Michael Marcagi: Music’s Next Big Thing in 2026

Michael Marcagi: Music’s Next Big Thing in 2026 – by Tony Mastrianni.

I admit to being a bit out of my element here, as I am out of my niche writing about an alternative folk prodigy. After all, I am more of a Stone Age rocker. But this kid is special! Do you remember when John Mayer became a sudden international phenom? How about Bruno Mars? Be on the lookout for another rare coming-of-age American phenom singer-songwriter-guitarist,  Michael Marcagi.  He is already a renowned sensation in digital format and is currently concluding an international tour, which began in Los Angeles this summer and is concluding in Europe. All this without releasing his first full record album. Warner Music will launch his debut in early 2026.

His fresh sound is a kind of awakening. He sounds like a much-needed alternative to “alternative folk/rock.” He has a direct and fresh sound, going along with his sing/talk delivery, accompanied by his crafty guitar. The sound is immersive and distinctive.  Marcagi announced himself with “The Other Side,” a depiction of fleeing his small-town life. His other stellar track, “Scared to Start,” pushed his TikTok view counts into the millions. He has built a legion of eager fans and secured a new record deal with just two songs to his name. His debut Warner Records EP,” American Romance,” expands on that promise, highlighting the timeless sound and engaging sense of emotional truth that have made Marcagi’s music so immediately compelling. And there is more fresh music on the way very soon.

Though he grew up playing and singing in rock bands, Michael 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 and bluegrass instrumentation, cavernous rock drums, and lush vocal harmonies, he crafts music for listeners who value specificity and sophistication in songwriting. This is why he aspires to remain as open as possible, both in 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.

Of note, he had released a new version of “Scared To Start,” featuring Joy Oladokun, in May 2024, followed by another inspiring new song, “Tear it All Apart,” in June of that year to coincide with his debut major sold-out solo U.S. tour.  He closed out the year with two additional singles, “Good Enough” and “Keep Me Honest.” This year, his new song “Humbling” is his best yet, showcasing his prowess as a complete singer/songwriter/guitarist, as it drew standing ovations on his recent global spanning tour, and is still storming up a social media frenzy.

As we approach 2026, startlingly, “Scared To Start” has been certified Platinum in the U.S. and has exceeded 912 million global streams to date, and is climbing. The track has also garnered over 2.2 billion TikTok views, 350 million Instagram views, and 18 million YouTube views. Marcagi kicked off 2025 with the release of “Midwest Kid,” the title track from his ”Midwest Kid” EP, released in April of this year. Wesley Schultz of the Lumineers has collaborated with Michael on “Good Enough” and co-written “Wish I Never Met You.” The prodigious kid from the Midwest has amassed RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications in the likes of the United States, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. More Certifications are piling up as of this writing.

While finishing up his recent international tour to critical acclaim, his growing following awaits his first full-length album next year. For now, you can hear him on streaming. By next year, the album will be available for all of us – even stone age rockers like me! Imagine, all of this has happened in less than two years, and his first full-length Warner Records debut physical album is not even out yet! Inside word from the record industry is that the much-anticipated forthcoming album promises to be the next big thing – no longer a digital sensation, but firmly spinning on vinyl and shimmering on CD!

More from Tony Mastrianni…