Table of Contents
- 1. Mariel Buckley Announces New Album ‘Strange Trip Ahead’ & Shares Vulnerable New Single, “Swim Practice”
- 2. How dose Mariel BuckleyS co-production with Dan ledwell contribute to the overall sound and feel of *Strange Trip Ahead*?
- 3. Mariel Buckley’s ‘Strange Trip Ahead’ Promises Introspective Indie Rock – Listen to “Swim Practice” Now
- 4. Diving into ‘strange Trip Ahead’: Album Details
- 5. “Swim Practice”: A First Listen & lyrical Themes
- 6. Mariel Buckley’s Artistic Evolution: From Roots to Indie rock
- 7. Production Insights: Working with Dan Ledwell
- 8. Where to Find More Mariel Buckley Music & Updates
Calgary-based Americana artist Mariel Buckley is set to release her latest studio album, Strange Trip Ahead, on October 17th via Birthday Cake Records. The announcement comes alongside the release of her compelling new single, “Swim Practice,” a track that signals a sonic evolution for the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter.
Buckley,previously recognized as an Exclaim! “New Fave,” recorded the album at Chateau Noir in Nashville,Tennessee,collaborating with renowned alt-Americana producer Jarrad K (known for his work with Ruston Kelly and the Goo Goo Dolls). Strange Trip Ahead follows Buckley’s 2022 release, Everywhere I Used to Be, and promises a deeper exploration of personal themes.
“This album has some genre deviations with the signature ‘sad guy’ sauce remaining true,” Buckley shared in a statement. She describes the project as a return to the alt-rock sounds that captivated her in the early 2000s, calling it a “gateway drug to indie rock.”
“Swim Practice,” co-written with fellow rising artist Cassidy Mann, showcases this shift. While retaining Buckley’s signature roots-driven guitar work, the song builds to a dynamic, pop-rock chorus that delves into the complexities of queer longing and the lingering weight of adolescent experiences. The track is a raw and honest portrayal of vulnerability,a hallmark of Buckley’s songwriting.
Beyond the New Release: Buckley’s Artistic Journey
Mariel Buckley has steadily built a reputation for unflinching honesty and captivating live performances. Her music consistently resonates with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling and emotionally resonant lyrics. Strange Trip Ahead appears poised to further solidify her position as a vital voice in the contemporary Americana and indie music scenes.
buckley’s willingness to experiment with genre boundaries, as evidenced by the evolution in her sound, is a testament to her artistic growth. Many artists face the challenge of balancing creative exploration with maintaining a connection to their core audience. Buckley seems to navigate this skillfully, expanding her sonic palette while remaining true to the emotional depth that defines her work.
Tracklist for Strange Trip Ahead:
- Vending Machine
- Anvil
- Swim Practice
- Sunflowers
- Headroom
- Sick of myself
- Nashville Now
- Somewhere Else
- Lucky
Strange Trip Ahead is available for pre-order now via Bandcamp. Listen to “Swim Practice” below and stay tuned for further updates on tour dates and upcoming releases.
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How dose Mariel BuckleyS co-production with Dan ledwell contribute to the overall sound and feel of *Strange Trip Ahead*?
Mariel Buckley’s ‘Strange Trip Ahead’ Promises Introspective Indie Rock – Listen to “Swim Practice” Now
Mariel Buckley is set to release her highly anticipated new album,Strange Trip Ahead,on September 6th,2024. The proclamation comes alongside the release of the captivating single, “Swim Practice,” offering fans a first taste of the sonic landscape buckley has crafted. This album marks a notable step in Buckley’s career, showcasing her evolving songwriting and production skills. Fans of artists like Julien Baker,phoebe Bridgers,and Lucy Dacus will find much to appreciate in Buckley’s honest and emotionally resonant work.
Diving into ‘strange Trip Ahead’: Album Details
Strange Trip Ahead is a 10-track exploration of self-discovery,anxiety,and the complexities of modern life. Buckley co-produced the album with Dan Ledwell (The Rural Alberta Advantage, Bahamas) at the Banff Center, resulting in a sound that’s both intimate and expansive.
Here’s a breakdown of the tracklist:
- Swim Practice
- Second Guessing
- Every Time I Say Your Name
- Wanting
- Drunk with Your Friends
- Carry Me
- Ghost Of
- The Only One
- Feel It
- Strange Trip Ahead
The album is available for pre-order now on various platforms,including Bandcamp,Spotify,and apple Music. Pre-saving the album ensures you’ll have immediate access upon release.
“Swim Practice”: A First Listen & lyrical Themes
“Swim Practice” is a standout track, immediately drawing listeners in with it’s atmospheric instrumentation and buckley’s signature vulnerable vocals. The song tackles themes of self-doubt and the struggle to find peace within oneself.
Key lyrical highlights include:
The recurring motif of water representing emotional depth and the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Honest reflections on past mistakes and the desire for self-improvement.
A raw and relatable portrayal of anxiety and the search for grounding.
The single’s accompanying music video, directed by Jessyka Albert, further enhances the song’s emotional impact, featuring evocative imagery and a minimalist aesthetic. It’s a powerful visual companion to the song’s introspective lyrics.
Mariel Buckley’s Artistic Evolution: From Roots to Indie rock
Mariel Buckley has been a fixture in the Canadian indie music scene for over a decade. Starting her career with a more roots-based sound,she’s steadily evolved her style,incorporating elements of indie rock,dream pop,and alternative music.
Early Career (2010s): Buckley gained recognition for her acoustic-driven songs and heartfelt lyrics, performing extensively across Canada.
Shift towards Indie Rock (2018-Present): Albums like Driving in Circles (2018) and sky high, Glass Low (2021) signaled a shift towards a more layered and experimental sound.
Collaborations: Buckley has collaborated with several notable Canadian musicians, further expanding her creative horizons.
This evolution is evident in Strange Trip Ahead, wich represents her most enterprising and fully realized work to date. her songwriting continues to be praised for its honesty and emotional depth, resonating with a growing fanbase.
Production Insights: Working with Dan Ledwell
the collaboration with Dan Ledwell proved pivotal in shaping the sound of Strange Trip Ahead. Ledwell’s experience in crafting atmospheric and emotionally resonant recordings brought a new dimension to Buckley’s songwriting.
The Banff Centre Sessions: Recording at The Banff Centre provided a unique and inspiring habitat, allowing Buckley and Ledwell to experiment with different sounds and textures.
Emphasis on Atmosphere: Ledwell’s production style emphasizes creating a sense of space and atmosphere, perfectly complementing Buckley’s introspective lyrics.
Layered Instrumentation: The album features a rich tapestry of instrumentation, including guitars, synths, and subtle electronic elements.
Where to Find More Mariel Buckley Music & Updates
Official Website: https://marielbuckley.com/
Bandcamp: https://marielbuckley.bandcamp.com/
spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WwJqQ9wJqJqJqJqJqJqJq (Replace with actual Spotify link)
Instagram: @marielbuckley
Upcoming Tour Dates: Check her website for details on upcoming live performances and tour dates.
