Marcella Araica

Last updated

Marcella Araica
Birth nameMarcella Christina Araica
Also known as
  • Ms. Lago
  • The Incredible Lago
Genres
Occupations
Years active2002–present
Labels
Website www.marcellaaraica.com

Marcella Christina Araica is an American recording and mixing engineer, who has recorded and mixed tracks for artists including Britney Spears, Duran Duran, K. Michelle, Ciara, Keri Hilson, Madonna, P!nk and Timbaland.

Contents

Biography

Araica started her professional career as an assistant at Hit Factory Criteria in March 2002 [1] after graduating from the Full Sail Production and Recording Program in Florida. [2] She was mentored by Jimmy Douglass and Demacio Castellon. [3] Araica describes how it was difficult breaking into a male-dominated career, "As a female, I had more to prove." [2] She has worked as an assistant engineer in sessions for Timbaland and Missy Elliott. [4] Subsequently, she became a full-time engineer at the studio, working closely with Timbaland. [5] [6]

In the early 2000s, she met Danja and the two started working together. [3] In 2008, they created N.A.R.S. records and in 2014, opened a studio in Miami, called Dream Asylum. [3] The studio was built in a former warehouse and has separate recording rooms for Danja and Araica. [7]

She visits Full Sail University often to spread her knowledge and give current students a closer look into what it really takes to become successful in the music industry. [8] [9] [10] [11] Araica also created the Red Bottoms Foundation in order to support women in the music industry. [12] The foundation supports mentorships for women. [13]

Araica's method of working with musical projects is to focus primarily on the vocal aspect of the song, and then uses effects in Pro Tools and outboard gear. [5] She has also called herself "a mad scientist when I'm in the studio." [14]

Credits

Araica's mixing and recording credits include "Gimme More" by Britney Spears, "The Way I Are" by Timbaland, [5] "Migrate" by Mariah Carey, "We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled, "When I’m Gone" by Simple Plan and "The Valley" by Duran Duran.[ citation needed ]

Selected discography

Name Variations: Marcella Araica, Marcella 'Ms. Lago' [1] Araica', The Incredible Lago

Mix

Appears on

Awards

In 2010, Araica received two ASCAP awards for "Knock You Down" and "Sober." [15] [16] She was presented with the Leading Ladies of Entertainment accolade by the Latin Recording Academy in 2017. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Break the Ice (song)</span> 2008 single by Britney Spears

"Break the Ice" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout (2007). It was released as the third and final single from the album on March 3, 2008, by Jive Records. The song was written by Nate "Danja" Hills, Jim Beanz, Keri Hilson and Marcella Araica, while production was handled by Danja and vocal production was handled by Beanz. "Radar" was originally planned to be released as the third single, but "Break the Ice" was released after it was chosen by a poll on Spears's official website. Musically, "Break the Ice" is an electro-R&B song with influences of crunk. The song opens with a choir and features synthesizers. Its lyrics deal with an attraction between two people. "Break the Ice" received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its lyrics, production, Spears' vocal performance and deemed it a strong electronic song from the record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Hay Igual</span> 2006 single by Nelly Furtado

"No Hay Igual" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado from her third studio album, Loose (2006). It was written and produced by Furtado, Tim "Timbaland" Mosley, Nate "Danja" Hills, and Nisan Stewart, with vocal production by Jim Beanz. While working with Timbaland and Danja at The Hit Factory in Miami, Florida, Pharrell Williams introduced Furtado to reggaeton, a musical genre that was unfamiliar to her. After he played a song for her, Furtado became inspired and wrote the lyrics to "No Hay Igual" "nearly on the spot". It is a hip-hop and reggaeton song in which Furtado sings in Spanish over a reggaeton rhythm.

<i>Danity Kane</i> (album) 2006 studio album by Danity Kane

Danity Kane is the debut album by American girl group Danity Kane. It was first released by Bad Boy and Atlantic Records on August 22, 2006 in the United States. After winning the third installment of the reality talent contest Making the Band in late 2005, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Bad Boy vice president Harve Pierre consulted a wide range of high-profile hip-hop and R&B musicians to work with the quintet, including Timbaland, Danja, Bryan Michael Cox, Rami, Ryan Leslie, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Scott Storch, and Jim Jonsin, as well as Bad Boy inhouse producers Mario Winans and D-Dot. Recorded mainly within five weeks, the making of the album was tracked by the second half of Making the Band 3's third season.

Floyd Nathaniel Hills, known professionally as Danja, is an American record producer from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Beginning his career as a co-producer for fellow Virginian Timbaland, he has since produced for Britney Spears, Usher, Keri Hilson, T.I., Nelly Furtado, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Missy Elliott, M.I.A., Justin Timberlake, JoJo, Joe Jonas, Simple Plan, the Clutch, Pink, T-Pain, Diddy, Meek Mill, Björk, Duran Duran and AGNEZ MO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do It (Nelly Furtado song)</span> 2007 single by Nelly Furtado

"Do It" is a song by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado from her third studio album, Loose (2006). It was written by Furtado, Danja, and Timbaland, and was also produced by Danja and Timbaland. The song is strongly influenced by 1980s dance music and features sexually suggestive lyrics, in which the song's protagonist asks a lover to satisfy her sexually.

<i>Red Carpet Massacre</i> 2007 studio album by Duran Duran

Red Carpet Massacre is the twelfth studio album by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 13 November 2007 by Epic Records. Most of the music on the final incarnation of the album was completed in late 2006 following the departure of band member Andy Taylor with new guitarist Dominic Brown replacing him, when record producer Timbaland began working with the band. However, Brown is not considered an official member, so Duran Duran is featured as a quartet. "Falling Down" was the only single released from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Way I Are</span> 2007 single by Timbaland

"The Way I Are" is a song by American producer Timbaland, released as the second single from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by singer Keri Hilson, and is included on international editions on her debut album In a Perfect World... (2009). The two artists co-wrote the song with Danja, The Clutch, and Candice Nelson. Timbaland also produced the song, along with Danja co-producing. Mosley Music Group, in association with Blackground Records, Spirit Halloween Entertainment and Interscope Records, serviced the song to contemporary hit and rhythmic radios in the United States on June 15, 2007. "The Way I Are" is an electrohop song with influences of R&B and dance music that help create its futuristic sound. Its lyrics are based on the theme of role reversal and sensuous desires.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Easy (Paula DeAnda song)</span> 2007 single by Paula DeAnda featuring Bow Wow

"Easy" is the fourth single from Paula DeAnda's self-titled album.

The following list is a discography of production by Danja, an American music producer from Virginia Beach, Virginia. It includes a list of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by year, artist, album and title.

"Release" is a song performed by American producer and rapper Timbaland, taken from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals by longtime collaborator Justin Timberlake. Mosley and Timberlake co-wrote the song together with rapper and songwriter Craig Longmiles. The song was produced solely by Timbaland and recorded in various locations in the United States. "Release" is an uptempo house and funk song that incorporates elements of dance and urban music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gimme More</span> 2007 single by Britney Spears

"Gimme More" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout (2007). It was released on August 31, 2007, by Jive Records, as the lead single from the album. "Gimme More" was recorded in 2006 during Spears' second pregnancy and was one of the first solo productions by Danja. The song opens with an intro in which Spears utters the phrase, "It's Britney, bitch." Musically, "Gimme More" is a song with elements from dance-pop, electropop and EDM using breathy vocals. The track closes with a speak-sing outro by Danja.

Reportage is the working title of an unfinished album that English rock band Duran Duran wrote and recorded as the intended follow-up to their 2004 reunion album Astronaut. After the departure of original guitarist Andy Taylor in 2006, the band decided to start over with a new batch of songs that became 2007's Red Carpet Massacre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scream (Timbaland song)</span> 2007 single by Timbaland

"Scream" is a song by American producer and rapper Timbaland, released as the fifth and final single from his second studio album Shock Value (2007). The song features vocals from American singer and songwriter Keri Hilson and the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls at the time Nicole Scherzinger. Mosley and Hilson co-wrote the song with American producer Danja, who co-produced the song with Timbaland. Mosley Music Group, in association with Blackground Records and Interscope Records, serviced the song to mainstream radios in the United States in December 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best, Best</span> 2008 single by Missy Elliott

"Best, Best" is a song by American rapper Missy Elliott. It was written by Elliott, Marcella Araica, and Nate "Danja" Hills for what was supposed to be Elliott's seventh studio album Block Party, while production was helmed by Elliott and Hills. Announced as the album's lead single, it was released by The Goldmind Inc. and Atlantic Records on June 13, 2008, and peaked at number 94 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Since Block Party was abandoned in the spring of 2009, "Best, Best" remains a standalone single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miles Away (Madonna song)</span> 2008 single by Madonna

"Miles Away" is a song by American singer Madonna from her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy. It was first released as a promotional single in Japan, during June 2008, as the theme for the Fuji Television Japanese drama, Change. The song was released by Warner Bros. Records, as the third and final single from the album on October 17, 2008. It was subsequently included on her compilation album, Celebration (2009) and its music video on the accompanying music video collection, Celebration: The Video Collection. Madonna co-wrote and co-produced the track with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Nate "Danja" Hills. "Miles Away" is a melancholy electronic ballad, and is inspired by her then husband Guy Ritchie. The lyrics are autobiographical in nature and deals with long-distance relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Official Girl</span> 2008 single by Cassie featuring Lil Wayne

"Official Girl" is a song recorded by American singer Cassie. It features vocals by hip-hop rapper Lil Wayne, who wrote his guest verse, while the original composition was written by members of collective The Clutch including Balewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis, along with Marcella Araica and Nathaniel "Danja" Hills. Production was also handled by Hills. The song was first released for digital download in the United States on August 5, 2008, through Bad Boy and NextSelection in association with Atlantic Records, who then serviced it to rhythmic contemporary radio stations on September 22, 2008. The single was issued on vinyl as well with a promotional record being released that month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Ever (Ciara song)</span> 2009 single by Ciara featuring Young Jeezy

"Never Ever" is a song performed by R&B singer Ciara. It is the first single released from her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. The song features rapper Young Jeezy, was produced by Polow da Don, and was co-written by Ciara and Elvis "BlacElvis" Williams, who both produced and co-wrote Ciara's single, "Promise", from her second album, Ciara: The Evolution.

This article is a list of released and unreleased music recordings resulting from the collaborations of members of The Clutch, a collective of songwriters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work (Ciara song)</span> 2009 single by Ciara featuring Missy Elliott

"Work" is a song recorded by American recording artist Ciara for her third studio album Fantasy Ride (2009). It was released by LaFace Records on July 24, 2009, as the album's third and final single. Rapper Missy Elliott provides featured vocals on the song. Ciara and Elliott wrote it in collaboration with its producers Nate "Danja" Hills and Marcella Araica. "Work" is a fast-paced electropop and dance song with elements of bounce music and hip hop. Ciara described it as an energetic club track, and considered it initially as the lead single of Fantasy Ride.

"Kill the Lights" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears, taken from her sixth studio album Circus (2008). It was written by Nathaniel Hills, James Washington, Luke Boyd and Marcella Araica, who previously worked with Spears on Blackout (2007). "Kill the Lights” is a song produced by Danja, that alludes to the singer's relationship with the paparazzi and the news media, while also addressing the consequences of becoming a celebrity. "Kill the Lights" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who considered it a futuristic and sexy sequel to Spears' "Piece of Me" (2007), although they described her vocals as heavily produced.

References

  1. 1 2 Concepcion, Mariel (3 October 2009). "6 Questions With Marcella Araica". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 39. p. 13.
  2. 1 2 Burgess, Richard James (2013). The Art of Music Production: The Theory and Practice (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 196. ISBN   9780199921720.
  3. 1 2 3 Kenny, Tom (29 February 2016). "On the Cover: Dream Asylum Studios". Mix. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  4. Jackson, Blair (1 September 2014). "Marcella Araica: Making Waves in Miami Recording". Mix. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 Harvey, Steve (2009). "Araica Is on Board" . Pro Sound News . 31 (8): 20, 30. Retrieved 18 August 2016 via EBSCO.
  6. Hughes, Zondra (21 December 2010). "5 Fantasy Jobs (and How You Can Get Your Own)". HuffPost. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  7. Bullins, Strother (October 2015). "Developing the Duality of Dream Asylum" . Pro Sound News . 37 (10): 22, 55. Retrieved 18 August 2016 via EBSCO.
  8. Baker, Aaron "AO". "iStandardProducers.com Exclusive iNterview with Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica". iStandardProducers. Archived from the original on 15 August 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  9. "Marcella Araica: Hit Engineer Ascent". Hit Talk Magazine. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  10. Harvey, Steve. "Araica Is on Board". ProSound News. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  11. "Danja and Marcella Araica install Matrix in their new private studio". Solid State Logic News. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  12. Smith, LaToya M. (1 December 2011). "Sound Check: An Audio Engineer Mixes Recordings for Pop Music's Biggest Hit Makers". Black Enterprise. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2016 via HighBeam Research.
  13. Gallant, Michael (August 2011). "Marcella Araica". M Music and Musicians. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  14. Tingen, Paul. "Secrets of the Mix Engineers: Marcella Araica – Inside Track: 'The Way I Are'". Sound on Sound . Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  15. "27th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards Celebrate Hitmakers at Star-Studded Event in Hollywood". 27th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  16. Christman, Ed. "Dr. Luke, Jason Mraz, EMI, Patti Smith Among ASCAP Honorees". Billboard . Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  17. "Leading Ladies of Entertainment". Latin Recording Academy. Retrieved 11 September 2022.

Bibliography