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. She aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: singing and writing songs for the underdog.

Her candor and magnetic live show have been charming listeners across North America since her debut LP, Driving In The Dark [2018]. Now with thousands of miles under her belt, Buckley looks to turn country/folk music on its head, with her follow-up album, Everywhere I Used To Be [2022]. Anchored by the haunting whine of the pedal steel, rounded out by heavy synth pads and produced by Marcus Paquin (The Weather Station, The Barr Brothers, Arcade Fire, The National), the resulting collection is a driving, swooning, toe-tapping catharsis; sealed and delivered by Buckley’s signature crooning brand of angst-ridden alt-folk.

Buckley and Paquin made an intentional move towards decidedly pop/contemporary production, and quickly found themselves in a daily rhythm of deconstructing and rebuilding each song to find its full potential. Backed by some of Canada’s finest session musicians, their collective efforts are showcased with abundant heart, and skillful flourishes while respecting the space necessary for the songs to speak.

Perhaps her mysterious ambiguity around genre, traditional storytelling, and identity is what gives these new songs such an honest shine. Buckley continues to be a trailblazer in her own right, with a firm grip on the steering wheel and a destination in mind - we’re just happy to be along for the ride.

“The album casually defies genre, drawing on propulsive heartland rock anthems, pedal-steel fuelled alt-country, intimate folk songs and atmospheric balladry; and Mariel uses her shape shifting Americana landscape as a vessel for her vivid narratives.”

– Brooklyn Vegan

“Buckley offers touchstones to anyone who has felt the same frustrations and feelings of being a misfit, letting them know they’re not alone and that they too can find themselves. She’s been tagged as a Mary Gauthier for the next generation. She may well be.”

– Fatea Records

Buckley’s been fine tuning her vision for years now, and she deserves to be talked about in the same breath as the artists who inspire her.

— Exclaim! Magazine

“This is a major step forward for Buckley, her palpable confidence in her talent, along with some hypnotic melodies, is on track to make her a significant alt-country/Americana presence.”

— Holler.