Photos by Dylan Simmons
In late August, Mac DeMarco performed three sold-out shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. This year’s tour is in celebration of his brand-new record, Guitar, self-released on Mac’s Record Label. In the dog days of summer, DeMarco walked fans through the extent of his discography, from deep cuts to week-old tracks, to the indiscriminate delight of his diverse and evidently dedicated fanbase.
Mac DeMarco began the first of his three-night stint with “Shining,” the opener to his latest record. He followed that with fan favorite “For the First Time” and new song “Sweeter,” to both of which the crowd sang along in unison. DeMarco’s soft vocals and beachy sound perfectly complimented the soothing warmth of an LA summer night. As a faint breeze wicked the humidity from my skin, I was lulled into a synchronized swaying along with the rest of the crowd, entranced by DeMarco’s carefree melodies.
I was transported back to middle school as tracks like “Ode to Viceroy,” “Salad Days,” and “Freaking Out the Neighborhood” echoed through the auditorium. Simultaneously, I was able to fully listen to Guitar for the first time in a live setting, leaving me with stellar first impressions and a uniquely memorable experience.
DeMarco’s entire performance had an endearing eccentricity, from the casual nonchalance of his band (including a barefooted bassist) and the simplicity of his stripped-down setup, to the sincerity of his lyricism interspersed with silly dance moves and deeply unserious commentary. Despite the grandiose size of the Greek, Mac DeMarco managed to curate a performance that felt truly intimate. His lighthearted, boyish demeanor and lo-fi songs provided a cathartic farewell to summer, a brief reprieve from the impending stressors of the quarter system.
Listen to Mac DeMarco’s new record here!
