Brief Introduction of Mac DeMarco
McBriare Samuel Lanyon DeMarco, widely known as Mac DeMarco, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer celebrated for his distinctive blend of indie rock, psychedelic pop, and “jizz jazz” or “slacker rock” styles. Emerged onto the indie music scene in 2012, DeMarco quickly garnered a dedicated global fanbase with his laid-back demeanor, eccentric personality, and a DIY approach to music creation. His unique sound, characterized by jangly guitar melodies, dreamy vocals, and introspective yet often humorous lyrics, has solidified his status as an influential figure in modern independent music, inspiring a generation of “bedroom pop” artists. DeMarco continues to evolve his artistry, consistently releasing new material and maintaining an active presence in the music world.
Mac DeMarco Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | McBriare Samuel Lanyon DeMarco (Born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV) |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 1990 |
| Age (as of April 30, 2025) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Duncan, British Columbia, Canada |
| Origin | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) |
| Profession | Singer-songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, Producer |
| Genres | Bedroom pop, Indie pop, Indie rock, Jangle pop, Psychedelic pop, Slacker rock |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Captured Tracks, Royal Mountain, Voltage Controlled Recordings, Easy Eye Sound, Unfamiliar, Mac’s Record Label |
| Partner | Kiera McNally (since 2009, as of 2025) |
| Net Worth (Est. as of 2025) | Approximately $6 million (estimates vary) |
Early Life and Education of Mac DeMarco
Born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV on April 30, 1990, in Duncan, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, Mac DeMarco’s early life was marked by familial shifts and an burgeoning interest in music. He was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, after his mother, Agnes DeMarco, changed his name to McBriare Samuel Lanyon DeMarco when he was four years old, following his father’s departure and refusal to pay child support. DeMarco is also of Italian descent.
His family had strong musical roots; his great-grandfather, Vernor Smith, was Alberta’s former Minister of Railways and Telephones, and his grandfather was a judge. His grandmother was a professional opera singer, and his grandfather was a saxophone player. [7 of previous search, 24] DeMarco first developed an interest in music during his junior high years at McKernan School, where he began playing guitar with lessons from his grandmother.
During his time at Strathcona High School in Edmonton, from which he graduated in 2008, DeMarco was actively involved in various bands. These early musical ventures included the indie rock band the Meat Cleavers, the alternative R&B group the Sound of Love, and the post-punk band Outdoor Miners. After high school, he briefly attended MacEwan University to study jazz guitar before moving to Vancouver to focus on solo projects, eventually settling on indie rock as his distinct genre. [21 of previous search]
Mac DeMarco’s Career
Mac DeMarco’s musical journey began earnestly in the late 2000s under the pseudonym Makeout Videotape. In 2009, while living in Vancouver’s Killarney neighborhood, he self-produced and released his debut EP, Heat Wave, which quickly sold out its 500-unit run. [1, 8 of previous search] During this period, he also experimented with “psychedelic” video projects and toured with the Vancouver band Japandroids. [1, 8 of previous search] After releasing additional EPs like Eating Like a Kid and Bossa Yeye, and a studio album Ying Yang, all in 2010, DeMarco moved to Montreal in 2011 to pursue a solo career. [31 of previous search, 1]
Initially struggling to find success, he resorted to participating in medical experiments for money and working on a road paving crew. [1, 20 of previous search] His perseverance paid off in early 2012 when he signed with indie label Captured Tracks. [1, 20 of previous search] This partnership led to the release of his debut extended play, Rock and Roll Night Club, in early 2012.
The EP’s unique sound, characterized by slowed-down vocals and lo-fi aesthetics, impressed the label, paving the way for his first full-length album, 2, released later that year. [1, 14 of previous search] 2 received critical acclaim, earning a “Best New Music” designation from Pitchfork and charting on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. His sophomore album, Salad Days, released on April 1, 2014, further solidified his reputation, again receiving Pitchfork’s “Best New Music” and being shortlisted for the 2014 Polaris Music Prize.
DeMarco continued his prolific output with the mini-LP Another One in 2015, followed by his third studio album, This Old Dog, in 2017. In 2018, he established his own imprint, “Mac’s Record Label,” through which he released his fourth studio album, Here Comes the Cowboy, in 2019. This album garnered attention, and its track “Heart to Heart” later became a viral hit on TikTok in 2023, making it DeMarco’s first song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #83.
In 2023, DeMarco released two albums: the instrumental road-trip inspired Five Easy Hot Dogs in January and the extensive, 199-track compilation album One Wayne G in April. His latest full-length studio album, Guitar, was released on August 22, 2025, after being written and recorded over 12 days in November 2024 at his Los Angeles home.
Mac DeMarco Personal Life & Family
Mac DeMarco is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, though aspects of it often intertwine with his music and public persona. He has been in a long-term relationship with Kiera McNally, affectionately known as “Kiki,” since 2009. They reportedly met as teenagers, around age 14, and have remained together, living in various cities including Montreal and Los Angeles. [7, 8 of previous search] McNally has been a significant muse for DeMarco’s work, inspiring songs like “Still Together” from his 2012 album 2 and being the subject of three songs on his 2014 album Salad Days. [7, 8 of previous search]
A previous joke in a 2019 interview about them being married and expecting a child was later clarified as a “playful hoax,” highlighting the couple’s sense of humor. As of 2025, there have been no public signs of a breakup, and their relationship appears steady and rooted in mutual trust away from the public eye.
DeMarco has a complex and strained relationship with his father, Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith II, who left the family when Mac was four. [1, 25 of previous search] This relationship has been a recurring theme in some of his songs, and DeMarco has openly spoken about his efforts to avoid becoming like his father. [25 of previous search, 26 of previous search] His mother, Agnes DeMarco, however, enjoys a strong online following and frequently interacts with his fans. [25 of previous search]
In recent years, DeMarco has embraced a more contemplative lifestyle. He quit smoking cigarettes, a habit that was once a significant part of his image, in January 2023. [1, 14 of previous search] During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also gave up alcohol. [14 of previous search] He recently moved to the British Columbia Gulf Islands, acquiring a home near his mother, Agnes, who also relocated to Victoria. [14 of previous search]
Awards and Achievements of Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco’s unique musical contributions have earned him several nominations and notable achievements throughout his career:
- Polaris Music Prize Nominations:
- 2013: Longlist for Album of the Year for 2 [4 of previous search]
- 2014: Shortlist for Album of the Year for Salad Days [1, 4 of previous search]
- 2017: Longlist for Album of the Year for This Old Dog [4 of previous search]
- Juno Award Nomination:
- 2020: Nominated for Alternative Album of the Year for Here Comes the Cowboy [4 of previous search]
- Billboard Chart Success:
- The track “Heart to Heart” from Here Comes the Cowboy became a viral hit on TikTok in 2023, charting on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at #83. It also reached the top 10 and top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs and Hot Alternative Songs charts, respectively.
- His album One Wayne G reached #56 on the Billboard 200 chart, #8 on the Independent Albums chart, and #10 on the Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts in 2023.
- The album This Old Dog (2017) reached #29 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Independent Albums chart.
- Certifications:
- The single “Heart to Heart” was certified Platinum in the U.S.
- The single “For the First Time” was certified Gold in the U.S.
- The album This Old Dog was certified Silver in the U.K.
- Rober Awards Music Prize Nominations:
- 2012: Breakthrough Artist
- 2014: Best Male Artist and Best Songwriter
Mac DeMarco Net Worth and Income
Mac DeMarco’s net worth, as of 2025, is subject to varying estimates across different financial reporting outlets. MoneyProMax, in an April 2025 estimate, places his net worth at approximately $6 million. This figure is supported by an estimated monthly revenue ranging from $40K to $60K, totaling an annual income of $480K to $720K. Other sources provide different estimates, with Celebrity Net Worth reporting $2 million, Taddlr suggesting around $1.5 million, and Popnable estimating an overall net worth of $2.6 million as of September 2025.
His income streams are diverse, largely stemming from his musical career. Significant revenue is generated from live performances, tours, and concert ticket sales. Record sales, including his studio albums and mini-LPs, also contribute substantially. Additionally, DeMarco earns from sponsorships and advertisements, including YouTube advertising (estimated $10K–$15K per month) and Instagram sponsorships (estimated $1.5K–$3K per month). Selling merchandise through his official store further adds to his overall earnings. [1, 2 of current search]
Legacy and Influence
Mac DeMarco has carved a distinctive legacy in contemporary music, profoundly influencing the indie rock landscape and a new generation of artists. Often dubbed the “Prince of Indie Pop” or “Prince of Slacker Rock,” his unique “jizz jazz” sound and laid-back aesthetic have become instantly recognizable. [1, 27 of previous search]
His DIY approach to recording and producing albums, often playing all instruments himself in home studios, broke the mold for music creation and release. [27 of previous search] This independent style directly inspired the rise of “bedroom pop,” a genre characterized by its lo-fi sound and intimate, self-produced nature. [27 of previous search] DeMarco’s success demonstrated that artists could achieve widespread recognition without adhering to traditional industry structures, empowering countless aspiring musicians to create and share their art. [15 of previous search, 27 of previous search]
DeMarco’s music frequently explores themes of love, self-reflection, and the nuances of everyday life, delivered with a signature blend of humor and heartfelt introspection. [4 of previous search, 5 of previous search] His unpretentious, relatable persona, coupled with his engaging and often unpredictable live performances, has fostered a strong connection with his fanbase. [4 of previous search] Tracks like “Chamber of Reflection” and “My Kind of Woman” remain staples on indie playlists and have accumulated billions of streams, underscoring his lasting cultural impact. [15 of previous search, 30 of previous search]
Beyond his recordings, DeMarco’s distinct aesthetic, characterized by a carefree attitude and unconventional style, has inspired fashion and lifestyle trends among his followers. [4 of previous search, 27 of previous search] Despite some criticisms regarding his earlier “slacker” image, his underlying work ethic and continuous output of self-written and self-produced work prove a dedication to his craft. [27 of previous search]
Interesting Facts about Mac DeMarco
- Original Name: Mac DeMarco was born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV, a name passed down from his great-grandfather, Alberta’s former Minister of Railways and Telephones. His mother changed his name when he was four years old.
- Musical Family: Beyond his famous great-grandfather, his grandmother was an opera singer and his grandfather a saxophonist, indicating strong musical roots in his family. [7 of previous search, 24 of previous search]
- Early Struggles: Before signing with Captured Tracks, DeMarco struggled financially in Montreal, resorting to participating in medical experiments for money and working on a road paving crew. [1, 20 of previous search]
- Cigarette Persona: Smoking cigarettes was a significant part of DeMarco’s public image for many years, even inspiring songs like “Ode to Viceroy.” However, he publicly stated he quit smoking in January 2023. [1, 9 of previous search, 14 of previous search]
- Recording Style: DeMarco is known for his DIY recording methods, often playing all instruments himself. He frequently used reel-to-reel tape recorders to achieve his warm, old-school sound, though he has also utilized modern equipment like a MacBook for albums such as This Old Dog. [8 of previous search, 27 of previous search]
- Mother’s Online Following: His mother, Agnes DeMarco, has cultivated her own cult following on social media, frequently interacting with her son’s fans. [25 of previous search]
- “Jizz Jazz”: DeMarco has famously described his unique musical style as “jizz jazz,” a term that encapsulates his blend of relaxed, often psychedelic, and improvisation-infused sounds. [1, 27 of previous search]
- Living in Canada: After living in Los Angeles for some time, DeMarco recently moved to the British Columbia Gulf Islands, acquiring a home there near his mother. [14 of previous search]
- Wayne Gretzky Tribute: His 2023 compilation album, One Wayne G, with its 199 tracks, is a nod to the famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky, combining the number 1 with Gretzky’s jersey number, 99. [8 of previous search]
Controversies
Mac DeMarco’s career has seen a few instances of minor controversy and criticism, often related to his public persona and humor. [15 of previous search]
One notable instance occurred with the announcement of his 2019 album, Here Comes the Cowboy. Critics and fans pointed out the similarity in title to Mitski’s acclaimed 2018 album, Be the Cowboy, which also featured a single titled “Nobody.” DeMarco clarified that he had never listened to Mitski’s album and was unaware of the similarities until after determining his own album title and single, stating it was a coincidence.
Earlier in his career, DeMarco’s stage presence and irreverent humor sometimes drew criticism. Some past performances included jokes that were perceived as juvenile or even disrespectful, including one instance where he joked about sexual violence, which he later claimed to have learned from. [33 of previous search] Additionally, an incident involving filming a friend playing with his genitalia at a college party where minors were later found to be present caused some backlash, though it was ultimately considered “childish and stupid but not illegal.” [32 of previous search] These episodes led some fans to question whether his “slacker persona” veered into complacency or if his carefree ethos felt performative rather than authentic. [15 of previous search]
Social Media Presence
Mac DeMarco maintains a notable presence across various social media platforms, connecting with his extensive fanbase. While he may not always be personally active on every platform, his official channels serve as key hubs for news, music releases, and tour information.
- Instagram: As of August 2025, Mac DeMarco has a significant following on Instagram, with approximately 14.2 million followers. His girlfriend, Kiera McNally, also has an Instagram presence with over 130,000 followers, where she occasionally shares glimpses of their life. [8 of previous search]
- YouTube: His official YouTube channel boasts a substantial subscriber base, estimated at 1.55 million subscribers as of 2025, and over 1 billion total video views.
- Spotify: DeMarco also commands a large audience on streaming platforms, with over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of August 2025. [14 of previous search]
- Twitter (X): While a specific recent follower count for his official Twitter (now X) account is not consistently available, the platform is used for announcements and engagement. [19 of current search]
Final Words about Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco’s journey from a self-made bedroom artist to an indie rock icon is a testament to his unique vision and unwavering authenticity. His distinctive “jizz jazz” sound and laid-back persona have not only captivated millions but have also reshaped the landscape of independent music, inspiring a wave of artists to embrace DIY aesthetics. [22 of previous search, 27 of previous search] Having released his sixth studio album, Guitar, in August 2025, DeMarco continues to evolve, demonstrating a maturity in his personal life by leaving behind old habits while maintaining his artistic integrity. His impact extends beyond melodies, fostering a community around his relatable lyrics and unconventional charm. As he embarks on a new tour following his latest album, Mac DeMarco’s legacy as a cultural touchstone and an enduring figure in modern indie music remains firmly established, with a future that promises continued artistic exploration and connection with his devoted audience. [14, 22 of previous search]