Marcella Araica

Marcella “Ms. Lago” Araica knew she wanted to work in Miami, Florida, at the Hit Factory. While she was a student in Full Sail's Recording Arts program, she called the studio manager every couple months to check in. Her persistence paid off, and after graduating in 2002, she interviewed and was offered a job as a general assistant. Two months in, she got the chance to prove her potential behind the console on a session with Missy Elliott.

During her time at the legendary Hit Factory in Miami, Marcella's contributed her engineering talents to albums by Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Nelly Furtado, Christina Aguilera, and more. She's won two prestigious ASCAP awards for her work with pop vocalists Pink and Keri Hilson.

Marcella teamed up with record producer Danja in 2009 to launch the independent music label, N.A.R.S. (New Age Rock Stars) Records, working with talent such as Kevin Cossom, Wyld, and Luke James.

Most recently, Marcella and Danja opened Dream Asylum Studios, a dazzling recording environment that has captured the sounds of artists like Monica and K. Michelle. Marcella was instrumental in the design and development of the expansive South Florida space, which spans 4000 square feet and features multiple studios, a live room, and inspired areas for creating and collaborating.