I was recently introduced to Mariel Buckley and her newest album, Strange Trip Ahead. In my gay opinion, it’s always exciting to hear a new-to-me queer diva with a unique sound and perspective. The songs on Strange Trip Ahead are propelling Mariel forward while reflecting back on her past, deciding what will serve her and what to let go of. These songs are extremely personal to Mariel but with a universal struggle. Each song stands alone with an individual sound but work well together to form this great album.
I was lucky enough to get to ask Mariel a few questions about Strange Trip Ahead and how she got here, here’s what she had to say:
Strange Trip Ahead sounds like it has a lot of different musical influences, how would you categorize your sound?
My sound has evolved past what most would call alt-country and now lives somewhere in the indie-rock/folk space, if I had to pin it down. I listen to a pretty broad spectrum of music, mostly in an effort to keep the wheels turning to find new inspiration. Right now I’m making my way through a ton of Patti Scialfa (Bruce Springsteen’s wife) – she has some incredible songs.
Much of the album seems to be about maturing and what the future holds. How did where and how you grew up influence your song writing?
You’re right that on this album I was feeling some growing pains, often the case with my work, in this case struggling through my early thirties. After my last record there was a difficult lull of activity. I found myself needing part-time work, going through a separation and moving into a 400 sq ft bachelor pad. At the time, I was really unsure about myself and my career. Throughout writing these songs, I think I was able to find my purpose and recommit to the path despite it being murky and painful in spots. As with all of my records, my prairie upbringing shows itself in the bleak land descriptions or wildflowers I’m pointing to, it’s always the backdrop of anything I’m writing, whether personal or narrative.
I’m obsessed with your song “Sunflowers” which is my personal favorite song on the album, is there any tea you can spill about how that song came to be?
The baritone riff that opens / closes the song is so awesome, and I love the little disco beat from my drummer that comes in halfway through the outro. The only tea is that Sunflowers are my exes favourite, and it felt right to pin something specific and emotional on this one. It’s a picture of two people drifting apart from apathy and dismissal, replacing genuine care and communication with an arbitrary act of service, in this case, growing a garden.
This winter you’re touring Canada supporting Matt Andersen, what do you enjoy most and least about touring?
Touring is my favourite way to connect with folks. I love almost everything about being on the road. The routine, the long drives, hearing people’s stories at the merch table, honing the show and reading crowds, ending every day exhausted and with a sense of purpose. The difficulties are always the same – missing important milestones with friends and family, the immense mood drop after you come home, and being in a van or bus for a few weeks can be really hard on your body. That’s a learning curve I’m still working on.
Here at My Gay Opinion, I try to promote female and/or rainbow family artists, is there an artist you feel doesn’t get the recognition they deserve and should be heard?
Right now I’m a big fan of FONTINE, a Winnipeg based artist and dear friend who just released a stunning new album. Other folks I’d spotlight are Bells Larsen, River Shook, Lizzie No, She Returns From War and Olivia Lloyd.
Thanks to Mariel for taking time out of her schedule to share and for putting out such a worth-while and emotionally exposed album.
