Mariel Buckley –
Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, 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.