Ever wondered how Mac DeMarco cooks up those dreamy, off-kilter tunes that feel like a lazy Sunday afternoon? The answer might lie in his bizarre daily habits.

From chain-smoking in the studio to eating absurd amounts of junk food, DeMarco’s routines are anything but ordinary—yet they’ve become the secret sauce behind his creative genius.

In this article, we’ll dive into five of Mac DeMarco’s weirdest habits and how they’ve oddly fueled his iconic sound.

1. The Midnight Recording Sessions (With a Side of Cigarettes)

DeMarco famously records most of his music in the dead of night, often chain-smoking cigarettes while he works.

In interviews, he’s admitted that the nicotine haze helps him “zone out” and tap into a flow state.

While doctors wouldn’t endorse this habit, the result is undeniable: those hazy, lo-fi guitar riffs that sound like they’re drifting through a smoky basement.

2. The “Junk Food Diet” for Creative Fuel

Forget kale smoothies—DeMarco’s creative fuel is a steady diet of fast food and candy.

He once joked in an interview that his diet consists of “90% McDonald’s,” and his studio is often littered with empty chip bags.

Somehow, this culinary chaos translates into his music’s playful, carefree vibe.

3. Napping Like a Cat (Anywhere, Anytime)

DeMarco is notorious for taking impromptu naps mid-session, even during interviews.

He’s said these micro-snoozes help him reset his brain, leading to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

It’s as if his subconscious keeps composing while he’s asleep—hence the surreal, dreamlike quality of tracks like “Chamber of Reflection.”

4. The “No Shoes, No Problem” Policy

Whether he’s on stage or in the studio, DeMarco is almost always barefoot.

He claims it helps him feel grounded (literally) and more connected to his music.

Fans have come to expect it—just another quirk that makes Mac, well, Mac.

5. Embracing Chaos (and Dirty Dishes)

DeMarco’s workspace is famously cluttered, with instruments, half-empty coffee cups, and laundry strewn everywhere.

Instead of stressing over order, he leans into the chaos, believing it sparks spontaneity.

As he puts it: “If everything’s too clean, where’s the fun in that?”

So, what’s the takeaway? Maybe creativity isn’t about perfect routines—it’s about finding what weirdly works for you.

Next time you’re stuck in a creative rut, ask yourself: What would Mac do? (And maybe take a nap.)