When the term “pop music” became commonplace in the 1950s, it was used to describe the emerging genre of rock ‘n roll that draws inspiration from blues, folk and jazz among other classic influences. Since that time its definition has grown with times and their respective fads–snowballing to encompass a variety of styles, most recently the manufactured, electronic-based sound that dominates the top 40 charts. Few contemporary artists evoke a sense of nostalgia for pop of the past as well as the Canadian-bred, Brooklyn-based Mac DeMarco. 

Musically, DeMarco strums an airy guitar paired with vocals just quirky enough to bring the great psych-rock leads to mind and, with an analog-only studio in Brooklyn, he likely uses some of the same recording equipment. Mac certainly has his fair share of songs related to love and heartbreak, but he also has a strong counter-cultural youthful tone as he cleverly recounts mischief. His sophomore album, Salad Days, demonstrates the maturation of a seasoned musician with more introversion without losing that light feel.

We had a chance to catch Mac DeMarco at his second consecutive sold-out show at the intimate Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and, just as we expected, he proved an incredibly engaging performer. Opening his set with the fan-favorite first tracks of his two albums, “Cooking up Something Good” and “Salad Days” respectively, Mac and his impressive ragtag band immediately drew the crowd in never looking back. DeMarco, with flowing hair under his hat and a distinctive gap between his front teeth, brings an extremely unique and kooky stage presence, which displays, just like his music, an artist in a decade of his own.

Full of fan interaction, and intermittent comedy bits, Mac DeMarco’s set includes a perfect amount variation. Even during the slowest portion, “Let My Baby Stay,” fans could be heard singing along to every word, a testament to the consistently strong music he has released thus far. Check out our photos from the show below and don’t miss a chance for a fantastic evening–you can find MacDeMarco’s upcoming dates here.

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