Mac DeMarco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mac DeMarco
DeMarco performing in Brooklyn, 2017.
Background information
Birth name	Vernor Winfield MacBriare Smith IV
Born	(1990-04-30) April 30, 1990 (age 35) Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Origin	Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
Genres	Indie rock indie pop psychedelic pop jangle pop slacker rock
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter producer
Instruments	Guitar vocals bass drums keyboards percussion
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Captured Tracks Royal Mountain Voltage Controlled Recordings Easy Eye Sound Unfamiliar Mac's Record Label
Associated acts	Makeout Videotape Logic The Sound of Love

MacBriare Samuel Lanyon DeMarco (born Vernor Winfield MacBriare Smith IV; April 30, 1990) is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He also plays many instruments. He has released five main studio albums, including 2 (2012) and Salad Days (2014). He also released mini-albums and a big collection of songs called One Wayne G in 2023. His music is often called "blue wave" or "slacker rock." Mac DeMarco himself calls his style "jizz jazz."

Life and Music Journey

Growing Up and Starting Music (1990–2008)

Mac DeMarco was born in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. His family has a history of important people, like his great-grandfather who was a government minister. His mother changed his name when he was young.

Mac started playing guitar when he was in middle school. His grandmother gave him lessons. In high school, he played in several bands. These included an indie rock band called The Meat Cleavers and a post-punk band called Outdoor Miners. After high school in 2008, he moved to Vancouver to pursue music.

Early Music Projects and First Album (2009–2012)

In Vancouver, Mac released his first album, Heat Wave, in 2009. He released it under the name Makeout Videotape. Only 500 copies were made, and they sold out quickly. He also worked on video projects.

In 2011, Mac moved to Montreal to focus on his solo music. He took on different jobs, like working on a road paving crew, to earn money. In 2012, he signed with the record label Captured Tracks. He then released a mini-album called Rock and Roll Night Club. This album was recorded in a unique way, using old equipment.

Becoming Well-Known (2012–2015)

DeMarco performing in 2014

His first mini-album impressed his new record label. They decided to release a full album called 2. Critics really liked 2, and it helped Mac become more popular.

In 2014, Mac announced his next album, Salad Days. It was released on April 1, 2014. This album also received great reviews and was nominated for a big music award in Canada.

Mac appeared on the TV show Conan in 2015 to perform a song. Later that year, he released another mini-album called Another One. He described it as a collection of love songs. This album also got good reviews from music critics. In July 2015, he released an instrumental album called Some Other Ones. He called it a "BBQ soundtrack." He even hosted a listening party in New York City where fans could get free hot dogs.

New Albums and Collaborations (2017–2020)

DeMarco performing in 2017

On January 31, 2017, Mac announced his third studio album, This Old Dog. He released two songs from it on the same day. The full album came out on May 5, 2017.

In 2018, Mac worked with a non-profit group called Plus1. For his tours that year, one dollar from each ticket went to the Girls Rock Camp Alliance. This group helps young people learn music.

In March 2019, Mac announced his fourth studio album, Here Comes the Cowboy. It was released on May 10, 2019, on his own record label. This album was his first to reach the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Mac also worked with other artists. In 2020, he was featured on songs by Yellow Days and Myd. He even appeared as an animated character in Myd's music video. He also covered a Metallica song called "Enter Sandman" for a charity album in 2021.

Recent Music and Viral Success (2021–Present)

Mac DeMarco performing at Shaky Knees, 2021

In October 2021, Mac started performing live again after a break. His band members changed, with new musicians joining him.

Mac released an instrumental album called Five Easy Hot Dogs on January 20, 2023. He recorded the 14 songs in different places during a road trip across the United States.

Around the same time, a song called "Heart to Heart" from his album Here Comes the Cowboy became very popular on TikTok. This made the song appear on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, which was a first for Mac.

On April 21, 2023, Mac released a huge collection of songs called One Wayne G. It was released online without any warning. This collection has 199 songs and lasts for over eight hours! Many of the songs are instrumental or have simple vocals, like demos. The title of the album is a fun reference to the famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky.

Music Style

Mac DeMarco's music has a unique sound. He often uses drums that sound "flat" and adds special effects like chorus and vibrato to his guitar. His music often feels relaxed, like old soft rock songs. He has mentioned many artists who inspire him, including Shuggie Otis and Haruomi Hosono.

His music is often described as indie rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop, and lo-fi. "Lo-fi" means it sounds like it was recorded with simpler equipment. Mac calls his own style "jizz jazz." He uses old recording equipment, like reel-to-reel tape recorders, to get his special sound.

Instruments and Gear

DeMarco performing with his Teisco electric guitar (2013)

Mac DeMarco likes to use vintage (old) instruments and equipment. He often played a $30 Teisco electric guitar, which was already in rough shape. He also uses Fender guitars, like a Stratocaster and a Mustang. For bass, he uses a Teisco/Stagg bass.

He uses old Japanese synthesizers, such as a Yamaha DX7 and a Korg Microsampler. He also uses different amplifiers and effect pedals to shape his sound.

For recording, Mac uses old reel-to-reel tape recorders and vintage effects units. However, he recorded his album This Old Dog on a MacBook computer. He also has a special room in his home that he turned into a "reverb chamber" to add echo to his music.

Personal Life

Mac DeMarco used to live in Far Rockaway, Queens in New York City. He now lives in Los Angeles. He often hosts jam sessions at his home with other musicians and friends.

Mac's Record Label

In 2018, Mac DeMarco started his own record label called 'Mac's Record Label'. The first artist he signed was Tex Crick in 2021, followed by Vicky Farewell in 2022.

Awards and Nominations

Band Members

Mac DeMarco performs with a live band. Here are the musicians who have played with him:

Current Members

• Alec Meen – keyboards, backing vocals, percussion (2017–present), guitar (2021–present)
• Pedro Martins — electric guitar, backing vocals (2021–present)
• Daryl Johns — bass guitar, backing vocals (2021–present)
• JD Beck — drums (2021–present)

Former Members

• Peter Sagar – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2012–2014)
• Pierce McGarry – bass guitar, backing vocals (2012–2016)
• Joe McMurray – drums, occasional backing vocals (2012–2021)
• Andy White – guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2014–2021)
• Rory McCarthy – bass guitar (2016)
• Jon Lent – bass guitar (2016–2021), keyboards, percussion (2015–2016)

Timeline of Band Members

Music Albums

Studio Albums

• 2 (2012)
• Salad Days (2014)
• Some Other Ones (2015)
• This Old Dog (2017)
• Here Comes the Cowboy (2019)
• Five Easy Hot Dogs (2023)

Mini-LPs

• Rock and Roll Night Club (2012)
• Another One (2015)

Compilations

• One Wayne G (2023)

See also

In Spanish: Mac DeMarco para niños