Michael Marcagi

Michael Marcagi is an American singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, who gained significant attention for his folk-rock and Americana style. His career experienced a rapid ascent following the viral success of his songs on social media.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Marcagi was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Anderson High School. He later graduated from Thomas More University in 2014, where he was a collegiate golfer. His interest in music began in the seventh grade when he received a guitar for Christmas and fell in love with songwriting and the storytelling aspects of folk music. His early influences include artists like John Prine and Jim Croce, whose music his mother often played.

The Heavy Hours

Before his solo career, Marcagi was the frontman for the Cincinnati-based rock band, The Heavy Hours. The band, formed with friends from college, achieved regional success and released an EP titled "Wildfire" and a full-length album called "Gardens". Despite their work, Marcagi always had a desire to create music with a more acoustic and folk-centric sound.

Solo Career and Breakthrough

Marcagi decided to pursue a solo career, focusing on a more intimate, folk-rock style. His breakthrough came in late 2023 when he began posting snippets of his songs on TikTok. A clip of his song "Scared to Start" went viral, leading to a surge in his popularity and millions of views. This success led to him signing a record deal with Warner Records in January 2024.

His debut solo single, "The Other Side," was released in December 2023, followed by the full version of "Scared to Start" in January 2024. "Scared to Start" quickly became a hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 and charting internationally in countries like the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. In February 2024, he released his debut EP, "American Romance," which includes both singles and was recorded with producer David Baron. The EP debuted on the Billboard 200 chart.

Musical Style

Marcagi's music is often described as folk-pop, indie-folk, and Americana. His songwriting is characterized by its honest and specific lyrics, often drawing from his experiences growing up in the Midwest. He aims to tell relatable stories and create a personal connection with his listeners.