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Mac DeMarco

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Mac DeMarco
DeMarco performing at Austin City Limits in 2014
Background information
Birth nameVernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV
Born (1990-04-30) April 30, 1990 (age 34)
Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
GenresIndie rock,[1] jangle pop[1][2]
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, bass, drums, keyboards
Years active2008-present
LabelsUnfamiliar, Captured Tracks

Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV (born April 30, 1990), better known by his stage name Mac DeMarco, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He is best known for his solo career, during which he has released two full-length studio albums, 2 (2012) and Salad Days (2014), and one EP, Rock and Roll Night Club (2012). His style has been described as "blue wave",[3] or “slacker rock”.[4]

DeMarco initially began recording and performing under the moniker Makeout Videotape, releasing the self-produced album, Ying Yang, in 2010. He was subsequently joined by musicians Alex Calder and Jen Clement, with the trio signing to Unfamiliar Records. In 2011, DeMarco moved to Montreal and embarked upon a solo career under his own name.

Life and career

Mac DeMarco was born on April 30, 1990 in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. During high school he was in several bands, including The Meat Cleavers, The Sound of Love and Outdoor Miners (named after a song by English rock band Wire).[5][6]

After DeMarco graduated from high school in Edmonton in 2008, he moved to Vancouver.[7] Living in the Killarney neighbourhood, he released a self-produced album, Heat Wave, calling himself Makeout Videotape in 2009. The album sold out its 500-unit run.[8] DeMarco worked on "psychedelic" video projects during this time.[7] He was joined by Alex Calder and Jen Clement, signed to Unfamiliar Records, and toured with Vancouver band Japandroids in 2009.[7]

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[9] and worked on a road paving crew.[10] In early 2012, he released an EP titled Rock and Roll Nightclub. The four-track-recorded album features skits and slowed-down vocals.[9] It impressed his new label, Captured Tracks, enough that they agreed to release a full-length album.[9] This release, entitled 2, was received well by critics, garnering a “Best New Music” designation from Pitchfork Media.[11] One of his songs, "Moving Like Mike",[12] was licensed by U.S. retail outlet Target for a commercial.[9]

On January 21, 2014, DeMarco announced the release of his upcoming second album, Salad Days, along with debuting the lead single "Passing Out Pieces." The record was released on April 1, 2014,[13] and again received the "Best New Music" designation from Pitchfork.[14] On January 31, DeMarco was reported to be recording with Tyler, The Creator.[15] Captured Tracks has announced a subscription series called "The Wonderful World of Mac DeMarco 7" Club Vol. 1". Subscribers will receive two 7" records every six to eight weeks containing various recordings by DeMarco.[16]

Salad Days is a shortlisted nominee for the 2014 Polaris Music Prize.[17]

Style

DeMarco has mentioned Shuggie Otis, Steely Dan, and Jonathan Richman as favourite artists.[18] His guitar-based compositions have moved from glam-inspired works to what reviewers describe as “off-kilter pop”.[9] DeMarco has labelled his style as “jizz jazz.”[19]

DeMarco's live shows have been described as "raunchfests",[19] with the musician engaging the audience with off-colour jokes.[9] His shows can involve nudity and lewd acts.[9] 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."[19]

Personal life

DeMarco has lived in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn with his girlfriend Kiera since June 2013. The couple has been together since 2010.[5][6]

Discography

Main article: Mac DeMarco discography

References

  1. ^ a b Lynch, Marley (February 21, 2013). "FYF 2013 artist spotlight: Mac DeMarco". Time Out. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  2. ^ Mapes, Jillian (April 1, 2014). "Mac DeMarco is the Slacker With a Heart of Gold on the Endearing 'Salad Days'". Spin. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  3. ^ Still in Rock - Brooklyn based Music Blog: Album Review : Mac DeMarco - 2 (Blue Wave)
  4. ^ Whelan, Alex. "Mac DeMarco's new record shines with its Montreal roots". Arizona Daily Wildcat. University of Arizona. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  5. ^ a b Hoby, Hermoine (March 22, 2014). "Mac DeMarco: 'I live like a scumbag, but it's cheap'". theguardian.com. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  6. ^ a b Sharp, Elliott (October 29, 2013). "The Big Story: 2 Sketchy Days With Mac DeMarco". Red Bull. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  7. ^ a b c Thomas, Fred. "Biography". Mac DeMarco. Allmusic. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  8. ^ Fumano, Dan. "Makeout Videotape". Discorder. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Traynor, Cian. "Interview: Mac DeMarco". The Stool Pigeon. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  10. ^ Kimbasha, Michelle. "Freaking Out The Neighbourhood: Mac DeMarco". Clashmusic.com. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  11. ^ Hockley-Smith, Sam. "Mac DeMarco - 2". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  12. ^ Mac DeMarco: Rock and Roll Night Club EP | Album Reviews | Pitchfork
  13. ^ Minsker, Evan. "Mac DeMarco Details New Album "Salad Days," Shares "Passing Out Pieces"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  14. ^ Hogan, Mark (April 1, 2014). "Mac DeMarco Salad Days". Pitchfork Media.
  15. ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (January 31, 2014). "Mac DeMarco and Tyler, the Creator Are Working Together". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  16. ^ Minsker, Evan (March 1, 2014). "Mac DeMarco Announces 7" Subscription Series". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved March 2, 2014.
  17. ^ "Arcade Fire, Drake, Shad make Polaris Music Prize short list". CTV News, July 15, 2014.
  18. ^ Minsker, Evan. "Mac DeMarco". Guest Lists. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  19. ^ a b c Lindsay, Cam. "Mac DeMarco". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 24 November 2012.

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