyn Vegan

“There are no answers here: the wounds are fresh, and the only path forward is wrestling with uncomfortable truths” – No Depression

‍“It’s the country of gravel shoulders and empty corners, of what happens after the work whistle stops and the heart keeps punching in.”
 – Chalked Up

 “Buckley’s voice is velvety, soulful and rich with melancholy, as we hear her move through scenes of self-doubt and the aching search for meaning in small, ordinary places.” – Line of Best Fit

‍ ‍“‘Vending Machines’ kicks off with a lilting steel guitar lick, one of Mariel Buckley’s signature touches that help you know she’s about to kick your ass.” – Rainbow Rodeo

‍ ‍ “Buckley’s work is melancholy in tone, but hook-laden in arrangements. The result is a driving, swooning catharsis, with laser-sharp vocals and an angst-ridden delivery.” – Words & Music (SOCAN Magazine)

‍ ‍“one for the album-of-the-year lists...albums like Strange Trip Ahead are worth their weight in gold” - Orange Flag Music (The Netherlands)

‍ ‍“songs with a timeless character” - Krenten (The Netherlands)