Mac DeMarco: Love, Mania, and Fascination By: TomB No comments

Upon first being shown clips of a rather strange, extroverted, uncomfortable figure, I found myself instantly in love. "Who is this strange, extroverted, uncomfortable figure?" I thought to myself, "I must know more!" 
Well, who else other than the one, the only, the legend, Mac DeMarco. It was 'MTV's weird vibes' videos on YouTube, in which I encountered this strange specimen, and in him, I saw myself. This man could find a single fuck how people thought of him. He acted the way he wanted, when he so desired. So comfortable in his own skin, it really made transparent how reserved other people really are.

After excessively binging on these few clips I had been watching for a few weeks, I decided to plunge myself into the musical universe that is Mac DeMarco's mind, or Spotify, as some people will know it as. Prior to this 'plunge', the band had just released their new album, 'Salad Days,' and, oh boy, was a storm a-brewing. Listeners were gathering in their thousands, in their millions, just to listen to hot summer numbers like 'Let Her Go', and chill out in the cool evening to a calm and, what I can only describe as 'wavey' tune, that is 'Chamber of Reflection.'

However, personally, it will always be '2' that I resort to for comfort. Whether it be on the way to work, submerging yourself to 'Stars keep on Calling my Name,' or just kicking back with a brew and a cig to 'Ode to Viceroy,' Mac has got you covered.

Recently though, I've been listening to some of classic Mac. From the days before Captured Tracks captured Mac, the days when Canada was a very, very special place to be. The days when Mac produced under the name of Makeout Videotape. We're talking completely loose and refreshing material that just makes you wanna thrust and go with the flow.

The first time I saw him live was on the 25 November 2014, at the Forum in Kentish Town. You don't realise how electrified I was that Mac is coming to London. So I got there, with a few friends and that, and what I saw was not Mac, but a constant rampage of mosh-pits blocking all sounds and sights of him. I want to be angry, although that's what Mac is about. He epitomises freedom and activity. If people were reserved, and simply stood in one place, it just wouldn't be the right vibe. The next time I was to see the band was around a year later in September, but instead, in the enormous Roundhouse. This time I was prepared. Bring on the mosh! I had drunk and smoked a little bit before going in, you know, just to get me in the right mood for it all. I had brought a few props with me this time, though:

1. A Crayola Costume
2. A spare pack of Cigs to throw to the band members

I was ready. As anticipated, I got separated from my friend immediately, and somehow advanced to the front of the crowd, right by the stage. Half an hour in, I decide to throw the fags on stage. It hits Pierce's (the bassist) arm and there is a slight look a surprise and delight as he opens the packet. Pierce has/will smoke my cigarettes. My life felt complete. Half an hour later, I attempted to really impact their lives and threw my crayon costume onto the stage.

I had pushed too far. Mac had gone to my head. It didn't quite make it, and the Roundhouse officials gave me a talking to. Not going to lie to you, it put a downer on the vibe.

Nevertheless, I pursued on in my conquest to embrace Mac with open arms, and you know what, I think I managed it. It was a cracking night.

Mac's performing again later in June in Brixton, but I just don't have any money, nor have I for a long time, but that's a story for another day.

Till the next time, and look at for that band. I think they're called Mac DeMarco.

Tom