How to Hire MICHAEL MARCAGI For Your Event!
(mar-KAY-g)
Based in: Ohio
Hire: Michael Marcagi
Cincinnati-born singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi, known for his modern Americana style, excels at creating shout-along choruses accompanied by vigorously strummed acoustic guitars. His musical journey began with playing in rock bands in his hometown, including The Heavy Hours.
In the fall of 2023, he unexpectedly gained fame with his viral hit “The Other Side,” the first song released under his own name. This track, depicting the claustrophobia of small-town life, combined John Prine’s storytelling lyricism with the cinematic pop sound of The Lumineers. However, it was his cinematic tribute to taking a leap of faith, “Scared to Start,” that skyrocketed his social media view counts into the billions and landed him on the U.S. charts.
– Hire Michael Marcagi for your festival or concert plans! – (t,s)
Aided by popularity on TikTok, “Scared to Start” marked Marcagi’s first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Both of his singles were included on Marcagi’s debut EP, American Romance, released in February 2024.
After signing with a major label, Michael Marcagi, released the five-song EP “American Romance,” a collection of character studies that built on the promise of his early singles.
Cincinnati singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi’s rise to fame is a true grassroots success story. Building his career primarily through social media support, the folk-rock artist has shown that audiences crave heartfelt storytelling rooted in traditional American music. Marcagi made his mark with “The Other Side,” which portrays the stifling nature of small-town life. However, it was his cinematic tribute to taking a leap of faith, “Scared to Start,” that catapulted his TikTok views into the millions. Within weeks, he amassed a dedicated fan base and secured a record deal with only two songs released. His debut EP with Warner Records, “American Romance,” builds on this promise, showcasing the timeless sound and emotional authenticity that make Marcagi’s music so compelling.
Although he grew up performing in rock bands, Marcagi struggled to see himself as a solo artist. His desire to record some of his more acoustic, rarely performed songs led him to take a chance. Using his savings, he traveled to upstate New York and worked with producer David Baron (Lana Del Rey, The Lumineers., Shania Twain) in a studio near Woodstock. Together, they assembled a team of skilled musicians to enhance Marcagi’s intimate guitar and vocal performances with folk and bluegrass instrumentation, robust rock drums, and rich vocal harmonies.
The songs Michael Marcagi recorded, including the five on “American Romance,” blend authentic storytelling with themes of sadness and frustration. Rather than confessional outpourings, his songs turn his Midwest upbringing into vignettes that explore the complexities of human relationships. Growing up in a conservative, religious town meant that he was exposed to strict family values, a theme he addresses in the EP’s title track, which depicts the unraveling of a marriage between teenage sweethearts.
“There are all these familial norms you have to fall into,” Marcagi explains. “I just watched a lot of my friends fall into that trap of getting married really young and then watching it fall apart before they are even thirty.”
Even in his most critical moments, Marcagi refrains from judging the characters in his songs. The underlying message in “American Romance” is that there is no single “right way” to navigate life, and every relationship offers valuable lessons. This sentiment is particularly evident in “In the Light,” a song Marcagi feels especially connected to. The defiant anthem, driven by an infectious mandolin and piano motif, features straightforward lyrics.
Marcagi respects his audience and avoids underestimating them. “Audiences are usually smarter than the musicians they are listening to,” he says. He believes modern listeners across generations appreciate and connect with detailed, sophisticated songwriting. This belief motivates him to remain open and approachable, both in his music and his public persona. Given his rapid career growth, Marcagi’s approach appears to be working.
How do I book Michael Marcagi? See below.
Hire Michael Marcagi for your party or event!
How much does it cost to book Michael Marcagi? See below.
Michael Marcagi may be available for your next special event!
What is the Michael Marcagi booking fee? See below.
Book Michael Marcagi, now!
For other great suggestions for booking music acts, look here.
Watch Michael Marcagi Videos:
Listen to Michael Marcagi:
- Hire Michael Marcagi. -