Mariel Buckley to close out Long Day’s Night

Contributed

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.

Sunday June 25th, Buckley will close out Long Day’s Night (Doors 7 p.m.; music 8 p.m.; $32).

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 longdaysnight.ca.

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