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Singer, songwriter, and storyteller Michael Marcagi makes his mark with his hotly anticipated debut EP, American Romance. Stripped-down and raw, the five-song collection of aching traditional rock explores his feelings of feeling stuck and isolated, cementing itself as a stellar intro to the rising artist and heralding an authentic new voice.

The Cincinnati native's EP opens with the fan-favorite cinematic breakout hit "Scared to Start. The track, which has already amassed over 55 million streams since its arrival last month on Spotify alone, is driven by alluring instrumentation. The sparse, atmospheric ambiance fused with the escapist cries of the lyrics produces a visceral, haunting earworm, making it the perfect soundtrack for videos of expansive, rural American landscapes. The breezy choruses especially hit home, with Marcargi's warm vocals soaring as he sings, "And she said / 'Don't you wait to try it / Are you scared to find it? / And do you wanna take my broken heart? / Are you scared to start?'"

Other highlights on the EP include the titular "American Romance," which explores how time affects even the most loving relationships. Meanwhile, the following track and his first solo single, "The Other Side," is a wintry anthem that perfectly depicts the claustrophobia of small-town life. Lastly, "Savannah" is a stunning, sweeping showcase of Marcagi's insightful songwriting and husky delivery, with poignant lines like, "If the good days are over, I can still try for another one," melting the heart amid intricate layers of lilting piano arrangements and gentle guitar riffs.

The record's heartfelt finale, "In the Light," emphasizes sharing brutally honest anecdotes and unfiltered emotions, ultimately exploring themes of deep dissatisfaction, escape, and self-discovery. The lyrics paint a picture of a mundane and oppressive environment, symbolized by the repetitiveness of the streets and houses painted gray, equating the closed-off and limited existence of the cul-de-sac to experiencing a panic attack. In the chorus, Marcargi breaks through the numbness, singing, "So fuck all you bought, it ain't what you got, and be who you need and not what you're taught," encouraging himself and anyone who may be listening to reject material possessions and societal norms as a means of finding true fulfillment and authenticity.

American Romance is the calling card of one of 2024's most exciting new artists. After generating significant heat as an independent artist, Marcagi is poised for a breakthrough year with Warner Records now at his back. Fans of the Ohio native will experience his talent in person when he hits the road to support Salt Lake City's The Moss starting on March 5 in Kansas City, Missouri, at RecordBar. A full European and US headline tour is also rumored to be announced soon.

Listen to American Romance below: