Warner recording artist Michael Marcagi chatted about his new music, EP, and European tour.
Song selection approach for the new EP
On the song selection process for the new EP, he said, “I wanted all of the songs to sound like they belonged together, both lyrically and sonically. These were my favorite five songs that I had written over the last few years.”
“I didn’t really question what five songs were going to be on the EP, I just sort of knew that these were the five,” he added.
Personal favorite song on the EP
On his personal favorite song on the EP, he revealed that it is “Scared to Start” for several reasons. “First, it was written the longest ago of all the songs. I had been working on that song for almost four years and just never could figure out how exactly I wanted it to sound,” he said.
“Second, it’s the song that truly opened up so many doors for me. It is amazing to see how many people it has reached through TikTok, and it’s been really cool to experience that new community.
Music and songwriting inspirations
When asked about his music and songwriting inspirations, he remarked, “I think just observing what is happening around me, and what is going on in my personal life inspires my songwriting.”
“I really believe as a songwriter you should try to not shy away from getting specific, and really opening up the audience. I really try to be authentic and share a piece of myself in all my songs,” he added.
European tour
He opened up about his forthcoming European tour. “I don’t think I have ever been more excited about a tour in my life,” he admitted.
“I get to play so many beautiful cities that I am so excited to explore and just be a tourist in. I’m going to be playing with a full 5 piece band, and really hoping to bring the energy that the songs have on the record. I cannot wait,” he noted.
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, he said, “Being an artist in the digital age is a weird phenomenon. On one hand it’s never been easier to get people’s attention and to get your music out there.”
“You are also competing with so much content out there, it’s easy to get drowned out. I have a love/relationship with social media,” he said.
“I’m so thankful for what has happened with ‘Scared to Start,’ and it has changed my life forever. But there is also a sense that you have to constantly post and keep up with social media, which probably isn’t the healthiest mindset,” he added.
Future plans
On his plans for the future, he disclosed, “For now, I want to try to keep it as simple as I possibly can. I want to tour and keep on writing songs. I can really only control those two things, and how people react to those is out of my control.”
“I love being in the studio. Writing and recording is one of my favorite things. So trying to get back to the studio in between all of these shows to finish some more songs is high on my to do list for the year,” he said.
Advice for young and aspiring artists
For young and aspiring artists, he said, “I don’t know if I have much advice to give, as I still feel new to the music industry as a whole. But I would tell upcoming artists to write songs that mean a lot to them, and not what they think people will like.”
“I think the audience as a whole is very good at recognizing authenticity, and appreciate seeing artists opening up and giving the audience a glimpse into their lives. Oh, and post away on social media. You never know what can happen there,” he added.
Dream collaboration choices in music
Regarding his dream collaboration choices in music, he responded, “I have a long list of artists that I would lose my mind if I ever got to work with. But off the top of my head, I think Noah Kahan and Lizzy McAlpine are two artists that have inspired me a ton this past year.”
“I think they have a way with words and songwriting that feels so comfortable and relatable, while still stirring up so many emotions. They just consistently write such beautiful songs. It’s mind blowing to me,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, he said, “I think success for me is continuing toward my goals, even if they are constantly changing, and also continuing to put myself outside my comfort zone to grow as a person.”
To learn more about Michael Marcagi and his tour dates, check out his official homepage, and follow him on Instagram.
