- 2025-08-09
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MUSIC
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Mariel Buckley Announces New Album “Strange Trip Ahead”, Shares New Song “Swim Practice”
Canadian singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley has announced their upcoming third studio album “Strange Trip Ahead” will be released on October 17, 2025 via Birthday Cake Records.
The album their first body of work in three years since the 2022 album “Everywhere I Used to Be”.
From the album, Mariel Buckley unveiled a new song “Swim Practice” on August 6, 2025.
The song is the second single off of the album, following “Vending Machines” released back in May.
On the track, Mariel Buckley ventures into new sonic ground, embracing an emotive indie-rock palette that leans away from her country and Americana roots.
It was written by Mariel Buckley and CASSIDY MANN. Produced by Produced by Jarrad K.
Mariel Buckley said of the song, “When I wrote it, I knew it felt more pop/rock adjacent than anything else. I wanted the verses to feel like holding your breath underwater and the choruses to crash like raging waves.”- They continued, “Writing this one was an act of reclamation, taking the story of my first crush and the ensuing adolescent queer shame and repurposing it into something cathartic. I had some bones and a vibe, but Winnipeg beaut CASSIDY MANN really brought it across the finish line. Best enjoyed at top volume, this song might have my favourite chorus on the album and I am very proud of how we wrangled it in the studio. Tentative, sexy and intense.”
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The new album comprises 9 tracks, produced by Jarrad K. The nine songs explore the vulnerability of existing in the uncertain - within one’s life, relationships, and career.
Mariel Buckley said of the album, “This album has some genre deviations with the signature "sad guy" sauce remaining true. I used to steal my older brother's CDs in the early 00's, and found myself pretty deep in the alt-rock of that era. In many ways, this album was my gateway drug to indie rock. Grief, loss, liminal spaces and of course, another song about doing it in the car.”
They added, “Ultimately, this album is one about choices, and accepting the snack that falls when we push the button, I hope you find yourself somewhere in it. Hang on, buddy, the best is yet to come.”
Photo by Emma Palm - source : Apple Music
