Photo Credit – Maggie Geis
Mariel Buckley. “Vending Machines” explores themes of self-doubt, uncertainty, and questioning
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Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, Mariel Buckley
Her latest 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.”
The song opens with an irresistible pedal steel hook, while a steady backbeat anchors a deep groove. Jangly acoustic guitar creates a bright, rustic charm around Buckley’s smooth and velvety vocals, infused with her signature melancholy tone. As the captivating, storytelling lyrics unfold, they paint a vivid, cinematic picture, drawing you deeper into the song's world with every word. Buckley explains, “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.”
Buckley’s past albums, 2022’s Polaris Music Prize nominated Everywhere I Used To Be and 2018’s Driving In The Dark, has been praised by notable publications and recognized with prestigious accolades. Her work has also charted on Sirius XM, college and campus stations across North America, and on local Canadian favs CKUA and CBC radio. Buckley’s live journey has been a strong, steady climb. She’s toured across Canada, America and the EU/UK, as well as showcasing at SXSW, Americanafest, The Philadelphia Folk Fest, and Folk Alliance International. She’s shared stages with artists like Orville Peck, k.d. lang, The Bros Landreth and Frazey Ford, among many others.
"[Driving In The Dark] casually defies genre, drawing upon propulsive heartland rock anthems, pedal steel-fueled alt-country, intimate folk songs, and atmospheric balladry, and Mariel uses her shapeshifting Americana landscape as a vessel for her vivid storytelling." - Brooklyn Vegan
"There’s a grit to Mariel Buckley’s voice that can’t be manufactured with studio wizardry. She can hit heavenly registers, but always with a tinge of angst, like tasting a bit of coffee grounds at the bottom of a cup of velvety coffee, the mark of handcrafted majesty." - Edmonton Journal
"Mariel Buckley's compassionate candour for the rearview mirror makes for some of the most beautiful country music of the year. It's not just her exceptional craft as a songwriter; Buckley's voice is frank and warm, wry when necessary, and shows the strength it takes to be truly vulnerable." - CBC Music
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