2025 has begun, and so has concert season. On Thursday, January 16th, we made our way to O2 Kentish Town to witness Michael Marcagi live in action. This performance marked a significant milestone in Marcagi's career, as it was his biggest headlining show to date and took place in a foreign country. It's incredible to see how far Michael has come in just a year, selling out a venue with a capacity of over 2,300 enthusiastic fans far from his hometown in the United States.
Michael Marcagi, an American singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for his heartfelt storytelling and alternative Americana sound. Before launching his solo career, Marcagi was part of the band The Heavy Hours. In December 2023, he released his debut solo single, The Other Side, which was followed by Scared to Start in January 2024. The latter track gained major traction on TikTok, ultimately leading to his signing with Warner Records and securing his first-ever spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Building on this momentum, Marcagi released his debut EP, American Romance, in February 2024, featuring both of his breakout singles. Throughout 2024, he continued to impress fans with a string of successful releases, including Good Enough in October, Keep Me Honest in December, and his latest single, Midwest Kid, which dropped in January 2025.
The energy in the venue was palpable as Marcagi took the stage, accompanied by a four-piece band that brought his deeply emotional music to life. The audience enthusiastically sang along to every track, with Midwest Kid proving to be a fan favorite despite being a recent release. It was clear that different songs and lyrics resonated with different sections of the crowd, showcasing the deep connection his music fosters.
Marcagi's stage presence grew stronger as the night progressed, his confidence shining through with each song. He surprised fans with two cover performances, offering his own emotional rendition of Falling by Harry Styles, which beautifully complemented his rich, husky vocals. He also performed Deja Vu by Olivia Rodrigo, giving it his unique touch.
As the night came to a close, Marcagi ended his set with The Other Side, but not before an encore performance of his hit single Scared to Start, after enthusiastic fans chanted for "one more song." His closing performance left the audience energized and fulfilled, a testament to his growing prowess as a performer.
With a show in London and a growing global fanbase, Michael Marcagi has undoubtedly solidified himself as a rising star to watch in 2025. If this performance is any indication of what's to come, the future is bright for this talented artist. As he heads off to his U.S. tour, fans across the country eagerly anticipate the chance to experience his captivating live performances. If this performance is any indication of what's to come, the future is bright for Michael Marcagi.
Photos and words by Ines B.