Mariel Buckley has always carved her own path in the music landscape, a truly genuine voice with a knack for sharp, yet tender, songwriting. Eschewing the mainstream, she’s found her sweet spot crafting anthems for those on the fringes, a perspective no doubt shaped by her upbringing in the heart of Canada's country and rodeo circuits. With a fearless approach that blurs genre lines, Buckley's blend of raw, alt-folk infused with a touch of angst offers a compelling take on modern Americana.
Her latest single, 'Vending Machines', signals a fresh chapter, both musically and personally. While listeners will recognise hints of her signature darker tones and themes, the track sees her exploring a heavier sonic territory. As she explains, “I was itching to try something a little heavier than my previous stuff. I wanted to move away from synths and keys in general, citing references from indie rock, pop music, and alt-country.” To achieve this shift, she teamed up with Nashville-based alt-Americana producer Jarrad K, known for his work with artists like Ruston Kelly and Lucie Silvas, an artist whose output Buckley greatly admires.
Despite its grittier edge, 'Vending Machines' is strikingly open and personal, creating a sense of connection for the listener. The song explores feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, capturing that familiar sense of being in a constant state of flux, searching for direction. Buckley openly shares the song's origins: “I was genuinely questioning my career, personal life as a result of that career, my distant-feeling relationships with family and friends, and how I could restart after yet another big change. It should feel looping, liminal and never ending, like an endless travel day.”
The track immediately grabs you with an inviting pedal steel line, underpinned by a steady beat that establishes a deep, compelling groove. A touch of rustic charm comes from the jangly acoustic guitar work, complementing Buckley's smooth, melancholic vocals. Her vivid, storytelling lyrics draw you into the song's world, unfolding like a short film with each line. Buckley highlights the collaborative magic behind the opening hook, noting, “My guitar/steel player, Ryan, came up with that amazing riff at the beginning of the tune that works like a magnet and a revolving door. It gives the whole song its swaying motion, huge vibes.”
'Vending Machines' follows the success of her previous albums, including 2022's Polaris Music Prize nominated 'Everywhere I Used To Be' and 2018's 'Driving In The Dark', both of which garnered critical acclaim and airplay across North America and Canada. Buckley's compelling live performances have also seen her build a strong following, touring extensively and sharing stages with notable artists like k.d. lang and Orville Peck, as well as appearing at key festivals such as SXSW and Americanafest.
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