Mac DeMarco has shifted gears from music fame to living an off-grid, hands-on life. The Canadian singer-songwriter, now five years sober, spends much of his time away from the “profit-driven” music industry. Instead, he focuses on simple pleasures, like fixing things and exploring the Canadian wilderness. His new album, Guitar, mirrors this shift, offering a stripped-down reflection of his current life.
The record is minimalist by design. Every aspect—from the music videos and press photos to the mixing—was handled solely by Mac. The tracks themselves feature only Mac and his guitar. Even minor synth elements were removed during production. “It’s just nice to make something that feels genuine,” he explains. “I want to make music that comes from me.”
This personal approach carries over into the lyrics. On the lead single, Home, Mac sings, “These days I’d much rather be on my own, No more walking those streets, that I once called my home.” The words echo his nomadic lifestyle, which has taken him from Los Angeles back to Canada. “Every place I’ve lived shapes what home means,” he says. “LA is a transient place. You start feeling weird. Maybe I’m just getting old.”
Mac’s willingness to embrace change has always been part of his appeal. His previous album, One Wayne G, was an unconventional nine-hour collection of demos that defied traditional release formats. Today, Mac looks back fondly on his early career, when he performed in small New York venues, often without alcohol licenses, delivering “true blue, working-class jams.” His latest work continues this spirit, offering musical escapism for listeners seeking authenticity amid a digital world.
Over the past five years, Mac has focused less on mainstream music and more on “weird skills” and off-grid living. He has taken up canoeing, building wells, and learning Amish-style farming techniques. He describes this as his “retiree, uncle phase,” a period of exploration that has reshaped his creative process. “I love utilities,” Mac says. “I like fixing things, I like being alive. Now, I want to travel, go on tour, and do the whole thing. That’s Guitar’s utility.”
His fascination with plumbing and wells is particularly telling. Mac can spend hours discussing water systems and practical solutions for rural life. This hands-on, practical approach reflects the broader theme of his new album: creating music that feels lived-in and authentic. The album’s simplicity mirrors his off-grid lifestyle, where connection to the land and self-reliance take precedence over fame or profit.
Despite his retreat from the music industry’s mainstream pressures, Mac’s creativity remains undiminished. He continues to write songs that are deeply personal, yet accessible, balancing his “slacker” persona with thoughtful reflection. His move back to Canada signals a return to roots, both geographically and musically, allowing him to reconnect with the essence of what makes his work resonate.
Mac DeMarco’s story is one of reinvention. From a charting musician to a hands-on, off-grid life, he embodies a desire for authenticity over commercial success. His album Guitar is not just a collection of songs; it is a reflection of his current life philosophy. By blending music, manual labor, and a slower pace, he shows that fulfillment can be found beyond the spotlight.
In this new phase, Mac continues to embrace the simple joys of life. He travels, tours, and performs, but also spends quiet time repairing, building, and exploring. His journey suggests that creativity and personal satisfaction can coexist with a deliberate, hands-on lifestyle, proving that even a modern music icon can find freedom in the everyday work of living.
