Mac DeMarco: Health, Sexuality, Sobriety, and Partner

Few indie musicians have sparked as much curiosity about their personal life as Mac DeMarco. The Canadian singer-songwriter, born April 30, 1990, has shared parts of his story—like his decision to quit drinking—but other questions, from his health to his sexuality, remain only partly answered. This guide pulls together the verified facts and the lingering unknowns.

Full name: McBriare Samuel Lanyon DeMarco ·
Born: April 30, 1990 ·
Age: 34 (as of 2024) ·
Genre: Indie rock / jangle pop ·
Origin: Vancouver, Canada ·
Partner: Kiera McNally

Six key facts at a glance, all drawn from verified sources.

What condition does Mac DeMarco have?

Mac DeMarco has not publicly named any specific medical condition. In a 2023 Associated Press interview, he mentioned that an acupuncturist advised him to avoid cold foods and cold water, and that he was following that advice by drinking hot water and eating steak (InsideHook). He also alluded to having experienced pain and undergoing surgery in earlier interviews, but no condition has been officially disclosed.

What health issues has he discussed?

• Dietary modifications based on acupuncturist’s guidance (InsideHook)
• Surgery and chronic pain (mentioned in passing, no specifics available)

Is his condition confirmed?

No official diagnosis or condition name has been shared. The absence of a named condition fuels continued speculation among fans.

Is Mac DeMarco LGBTQ?

DeMarco has never labelled his sexuality. His on-stage kisses with male audience members and his stated openness to relationships with all genders have led many to ask where he stands. The answer appears to be that he simply doesn’t use a label.

Why did Mac DeMarco kiss a guy?

• DeMarco has kissed male fans during concerts—a well-known part of his eccentric stage persona (Wikipedia)
• He has said he is open to relationships regardless of gender (Wikipedia)

Has he identified as LGBTQ?

He has not publicly adopted any label. In interviews he has been evasive when asked directly, often redirecting to his music.

Is Mac DeMarco still sober?

Yes. Multiple reliable sources confirm that DeMarco has been alcohol-free since 2020 and nicotine-free since 2022. His sobriety journey has been gradual and deliberate.

When did he become sober?

• Stopped drinking alcohol in 2020 (The New Yorker)
• Quit smoking cigarettes in 2022 during a solo road trip (The New Yorker)
• Gave up caffeine and nicotine by 2023 (Associated Press interview via YouTube)

What substances did he give up?

• Alcohol (2020)
• Cigarettes (2022)
• Caffeine (2023)
• He previously used a Juul before quitting nicotine (The New Yorker)

In a 2026 conversation with Kevin Parker for Interview Magazine, DeMarco said getting sober was “a process” and that performing onstage sober felt “amplified emotionally” (Interview Magazine).

Who is Mac DeMarco’s partner?

Mac DeMarco has been in a long-term relationship with Kiera McNally, a multimedia artist, since around 2013 (Wikipedia). She is rarely in the public eye but has been a consistent presence in his life and occasionally appears in his social media.

How long have they been together?

• Since approximately 2013 (over a decade)

Is his partner also a musician?

• Kiera McNally is primarily a visual artist and designer, not a musician.

What’s the deal with Mac DeMarco?

Mac DeMarco is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his jangly, lo-fi indie rock sound and his eccentric, offbeat personality. Dubbed the “king of indie rock” by some, he has built a loyal fanbase through albums like Salad Days (2014) and This Old Dog (2017).

What is his musical style?

• Indie rock, jangle pop, lo-fi, psychedelic pop (Wikipedia discography)
• Often compared to John Lennon’s warm, melodic songwriting

What is his public persona?

• Known for his cigarette-in-mouth, short-shorts style
• Quirky stage antics, including kissing audience members and improvised theatrics (Wikipedia)
• Candid and often funny in interviews, but increasingly private about his personal life

Quotes from Mac DeMarco

Mac DeMarco described sobriety intensifying his emotions: “Someone’s turning the dial up” (The New Yorker). He also referred to his earlier drinking culture as being “a savage beast” (Interview Magazine). In an Associated Press interview, he stated, “I hadn’t used nicotine for a little over a year” (Associated Press interview via YouTube).

For more on Mac DeMarco’s health and sobriety journey, a comprehensive look at Mac DeMarcos health and sobriety journey provides further detail on his undisclosed condition and path to recovery.

Frequently asked questions

For fans curious about Mac DeMarco’s personal life, the line between what is shared and what is private remains wide, and that’s likely just how he wants it – his music does the talking.