Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco | |
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| File:Mac DeMarco.JPG | |
| Background information | |
| Born | April 30, 1990 Duncan, British Columbia |
| Genres | Indie rock, surf rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2008-present |
| Labels |
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Mac DeMarco is a Canadian musician born in Duncan, British Columbia.[1] Raised in Edmonton, DeMarco moved to Vancouver after graduating high school. He is now based in Montreal. Formerly recording as Makeout Videotape, he has produced three solo albums, Rock and Roll Nightc Club, 2, and Salad Days.[2] His style has been described as "blue wave",[3] or “slacker rock”.[4] He is a multi-instrumentalist as well as a multimedia artist.[2]
Career
After DeMarco graduated from high school in Edmonton, Alberta in 2008, he moved to Vancouver, BC.[2] Living in the Killarney neighbourhood, he released a self-produced album, Heat Wave, calling himself Makeout Videotape. The album sold out its 500-unit run.[5] DeMarco worked on "psychedelic" video projects during this time.[2] He was joined by Alex Calder and Jen Clement, signed to Unfamiliar Records, and toured with Vancouver band Japandroids in 2009.[2]
In 2011, DeMarco moved to Montreal and began recording as a solo artist. Failing to find work as a musician, he participated in medical experiments for money[6] and worked on a road paving crew.[7] In early 2012, he released an EP titled Rock and Roll Nightclub. The four-track-recorded album features skits and slowed-down vocals.[6] It impressed his new label, Captured Tracks, enough that they agreed to release a full-length album.[6] This release, entitled 2, was received well by critics, garnering a “Best New Music” designation from Pitchfork Media.[8] One of his songs, "Moving Like Mike",[9] was licensed by U.S. retail outlet Target for a commercial.[6] In June 2013, the album was longlisted for the 2013 Polaris Music Prize.
On January 21, 2014, DeMarco announced the release of his upcoming sophomore album, Salad Days, along with debuting the lead single "Passing Out Pieces." The record is scheduled for release on April 1, 2014.[10] On January 31, DeMarco was reported to be recording with Tyler, The Creator.[11]
Style
DeMarco has mentioned Shuggie Otis, Steely Dan, Weezer, and Jonathan Richman as favourite artists.[12] His guitar-based compositions have moved from glam-inspired works to what reviewers describe as “off-kilter pop”.[6] DeMarco has labelled his style as “jizz jazz.”[13] He uses a guitar he bought for 30 Canadian dollars when he was sixteen years old and effects pedals he believes "no serious musician would ever use".[6]
DeMarco's live shows have been described as "raunchfests",[13] with the musician engaging the audience with off-colour jokes.[6] His shows can involve nudity and lewd acts.[6] Asked why he engages in behaviour onstage that doesn't necessarily relate to his musical style, DeMarco said,"[i]f we're getting all loose and goofy, the crowd usually lightens up and starts having a funkier time."[13]
Discography
- Heat Wave! (2009, self-released)
- Eating Like A Kid (2010, self-released)
- Weird Meats 7" (2010, Unfamiliar Records)
- Ying Yang (2011, self-released)
- Bossa Ye Ye (2011, self-released)
as Mac DeMarco:[15]
- Rock and Roll Night Club (2012, Captured Tracks)
- 2 (2012, Captured Tracks)
- Salad Days (2014, Captured Tracks)
References
- ^ Leijon, Eric (December 12, 2012). "Mac DeMarco keeps his music clean and his apartment dirty". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Thomas, Fred. "Biography". Mac DeMarco. Allmusic. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ Still in Rock - Brooklyn based Music Blog: Album Review : Mac DeMarco - 2 (Blue Wave)
- ^ Whelan, Alex. "Mac DeMarco's new record shines with its Montreal roots". Arizona Daily Wildcat. University of Arizona. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ a b Fumano, Dan. "Makeout Videotape". Discorder. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Traynor, Cian. "Interview: Mac DeMarco". The Stool Pigeon. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ Kimbasha, Michelle. "Freaking Out The Neighbourhood: Mac DeMarco". Clashmusic.com. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Hockley-Smith, Sam. "Mac DeMarco - 2". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ Mac DeMarco: Rock and Roll Night Club EP | Album Reviews | Pitchfork
- ^ Minsker, Evan. "Mac DeMarco Details New Album "Salad Days," Shares "Passing Out Pieces"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
- ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (January 31, 2014). "Mac DeMarco and Tyler, the Creator Are Working Together". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
- ^ Minsker, Evan. "Mac DeMarco". Guest Lists. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ a b c Lindsay, Cam. "Mac DeMarco". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ^ "Makeout Videotape". CBC Music. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
- ^ "Mac DeMarco Discography". Artists.MTV Beta. MTV.com. Retrieved 12 December 2012.