Listen: Michael Marcagi on touring NZ & AUS with Noah Kahan

American singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi is a long way from the bedroom in Ohio where he wrote the songs that launched his career, but judging by the reaction Down Under, his music has found a second home on the other side of the world.

Currently touring Australasia with Noah Kahan, Michael says performing in front of packed arena crowds every night has been an experience he never imagined when he first started writing songs during some of the loneliest days of the Covid era.

Speaking with Georgia, Michael admitted he's still trying to wrap his head around the fact his music has travelled so far.

"It's really, really, really crazy," he said, explaining that he never expected to be playing shows overseas. "I never thought that I would be playing a show outside of my hometown in the States, let alone... the other side of the world. It's wild to see the music that I wrote when I was alone in my bedroom spread this far."

That bedroom songwriting session eventually became the foundation of his breakthrough early releases, including Scared to Start. Michael revealed much of the material from his first EP was written while living alone in Cincinnati during Covid.

"A lot of the first EP that I wrote... I was writing that when I was living alone in Cincinnati, Ohio, during pretty much Covid," he said. "Very lonely times, but I guess the depression made for good songs."

Those songs are now connecting with thousands of fans each night on tour with Noah Kahan, and Michael says watching the crowds react has been one of the highlights of the run.

"People are showing up early and pulling out their phone lights for the songs and singing along," he said. "Just being able to play in front of that many people has been an absolute honour and privilege."

While Scared to Start remains the song that often sparks recognition from new listeners, Michael says he's also been surprised by how quickly fans have embraced newer material, including his recent release Bite My Tongue.

"I released a song a few weeks ago and it's been cool to see people already singing along with that one a little bit," he said.

Another standout moment comes during performances of In the Light, when arenas light up with phone torches.

"It's cool to see people kind of get into that," Michael said. "The whole arena sometimes lights up and it's fun to have that kind of fan interaction."

Away from the stage, Michael has been making the most of his time in Auckland. After spending several days in Sydney and Melbourne, he said social media has become his unofficial travel guide, with his TikTok algorithm constantly feeding him recommendations.

One suggestion that keeps appearing is a day trip to Waiheke Island, which he was keen to explore, while another (this one a suggestion from Noah Kahan) involved something he sounds far less certain about: bungee jumping.

"My TikTok algorithm is dialled," he laughed. "Every time I go into a new city, it's just like, here's ten things to do."

Despite the growing crowds and career momentum, Michael says staying grounded comes down to exploring each city rather than spending every waking hour focused on the show.

"I try to get out and explore the new places that I'm in," he said. "I have no idea how long this all lasts, but I'm going to enjoy it while it is here."

Fans heading along to see Michael live can expect exactly what they hear on record, delivered by what he describes as "five normal dudes having fun on stage".

Want to hear the full conversation?

Hear our full chat with Michael Marcagi on iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts!