Pioneering powerhouse, Marcella “Ms. Lago” Araica, has swiftly burgeoned into a towering beacon of talent as one of the music industry’s hottest, most prolific sound engineers. Credited for mixing over one hundred chart-topping tunes, Marcella has had the opportunity of working with world-renowned musical icons such as Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Madonna, Nelly Furtado, Usher, Will Smith and Missy Elliott, along with super producers Timbaland, Danja, and Polow Da Don. In just a few short years, this musical mastermind has already accomplished what most strive to achieve in a lifetime.
Araica’s journey was an arduous one. Born and raised in Miami, Marcella graduated with perfect attendance and honors from the Full Sail Production and Recording Program in Orlando, Florida. She was presented with the Advanced Recording Engineer Award, an honor only bestowed upon a single deserving student each semester.
After earning her degree, Marcella immediately began her relentless pursuit of an internship, and after a stream of perpetual denials, Marcella’s persistent outreach finally snagged her an internship at one of the most prestigious recording studios in the industry, The Hit Factory.
Grammy-winning artist Missy Elliot gave Marcella her first big break by allowing her to work as a stand-in engineer after two short months on the job. Marcella performed as a diligent and self-assured professional. After regularly requesting Marcella in her sessions, Missy relayed a recommendation to iconic music producer Timbaland. He was dazzled by her expertise, and made Marcella his full-time engineer of choice. Timbaland, however, could not keep his treasured engineer to himself for long. In 2003, Araica was introduced to Danja, an apprentice turned to one of the world’s most celebrated producers under Timbaland’s watchful eye. Their chemistry mixed with her revolutionary style, helped to achieve his sought-after signature “sound.” Since the forging of their partnership, Danja has immersed Marcella in the shaping, recording and mixing of the majority of his albums, giving rise to a multitude of hits.
Marcella continues to channel her refined pedigree towards the thriving independent label, N.A.R.S. (New Age Rock Stars), founded in partnership with Danja as well as the newly built recording studio DREAM ASYLUM STUDIOS in Miami, FL.
Marcella Araica’s impressive discography and growing collection of the music industry’s most esteemed awards prove it apparent that her eminent expedition has only just begun.