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. You may have unknowingly been moved by her electrifying rhythms, as her arresting natural talent and skillful handprint can be heard on a multitude of high-ranking hits. Just embarking upon her early 30's, Marcella has had the opportunity to record and mix songs for world-renowned musical icons such as Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Madonna, Nelly Furtado, Usher, Joe Jonas and Missy Elliot. She has also notched her belt by collaborating with revered super-producers Timbaland, Danja, and Polow Da Don. Credited for mixing over one-hundred chart-topping tunes, her numerous prestigious accomplishments and coveted partnerships have set an astonishingly high bar in the music industry. In just a few short years this pioneering musical mastermind has already accomplished what most strive to achieve in a lifetime.

Araica’s life-changing journey from intern to groundbreaking sound engineer was an arduous one. Born and raised in Miami, Marcella graduated with honors from the Full Sail Production and Recording Program in Orlando, Florida with the Advanced Recording Engineer Award, which is only presented to a single deserving student each semester. Not only awarded the A.R.E award, she was also conceded for perfect attendance. Even as a student, her diligent, laser-focused work ethic was recognized as exemplary. In 2012, Marcella was honorably inducted into the Hall of Fame at Full Sail University for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, media, and the arts. She was one of only six students to receive this prestigious honor.

Wasting not a single moment after earning her degree, Marcella immediately began her relentless pursuit of an internship. After a stream of perpetual denials, it was due to Marcella’s persistent outreach that one week before her graduation ceremony, she was able to snag an internship at one of the most prestigious recording studios in the industry, the Hit Factory. Consequently, she began her eye-opening, inspiring and empowering journey en route to becoming one of the most esteemed and highly accomplished music engineers that the industry has seen to this day.

Her accelerated rise to success was triggered by her internship at the Hit Factory in March 2002. She approached the position with a steadfast work ethic and a cathedral of ambition. Enduring traffic-filled four-hour commutes, long grueling work days, and often sleeping on the Hit Factory’s floor to be the first to pounce on any opportunity available to differentiate herself from her peers, Marcella’s dedication soon caught the eye of Demacio “Demo” Castellon, general assistant at the Hit Factory. He introduced Marcella to his work and began including her on projects with local and upcoming talent, all while imparting his trade secrets. Under his savvy tutelage and renowned expertise, Marcella studiously absorbed his invaluable lessons and rigorously worked to refine her trademark command of Pro Tools and industry techniques.

At the suggestion of Demacio, 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. Though inwardly nervous, Marcella performed as a diligent and self-assured professional; her proficient and creative talent matched with her swift musical intuition was electrifying. Due to her sharp talent and lightning-fast pace, Missy dubbed her “Marcy-a-lago,” in reference to the ultimate Italian supercar, the Lamborghini. The moniker was amiably adopted and eventually shortened to “Ms. Lago.” Missy Elliott continually requested Marcella in each of her sessions and relayed a glowing recommendation to iconic music producer Timbaland. He was dazzled by her expertise, and was not ready to lose her to another producer. He championed the rising star, making Marcella his full-time engineer of choice. In harmonious collaboration with Timbaland, she has mixed major hits, including songs on his 2007 Platinum Album, “Shock Value.” Timbaland could not keep his treasured and talented engineer to himself for long. In 2003, Marcella was introduced to Danja, who went from apprentice to one of the world’s most celebrated producers under Timbaland’s watchful eye. Danja grew to appreciate her tenacity and resolve; their chemistry, mixed with her revolutionary style, helped to achieve his sought-after signature “sound” and he recognized that Marcella’s prowess would make her an indispensible asset to his production team. 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.

Not content to rest on her laurels, 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. N.A.R.S. hit the ground running with four signed artists including singer/songwriters Kevin Cossum and Luke James as well as rappers Wyld Money and Cali Stylz. The first N.A.R.S artist to be released was the soul-infused, sultry Luke James who has written/recorded some of the most infectious melodies and has fast become one of the most venerated R&B voices, recently earning an honorable Grammy nomination.

Fueled by her desire to elevate and empower others to actualize their dreams, Marcella launched the The Red Bottoms Foundation, which seeks to educate, empower, guide and nurture women with aspirations towards upward mobility in the music industry. The Red Bottoms Foundation is named in homage to designer Christian Louboutin’s signature red-bottomed shoes, which to Marcella, personifies strength, elegance and confidence; the very characteristics a woman must embody to ascend in the industry.

After a triumphant start to her luminous career, Marcella is now expanding her proficiency by traversing into the world of songwriting, working alongside Timbaland and Danja. According to Araica, “Through mixing I’ve always been involved in the framework of creating music. I want to expand my palette and delve further into the heart and soul of the process: songwriting.”

From hip-hop to alternative rock, Ms. Lago has succeeded in broadening her musical and technical potency. Her stellar credits include an unstoppable string of smash hits such as “Gimme More” by Brittany Spears, “The Way I Are” by Timbaland, “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado, “4 Minutes” by Madonna, “Migrate” by Mariah Carey, “Love in This Club” by Usher, “We Takin’ Over” by DJ Khaled, and “When I’m Gone” by Simple Plan. She collaborated with the late Whitney Houston on her album “I Look to You,” and has joined forces with artists varying from Joe Jonas to Duran Duran to Snoop Dogg. “Ms. Lago” has mixed for Grammy winners Christina Aguilara and Robin Thicke, and is in demand by virtually every major recording artist in the business for her golden touch. In 2010, Marcella’s skills were recognized and honored with two ASCAP Awards for her talent on Keri Hilson’s single “Knock You Down,” and Pink’s single, “Sober.” In early 2011, Araica was elected as Governor to the board of The Recording Academy, Florida Chapter, only furthering her industry influence. In early 2013, she took the stage as a recipient of her alma mater’s highest honor. Full Sail University acknowledged only 6 distinguished graduating members at their 4th Annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony, of which included Marcella Araica, class of 2002. The coming years yield new challenges, drawing her to the studio, stretching musical boundaries and mixing new hits. It is clear Marcella Araica is a masterful craftsman, who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

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. She is a celebrated source of inspiration to all women seeking achievement, acclaim and respect through perseverance and devotion in the music industry. The world will watch as Marcella continues to shatter glass ceilings and soar to legendary heights, illuminating her way into excellence.

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