Mariel Buckley: "I was about 13 when I picked up the guitar, and that’s when everything changed"

Av Adam Brandt

Foto: Heather Saitz

 

Mariel Buckley is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her raw, honest lyrics and deeply personal storytelling. With a sound that blends folk, rock, and alternative influences, Buckley has carved out a unique space in the music world. In this interview, she opens up about her musical journey, the challenges she's faced, and where her evolving sound is taking her next. From early inspirations in her family to her excitement about upcoming tours, Buckley’s passion for music is evident in every word.

 

How did you first get into music? Was it something that was always around you growing up?

Absolutely. Music has always been a part of my life. My dad's side of the family is really musically inclined. A lot of them are trained in classical music, so I grew up hearing beautiful melodies and intricate compositions. But my biggest personal inspiration came from my brother. He's a singer-songwriter, and I would tag along to watch him play at different bars when I was younger. Those moments were really impactful for me. I’d see how music could make people feel something, connect them. Watching him do that made me realize that music wasn’t just a hobby; it was something that could really move people. That’s when I started to feel like maybe I could be a part of that world too.

 

What drew you to music on a deeper level? Was there a personal connection?

Music was my escape, honestly. I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a kid. But it was more than just something I liked—it became a kind of lifeline for me. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of close friends, and sometimes it felt like I didn’t quite fit in. Music was where I found comfort. It was like, even if I couldn’t express myself or connect with people in the way I wanted to, I could turn to music and feel understood. There’s something so powerful about a song that speaks to exactly what you’re going through, and that’s what I was looking for. That feeling of connection was what ultimately made me want to write my own music and, hopefully, give others that same outlet.

 

Can you share a bit about your artistic journey so far? What’s that been like for you?

It’s been a long, evolving process. I actually started out playing piano when I was really young. My family kind of expected me to follow in the classical music footsteps, but to be honest, I never really connected with it. I think I was about 13 when I picked up the guitar, and that’s when everything changed. It felt more natural to me. I wasn’t just playing other people’s music—I started feeling like I could tell my own stories.

When I turned 20, I got more serious about music. I was doing covers, playing around with different genres, and really just absorbing everything I could. It was during this time that I started to figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be. But it wasn’t until I was 27 that I finally released my first record. Now, in my 30s, I feel like I’ve come into my own a lot more. I’m more comfortable with my voice and my style, but I also know that the journey is ongoing. There’s always room to grow, and that’s what keeps it exciting for me.

 

What challenges did you face when you first started recording, and what does your creative process look like now?

Finding my sound was the biggest challenge. When I started recording, I had so many different influences, and I struggled to piece them together into something that felt authentic to me. It’s like you have all these puzzle pieces—some from country, some from folk, a bit of rock—but figuring out how to fit them together in a way that represents who you are can be really tricky. I spent a lot of time experimenting, and there were moments when I felt like I didn’t know if I was on the right path.

As for my creative process, it’s changed a lot over the years. In the beginning, I was almost rigid—I needed silence, I needed the right mood. I was very private about it. I’d observe people, take notes on little details in life, and then try to be as vulnerable as possible in my writing. Lately, I’ve been loosening up a bit. I’m not as strict about the environment I need to write in. I’ve realized that inspiration doesn’t always strike when everything is perfect.

 

You’ve mentioned your sound evolving. Where do you see yourself heading artistically in the future?

My tastes have definitely shifted recently. I’ve been really drawn to the post-punk movement and a lot of ’90s alternative bands. I love the rawness and the energy of that music. But at the same time, I’ve been diving into the synth-driven sounds of the ’80s—those overdriven tones and lush soundscapes are so captivating. It’s a cool balance because those genres bring a lot of intensity and mood, but where I’m heading now feels like it’s taking a more organic turn.

Lately, I’ve been more drawn to string instruments—acoustic sounds, but in a way that’s still modern and relevant. I think that’s where I’m headed next. It’s about blending the old and the new, trying to create something that feels timeless but also fresh. It’s exciting because I’m still figuring it out, and I love that unknown element.

 

You’re heading to Sweden soon for a tour. How are you feeling about it?

I’m really looking forward to it. The last time I was there, it was a bit tumultuous—travel, schedules, all that stuff—but it was still an incredible experience. There’s something special about Swedish audiences. They’re so respectful and tapped into what’s happening in the moment. It’s almost like they’re part of the performance with you, which is rare. They don’t just clap politely; they engage with the music, and they’re direct about what they like, which I really appreciate.

 

What do you hope people take away from listening to your music? What’s the message you want to convey?

I write a lot about my own struggles—things like loneliness, self-doubt, heartbreak. It’s deeply personal, but I think those themes are universal too. My hope is that when people listen, they can find a bit of themselves in the songs. Maybe it’s something they’ve been through, or maybe it’s a feeling they haven’t quite been able to put into words yet. I want my music to be an outlet for people, a place where they can feel seen and understood, the same way I did when I was growing up and felt disconnected. If my music can give someone that sense of connection, then I feel like I’ve done my job.

 

Who are some of your musical inspirations? Who do you find yourself returning to?

I’m a huge fan of The War on Drugs, and I also really admire Kathleen Edwards—she’s such a strong songwriter, and her honesty in her lyrics has always resonated with me. And Ken Yates—obviouslyl. There’s something so grounded in his work, and I find myself coming back to his music when I need that emotional depth.

 

If you could see any artist, dead or alive, perform live, who would it be?

Oh, without a doubt, it would be Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. There’s something timeless about their music, and Tom Petty was such a brilliant songwriter. He had this way of making simple lyrics feel profound, and the energy he brought to the stage was electric.

 

As Mariel Buckley continues to evolve as an artist, her journey is far from over. With her upcoming tour in Sweden, she’s excited to reconnect with the country’s attentive and passionate audiences. As she explores new sounds and inspirations, Buckley remains committed to sharing her deeply personal stories through music. Whether it’s her raw vulnerability or her ever-changing sound, fans can expect even more growth and authenticity from this talented singer-songwriter. Keep an eye out for her on the road as she brings her music to life in new places, one stage at a time.