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). With some  impressive accolades on the way including Roots Artist of the Year  (Western Canadian Music Awards, 2019), and taking home the grand prize  of $100,000 from the year long Project Wild commercial radio artist  contest, Mariel was ready for her next move.

Now  with her debut album and 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, 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  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.

Get  your dancing shoes as we close out our 2023 festival on, June 25th at  Long Day's Night! Tickets are $32 and available at Swift Current  Pharmasave or eventbrite.com.