Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Michael Marcagi has fully immersed himself in the Americana Indie world thanks to his tracks “Scared To Start”, “The Other Side”, and “Tear It All Apart”. Though, like many artists, none of these tracks would have come to fruition if it wasn’t for the several lives Marcagi lived before he launched his music career.
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Prior to pursuing music full-time, Marcagi played collegiate golf at Thomas More University and graduated in 2014. Around 10 years later, Marcagi released his debut single, “The Other Side”. Marcagi followed up his debut single with his popular and appropriately titled single, “Scared To Start”.
Now on tour, Michael Marcagi corresponded with American Songwriter for our Artist Spotlight Campaign and revealed some details about his Midwestern upbringing, career, and new single, “Midwest Kid”.
AS: Why is the Midwest such an integral part of your brand, and how does it influence the stories you try to tell?
Michael Marcagi: I think the Midwest is such a big part of my lyrics and storytelling because it’s where I grew up and all I ever knew for so long. It was the background for my entire childhood and most of my adult life, so naturally, I think I just like to write about what’s in front of me. I’ve always liked when artists give a glimpse into their personal lives and experiences, and that’s what I try to do.
AS: Like many artists of your generation, your career has been partially formed by social media. If it was not a resource, what shape do you think your career would currently be in?
Michael Marcagi: I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without social media. TikTok really opened more doors for me than I could’ve ever imagined. I’m really thankful for that aspect of it. It gives people like me who didn’t have a label or a team around them a chance to get their music out in front of so many people.
AS: In your new single, “Midwest Kid”, you wrote the lines “I found you sprawled on the same floor / Where I took my first steps / I swear I thought you were dying / Goodbye to innocence, in a sense.” What are you trying to depict in those lines, and is it something that transpired in your life?
Michael Marcagi: Those lines are from a very personal story that happened in high school. I remember just experiencing a few things growing up where you realize things will never be the same, and those are some of the events that really shape who we become as people. It’s a loss of innocence in a way, where you realize you have to grow up and accept hard truths.
AS: Since stopping competitive golf and playing music full-time, how many strokes have been added to your handicap?
Michael Marcagi: Oh boy. I definitely am not as good as I was a few years ago, but I can still play some decent golf. I really love playing with friends who are just getting into it. Much more relaxed and fun these days.
To learn more about Marcagi’s music and ongoing tour, visit his website. “Midwest Kid” is streaming on platforms everywhere now.
Photo by Jeff Hahne/Getty Images
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