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Interview with
MARIEL BUCKLEY

(9th November 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Canadian alt-country artist Mariel Buckley is the kind of musician who wears honesty like a badge. Whether she’s on stage alone with her guitar or in the studio crafting her latest record, her work bleeds sincerity, grit, and a deep love for the craft. I caught up with Mariel to talk about her journey, her latest album Strange Trip Ahead, and what keeps her grounded in a constantly shifting musical landscape.

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Watch the whole interview below:

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“I’ve always wanted to do something artistic”

Mariel’s story begins like many true artists — with a need to create.
“I think I’ve always wanted to do something artistic, something left of centre,” she told me. “I got the songwriting bug in my early 20s while working full-time jobs in kitchens. I’d been playing guitar for a while and just started writing songs.”

Her early days in Canada were a grind in the best possible sense — late nights in bars, three-hour gigs, and cutting her teeth in front of small crowds. “You could play your own material, do some covers, and they’d hand you a check for a few hundred bucks. It was enough to pay rent and keep going.”

From there, Mariel slowly built momentum — releasing early indie projects before fully committing to music. Her debut full-length arrived in 2018, followed by another in 2022, and most recently, her Nashville-recorded Strange Trip Ahead. “It’s been a pretty steady climb of playing gigs,” she said. “My priority is connecting with people through live performance.”

The sound: a blend of truth and texture

Trying to pin Mariel’s sound down isn’t easy — and that’s exactly how she likes it.
“I think those labels — country, Americana, indie rock — are more for listeners than artists,” she laughed. “This record leans into early alt-country and indie rock, like Jason Molina and early Drive-By Truckers. But really, I just make what feels right for me at whatever stage of life I’m in.”

That authenticity, she says, is what connects her most with fans. “People resonate with openness and vulnerability in the writing. I think they feel seen — and that’s why I make art.”

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A Strange Trip Ahead

Mariel’s new record, Strange Trip Ahead, was born out of change — and maybe a little chaos. “I was in a transitional place in my life,” she reflected. “The songs came out of that — traveling, airports, hotel lobbies, moving, breakups, touring, even rediscovering hope and love again. It’s about those liminal spaces where time loses meaning.”

The album, recorded mostly in Nashville, carries both melancholy and rebirth — and a newfound perspective shaped by real life. “I started gardening and working part-time again when I was writing it. Doing other things helped me fall back in love with making music.”

Brotherly roots and Nashville vibes

Music runs in the Buckley family. Mariel’s brother, a fellow musician from Calgary, played a big role in her journey. “He was the first to say, ‘Come to an open mic, try this out,’” she said. “He’s one of the best people I know and a huge influence.”

While some Canadian artists are hesitant to cross the border these days, Mariel’s visa keeps her connected to Nashville — a city she calls a “music family.” “It’s still an important place to be, no matter what’s going on. Everyone down there just wants to make good music.”

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Touring, storytelling, and staying grounded

In early 2026, Mariel will hit the road across Canada, opening for bluesman Matt Anderson. “It’s a support tour across the country in the dead of winter — but we’re playing iconic rooms like Massey Hall. I’ll be solo, sharing new songs. It’s a great way to kick off the album.”

Mariel’s pragmatic approach to touring is refreshing. “I’ve spent most of my career as a support act. I’m out there shaking hands, selling merch — that’s how you build a career.”

And while she dreams big — “Springsteen’s pretty high on the list of artists I’d love to perform with” — her long-term goal is beautifully simple.

“I just want to keep growing the listenership, keep loving what I do, and make enough to pay the rent and own a van. That’s success for me.”

Advice for emerging artists

After over a decade in the business, Mariel knows how tough the landscape can be. Her advice? Stay adaptable and keep the focus on the craft.

“Don’t be afraid to do the thing people are telling you — even if it’s TikTok. It’s just part of the job now. But remember: the one thing no one can take from you is the writing. If you’re feeling lost, sit down with your instrument and keep cracking. That’s the only way.”

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Photo – Emma Palm

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Quickfire with Mariel Buckley

– Craziest on-tour story: Accidentally eating a 100mg “special” brownie before a gig in Saskatchewan — and finishing the set anyway.
– Favourite artist: Bruce Springsteen
– Favourite album: Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
– Favourite movies: There Will Be Blood and Mystic River
– Favourite place: The Rocky Mountains
– Favourite venue: The Troubadour, LA
– Favourite food: Alberta beef
– Favourite drink: Club soda with bitters and lemon (for now)
– Favourite person in history: Her brother
– Favourite tattoo: A magpie, done in Nashville — “the smartest bird, and now the official bird of Edmonton.”

Final thoughts

Mariel Buckley is an artist who values connection over clout, heart over hype. Her latest album Strange Trip Ahead captures a moment of reflection, rebirth, and raw humanity — the kind that sticks with you long after the last note fades.

You can buy Strange Trip Ahead on Bandcamp (the best way to support Mariel directly), or grab a vinyl or CD through her label. Catch her on tour across Canada from January to March 2026.

Because as Mariel says — “If you can keep loving what you do, you can keep having a happy existence.”

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Follow MARIEL BUCKLEY
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Watch the whole interview below:

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Press Release 18th October 2025 (below) HERE

MARIEL BUCKLEY
releases new album
‘STRANGE TRIP AHEAD’

Listen to Strange Trip Ahead

Order the Vinyl

Shares Focus Track: “Anvil” Featuring T. Buckley

Announces Canadian Tour Dates Supporting Matt Andersen 

Jackalope Jamboree Performance Announced

Spring Tour Of Scandinavia To Be Announced Soon

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AMNPLIFY – DB