Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Magarino.
Hi Catherine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
The first song I ever wrote when I was 6 years old went like this: “I think that I could fly today/’Cause I am secretly old/I’m old in my heart/I’m old when I’m told I cannot fly.”
It’s kind of funny that I was already writing about feeling old at such a young age… but truly, I’ve always been an “old soul.” A part of me feels that this is because my spiritual gifts weren’t just born from this lifetime. They’ve been passed down to me through generations of artists in my family, especially my mom, who was my first teacher. She taught and encouraged me to express myself through singing, writing, drawing, and performing.
Fast forward to 2023, and I’m fortunate to have lived a life not just decorated by art, but dedicated to it. I’m a passionate songwriter with an educational and performance background in opera and musical theatre. But I still think I’m finding my voice, deciding what I want to say, and saying it… a journey that won’t stop until my final days.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of an artist is never easy, because society and its systems weren’t built with us in mind. But like anyone, the biggest challenges for me have been the most unexpected. In late July of this year, I experienced an accident leading to a severe leg injury. Recovering at home for months and facing newfound limitations was not only physically challenging but mentally exhausting. Music once again became my outlet and a way for me to process pain.
The biggest plot twist was that my recovery period led to the creation of my most recent original music release, a 5-song EP called “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes.” (Since I’ve been asked before, I’ll note that “EP” is an abbreviation for “Extended Play.” Recorded musical works that are not long enough to be considered albums, but still long enough to not be considered singles, fall under this category).
I am so proud of the fact that I produced and recorded this entire EP while healing. It was officially released onto streaming platforms on October 27th, and I’m so grateful for the positive response I’ve heard from listeners so far. Balancing recovery with creative expression was a unique challenge, but the music became both my therapy and my triumph.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My artistry is inspired by diverse influences and emotive storytelling. I wear many hats– songwriter, producer, and recording artist. My songwriting catalog spans genres from dance-pop to country, contemporary Christian, and beyond. My latest 5-song EP, “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes,” is a self-produced journey through love, pain, and healing.
With a background in opera and musical theatre, I am also passionate about bringing characters to life on stage. Most notably, I have portrayed Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music. I’m currently nominated for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Miami Metro Awards as Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for my role as Mrs. Phelps in Matilda the Musical. It was so much fun adding a kooky, comedic spin to that character’s sweet essence.
I believe my songwriting is unique in the way it touches people’s hearts. Many people tell me they cry when hearing me sing or listening to my music. I don’t mean to make people sad, but I have accepted that I am a highly emotional person. I’ve seen, felt, and experienced a lot. I’m sure that shines through.
What makes you happy?
Singing. It takes away all sense of depression and loneliness from me. It connects me to myself as a source of personal healing. Most importantly, it connects me to others. The magic of singing is in the shared experience with the listener. There’s no other feeling in the world like that.
For the record, I am also obsessed with my dog, Bean. He makes me very, very happy with his little paws and pure energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.catherinemagarino.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinemagarino
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.magarino
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemagarino/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/catherinemagarino
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jonKuSQOKWZgiGUXwR7zP?si=9-6X5YriQT-ZUX6K0BCjVA
Image Credits
Briana V. Alvarez, Sebastian Hernandez, Javier Contreras, and Gerard Ortega
