Mac DeMarco commented on TikTok’s impact on the music industry, saying he finds it “very depressing.”
Demarco’s comments were made in an interview with Variety about his new instrumental album “Five Easy Hot Dogs”, in which he was asked if he was grateful for breaking through to TikTok. Although he said that his songs tend to be successful on the platform, he said that it seems “strange” to him that artists sometimes write music created for the success of TikTok, or think that spreading a virus on this platform is the best way to make money.
“It’s very depressing. I think the problem is that artists are drawn into this role like, “Well, I need these things.” You won’t do it… but if you want to make money, I think you will,” he said. “I’ve always been one of those who do what they want, and if the money comes later, it’s a bonus.
“A lot of my songs actually sound pretty good on TikTok, but I’ve never had to think, ‘Well, this should sound pretty good in accelerated mode!’ At the same time… what do people say? Take this bag or something? Live your life as you want, I don’t care,” he continued.
DeMarco added that he got the impression that “kids don’t like touring anymore.” He explained: “Going on tour was the greatest gift of my life for me. You take a van with friends and drive, have parties every night, share your music, see the strangest corners of every city and meet other strange people. It’s like, “Would you like your life to be an adventure? There you go.” And now people are like, “I’m so tired…” I don’t want to sound like a grumpy old uncle, but it’s weird!”
Then he continued talking about “Five Easy Hot Dogs”. “That’s why creating this record was quite natural for me. He has his own weird little musical identity, and there are no “slaps” in him, there are no “bangers” in him. This is what it is. I love music. I like to record music. I like to listen to music. And I don’t need extra luggage to go with him. It’s a very simple pleasure to be alive. Maybe I’m being too poetic…
“Five Easy Hot Dogs” was released yesterday (January 20).
