We were lucky to catch up with Catherine Magarino recently and have shared our conversation below.

Catherine, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I’d love to take this opportunity to talk about my most recent songwriting project, “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes,” which was released on October 27th of this year. This 5-song EP started as a series of songs I had written several years ago over the course of a toxic relationship in my life. I found myself using music as an outlet to express my feelings and process everything that was going on.

I hadn’t thought about turning the songs into an EP until I experienced a major accident in late July that left me basically bedridden, recovering at home. I found myself experiencing a new kind of pain that needed processing on its own. Thus, the idea of “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes” was born. I challenged myself to create an EP, and gave myself the deadline of completing all the music by September 1st (to allow myself 2 months of promotion and release of singles).

I have a small studio at home, where I work basically off of a laptop, microphone, audio interface, and MIDI keyboard. I actually worked backwards, with the fifth song on the EP, “Michael,” actually being the first one I completed. I had already recorded the vocals and keyboard for that song when I wrote it, which was actually several years after the relationship ended, kind of like an epilogue. And I just picked up where I left off. One song led to another, and another, and by September 1st I had completed 5 songs: “Jeep Wrangler,” “Happy to Drown,” “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes,” “Words,” and “Michael.” I’m proud to say the EP is entirely self-written, self-produced, and self-recorded. I did have musician help on “Jeep Wrangler,” and I had so much fun recording my partner Sebastian Hernandez on guitar and background vocals.

The EP does have purposeful imperfections I left in and a lo-fi sound quality, true to the nature of its bedroom-pop genre, which is basically a way for independent artists to showcase their work without having to spend thousands of dollars in the studio. Though I am a professional singer with some studio experience, I’m not a professional producer by any means, and I’ve always had this sort of learn-as-I-go approach. I think it adds to the charm of listening to my music.

The promotional photoshoot for the EP was also done in my bedroom in September 2023. At the time, I still was unable to walk due to my accident, so I got all glammed up, put on a giant yellow gown, and sat down on my bedroom floor. Sebastian took those pictures with a camera we bought on Facebook Marketplace. Thanks to technology, I was able to edit in a snow background and give the photoshoot the look and feel I felt complimented “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Catherine Magarino, a versatile artist known for my work in the world of music and performance. As a first-generation Cuban-American, my Miami roots have greatly influenced my artistic journey. I am completely in love with my city of Miami, and together with all the amazing artists who live and work here I hope to see it become one of the great artistic hubs of this country, on par with New York or Los Angeles.

I’m grateful to have excelled in both opera and musical theatre, having the privilege of performing with renowned companies like Magic City Opera and the Miami Oratorio Society. Notably, I received nominations for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Miami Metro Awards for my standout roles in productions of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Sound of Music.”

Beyond the stage, I’m a prolific solo and collaborative songwriter, with over 30 original works that span various genres including dance-pop, country, and contemporary Christian. My music has reached audiences in over 70 countries worldwide, and I take pride in my latest self-produced, 5-song EP, “Petal Lips, Icy Eyes.”

What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly transition between different artistic mediums and create captivating performances. I bring a unique blend of cultural influences to my work, resulting in a rich and diverse creative output.

I’m most proud of my dedication to honing my craft and the opportunity to connect with people through my music and performances. I’m equally passionate about combining my artistic pursuits with a strong business foundation, holding both a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master of Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Florida International University.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is a reflection of my deep commitment to artistry, innovation, and genuine connection. Whether it’s my captivating performances on stage or my heartfelt and diverse music, I aim to inspire and touch the hearts of those who experience my work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives might struggle to understand that this is more than just a job. It is the essence of my being. Nobody chooses to be an artist in the way that one might choose to be a doctor or a lawyer, it’s something that’s born in you and developed over years of experience, hard work, successes, and failures. Creative energy can be so massive and powerful, but also so spontaneous and random, that we cannot possibly fit our creation into a 9-5 capitalistic structure. Art is free. But it is also very valuable. Imagine a world without art, without music, without passion. What would get us through the moments of pain, of sorrow? What would help in those moments of joy and celebration? Art is everything, and without it, there would be a void of sameness and nothingness in a dull world. Please support the artists in your life– big and small!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Napoleon Hill’s “Power of Positive Action” is the best book ever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://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: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catherinemagarino

Image Credits
Sebastian Hernandez