Cincinnati singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi’s ascent is a homegrown success story. Marcagi announced himself as a solo artist with “The Other Side,” a depiction of the claustrophobia of small-town life and his cinematic tribute to taking a leap of faith. Within weeks, he would release his second track, “Scared to Start,” and literally overnight, his TikTok view count shot into the millions. In a few short weeks, he had organically built a legion of fans around the globe, secured a record deal, announced his debut solo EP, and a coast-to-coast club tour, which sold out months before the first date. His debut Warner Records EP, American Romance, expands on his timeless midwestern sound and the engaging sense of emotional truth that has made Marcagi’s music so immediately compelling.
Though he grew up playing and singing in rock bands, Marcagi always struggled to envision himself as a solo artist. However, his persistent desire to record some of his sparer acoustic songs—ones he rarely dared to perform in public—eventually inspired him to try his luck. Dipping into his savings, he trekked to upstate New York, decamping to a studio outside of Woodstock to work with producer David Baron (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan). Using folk, rock, and bluegrass instrumentation, propulsive drums, and lush vocal harmonies, he makes music for listeners who prize specificity and sophistication in songwriting. This is why he aspires to remain as open as possible, in both his music and his persona. If what has happened in his career during the past year is any indication, he may be on to something. “I want people to feel like they know me,” Marcagi says.
“Scared to Start” reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Outside the U.S., Marcagi has also earned Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications in Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa and Gold in Belgium and Brazil.
Leading into 2025, Marcagi appeared on CBS Saturday Sessions and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and released “Midwest Kid,” the title track from his Midwest Kid EP released this past April 18. The EP was released in vinyl in August or 2025.
At present, “Scared to Start” has exceeded 1B global streams to date. The track has also garnered over 4 billion TikTok views, 370 million Instagram views, and 20million YouTube views. Marcagi recently toured the arenas EU and UK with The Lumineers and is currently touring the US and putting the finishing touch on his debut solo album to be released in the months ahead.
