Vancouver Surf Slacker: Interview with Mac DeMarco

Zany Canadian troubadour Mac DeMarco is infamous for his onstage antics. He’s been known to drop his pants before crowd surfing, lodge drums in his orifices, and tell jokes raunchy enough to clear a venue. But those willing to stick around invariably witness something even more surprising – a unique blend of psychedelica and surf rock from a man who only moments before seemed in the throes of a lunatic episode.

In advance of his November 29 show at MAO Livehouse, DeMarco reveals how he has acted as an experimental guinea pig for money, and how his mother has supported him along the way. Of course, pleasingly our chat wasn’t completely spared his signature sense of humor.

What is inspiring your newest material?
I’m working on a new album right now. I was diagnosed with elephantitis of the testicles this summer, so all of thesongs are about that.

You once participated in medical experiments for money. What sort of tests were you subject to?
The experiments were weird studies put together by college students in Montreal. It’d be me reading something over and over, or doing some strange task like running on a treadmill or something. It’s definitely not worth it. They pay you almost nothing, and you have to go out all over town to these weird places where they conduct the studies. But on the other hand, it was better than having a real job for a while.

One of your first “real jobs” was working on a roadpaving crew. Did that inspire your music?

I wasn’t cut out for it. The crew made fun of me constantly. That job didn’t influence my music in any way. I hate that labor sh*t mentality that goes on in my hometown. It’s f*cking the whole world up.

Is it true that you still use a guitar that you bought for 30 dollars when you were 16?
I do still use it. My mom bought it for me. I had a bunch of really nice guitars at the time, but wanted a crap one because I thought they were cool. It turned out that I liked it way better than any of the fancy guitars I had, so they’re all gone now and I still have this one.

You said that you use effects pedals that “no serious musician would use.” Why?
It’s just entry-level cheapo stuff. I always had high ideals about different gear and certain music effects, and stayed away from tons of stuff. But then I realized a little while ago that I was being stupid and just started having fun experimenting.

You said your song “Freaking Out the Neighborhood,” was an apology to your Mom for your onstage behavior. Did she accept the apology?
She’s proud of me, she thinks it’s funny. I just needed something to write a song about. The sh*t I pull onstage is just me getting bored of playing the same songs every night for a year.

Listen to some of Mac's music here.

Mac DeMarco will perform those songs at MAO Livehouse at 9pm on Friday Nov 29. Tickets are RMB 80 (door), RMB 60 (student). For more information, visit Spli-t.com.