Mac DeMarco on Touring, Sobriety, and the Human Element in Songwriting
Mac DeMarco, once the face of slacker rock, has shifted gears. At 35, he’s moved past the hard-partying image that marked his early career and embraced a more reflective approach to music and life. Yet, his enthusiasm for touring remains undiminished. For writers and creatives, his perspective on imperfection and authenticity in art offers valuable insight.
From Slacker Icon to Thoughtful Artist
In the early 2010s, DeMarco was everywhere—a symbol of laid-back cool with a whiskey bottle in hand and a cigarette always at the ready. His music and persona captured the spirit of a generation eager to reject convention. Now, he watches a new wave of young musicians struggling with the demands of touring. His response? A mix of frustration and humor. Instead of complaining about the challenges, he urges them to appreciate what touring offers: an extended adventure with friends and new people, all while getting paid.
Despite his larger fanbase—over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify—DeMarco has adopted a simpler lifestyle, quitting drinking and smoking. He’s settled into a quieter routine on British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, preparing for his next world tour with a fresh mindset.
The Making of Guitar: Embracing Rawness
DeMarco’s latest album, Guitar, was recorded in just two weeks at his home studio in Los Angeles. It’s a collection of twelve unpolished songs, mostly featuring just guitar and drums. The album was born out of a desire to get back on the road and perform, not to chase chart success.
He describes the record as “middle-aged” and “weird,” focusing on honesty rather than polish. Tracks like “Rock and Roll” and “Holy” explore music’s power to transform, while “Terror” reflects on his past wild days with a mix of nostalgia and self-awareness.
Why Imperfection Matters
In an era where technology can smooth out every rough edge, DeMarco prefers to keep things real. His recordings on Guitar are demos, capturing the rawness that polished production often erases. This choice stands out in a music landscape increasingly influenced by AI and formulaic pop.
DeMarco is critical of the growing use of AI in songwriting, especially when young artists rely on it to write lyrics. “Give me a break,” he says, emphasizing the importance of intention and human effort in creative work. For writers, this underscores the value of embracing imperfection and personal voice over manufactured perfection.
Touring on His Own Terms
When it comes to touring, DeMarco rejects the typical trappings of big production. He and his band travel in a modest sprinter van, preferring intimate venues over arenas. “The bigger rock box sucks,” he says. His focus is on connection and authenticity, not spectacle.
Lessons for Writers and Creatives
- Embrace imperfection: Flaws and rough edges can make creative work feel more genuine and relatable.
- Value the human element: Whether writing lyrics or prose, the personal touch matters more than mechanical precision.
- Stay authentic: Resist shortcuts like AI-generated content if it compromises your unique voice.
- Find joy in the process: Like touring, the journey of creating is part of the reward, not just the end product.
Mac DeMarco’s journey reminds writers to trust their instincts and prioritize sincerity over perfection. His new record and touring plans demonstrate that even in a tech-driven world, the heart of art remains human.
‘Guitar’ is released on 22 August. DeMarco’s tour begins in the US on 29 August and arrives in the UK on 8 November.
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