Mariel Buckley announces first dates on her upcoming European tour

Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. Never one for following the rules, she aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: 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.

Mariel Buckley returns with her third studio album, Strange Trip Ahead, out now via Birthday Cake Records. Following the success of her 2022 Polaris Prize–longlisted album, Everywhere I Used to Be, Buckley steps boldly into a new sonic chapter — one that blurs the lines between alt-Americana, indie rock, and emotive confession

Her single, Vending Machines, marks the beginning of a new sonic and individual chapter. While familiar, darker instrumentation and themes are sprinkled throughout. She shares: “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.” An avid admirer of his work, Mariel connected with Nashville based alt-Americana producer, Jarrad K (Ruston Kelly, Lucie Silvas, Fancy Hagood, Goo Goo Dolls) for the new single. Despite having grittier undertones, the writing is intentionally vulnerable and specific, resulting in something inviting and universal. Vending Machines explores themes of self-doubt, uncertainty, and questioning one's path. It beautifully captures the feeling of restlessness and being in a constant, seemingly cyclical state of transition, unsure of where things are headed, and trying to find a way forward. Buckley confides, “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.”

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.”

First string of tour dates are announced today, stay tuned for more:

16/04: Leiden, NL - Q-Bus
17/04: Arnhem, NL - Luxor Live
18/04: Eindhoven, NL - Rozenknopje
19/04: Groningen, NL - A-Theater
20/04: Norderstedt, DE - Music Star
09/05: Copenhagen, DK - Beta
10/05: Venlo, NL - Down By The River