Mac De Marco fills the Factory with energy and emotion

Mac De Marco | Photo by Doug Interrante for WXPN

For me, live music is always about the experience. Taking music that provides the soundtrack to one’s life and injecting yourself with its rhythms by witnessing it in its truest form. On Thursday night, Mac DeMarco did just that by injecting a sold out crowd at the Electric Factory with pure energy and emotion. 

This was my first time seeing Mac DeMarco live, but I had previously seen footage of his performances (and some brilliant comedic videos) so I was aware that he engages with his audience differently than most. Right from the start, Mac showed a personality that brought his music to a different level. There was an added dimension to the music that was at times playful and goofy, while at others both vulnerable and sincere. His endearing personality spread through the crowd as the night progressed and all that could be felt was positive energy. 

Whether it was a fan throwing gum onto the stage and Mac picking it up and chewing it, or the 15-foot leap he took from the balcony during the final song, “Still Together,” there’s something about Mac. The evening was filled with these honest moments and it quickly became apparent that his ever-growing fan base is part of something rare and special. The music that Mac and his band performed was a bit different, as they kicked off the tour in Philadelphia. There was a focus on some older and rarely played tracks that were welcomed even by the newest of fans. “My Kind Of Woman” was a pleasant surprise and it was the first time ever played in Philly. 

The experience was one I will not soon forget. Check him out the next time he rolls through Philly. I can promise you that you’ll leave with a smile.

Setlist:
The Way You’d Love Her
Salad Days
The Stars Keep On Calling My Name
Another One
Cooking Up Something Good
Ode to Viceroy
Without Me
Rock and Roll Night Club
Let Her Go
Reelin’ in the Years (Steely Dan cover)
I’ve Been Waiting for Her
My Kind of Woman
Freaking Out the Neighborhood
Chamber of Reflection
Still Together