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Michael Marcagi

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Cincinnati songwriter with a rasp built for heartland-sized choruses, who found a huge audience online before most people had heard the full record.

Michael Marcagi is a singer and songwriter from the Cincinnati area. He attended Thomas More College, graduating in 2014, where he played on the college golf team before turning his full attention to music and songwriting.

Before recording as a solo artist, Marcagi spent several years performing around Ohio, including as a member of a band called the Heavy Hours. That earlier work in local venues came well before the sudden attention his solo material would receive.

His voice is rough-edged and forceful, set against acoustic-led arrangements that draw on Americana and heartland rock. The emphasis stays on melody and plainly worded lyrics, giving the songs a direct, unpolished feel that matches the rasp in his delivery.

Marcagi released his debut solo single, 'The Other Side,' in December 2023. The following month he announced a signing with Warner Records and released 'Scared to Start,' which spread widely on TikTok in early 2024 before reaching radio and streaming charts internationally. Both songs appeared on his debut EP, American Romance, released in February 2024.

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