In a time when music often leans toward distraction, Marcello Cordova focuses on something more real and needed: honesty, encouragement, and resilience. His latest single, You Got This, stands as a powerful reminder that even in the toughest moments, there is always a reason to keep going. The song carries a message of hope that feels personal, yet is instantly relatable to anyone facing challenges or self-doubt.
Marcello’s sound brings together elements of rock, alternative, and contemporary Christian music, creating something both energetic and emotionally grounded. There is a natural balance between vulnerability and strength in his work, allowing the music to feel uplifting without losing its sincerity. You Got This captures that balance perfectly, offering both reflection and motivation in equal measure.
In this conversation, Marcello Cordova shares the story behind the song, the collaborations that helped shape it, and the mindset that drives his creative process. He speaks openly about growth, inspiration, and staying true to his voice, revealing an artist who is not afraid to be honest and who understands the power of music to uplift and connect people.
“You Got This” carries a strong message of hope and perseverance. What inspired you to write this song, and was there a specific moment or experience behind it?
I remember discussing how often a breakthrough or change in a hard situation is often just right around the corner from when you feel like giving up. We wanted to encourage someone to hang on just a little longer! – Donita Heringer (co-writer)
Your music often blends personal faith with relatable life experiences. How do you approach writing songs that feel both spiritual and universally accessible?
Well, we have to accept that it’s not all sunshine. I tend to just write what is honest even if I come off like I’m incorrect to some. I’m correct to me and my story. I don’t want to write what pleases people in general unless it comes from a place of honesty. I usually write in moments of inspiration. If I’m down and moody, I want to write about it. If I’m happy and motivated, I want to write about it. I think, though, most people appreciate the vulnerability because they may see themselves in it.
How did the collaboration with Evie Lizarraga come about, and what did she bring to the song that elevated it for you?
I am currently working on a worship cover album, and I invited Evie to do a duet with me on a song. We had so much fun, and her tone and ability were impressive, so when I needed a vocalist for ‘You Got This,’ it made sense to reach out to her; it was a perfect match. I’m incredibly proud of her parts, especially the fact that she came in late and had to adjust to the key. She brought a delicate balance to the song, whereas my parts are a bit more energetic; Evie initially comes in soft.
“I first got involved with ‘You Got This’ after Marcello reached out to me about possibly being featured on the song! I accepted, immediately loving the concept of the song and the very pop rock vibe of it.
My first impression was that its goal was to empower and encourage. The song itself is very straightforward in its intention to assure you that you’re not alone in whatever struggle you may be going through.” – Evie
The production on “You Got This” feels energetic and anthemic. What was your vision for the sound, and how did working with Enrico Di Lauro help bring that vision to life?
When we co-wrote this song together, Bryan Boliver already had a track put together for us to write to. When we finished it up, he added his vocals to it, and we had a nice pop sound. When I decided I wanted to release my version, I wanted to experiment with the production and lean into modern rock vibes. Enrico and I had already been working together for some time, and we had a similar vibe with a different song; we decided to add some of those elements here. With Blake Dahlmeyer’s guitar work and Trevon Stuart’s drums, we achieved what we set out to do: bring this high-impact, high-energy song.
The bridge of the song delivers a powerful emotional lift. Can you talk about how that section came together and why it stands out to you?
For the most part, we wanted to change the direction of the song so it wouldn’t sound so redundant. We wanted to slow it down and bring a moment of calmness and reflection and then bring it back into a high-energy climax. It’s like a self pep talk, like you’re about to jump off a cliff into a lake; you talk to yourself, and then you scream and jump, haha.
You have explored different themes in your past releases, from personal restoration to storytelling and seasonal music. Where does “You Got This” fit within your artistic journey?
Most of my songs are soft and compelling in their experience, at times vulnerable, and even though there’s usually a happy ending to the songs, they can really play with your emotions, from being at the bottom to pulling you up at the end. For ‘You Got This,’ it was great to have something that screams positivity from the get-go, and it doesn’t stop till the very end. You can work out to this song; you can listen to it to give you that extra push to do something, maybe ask a girl out, haha.
Your sound blends electronic rock, alternative, and contemporary Christian influences. How do you balance these styles while staying true to your identity as an artist?
Well, growing up, I was always into rock. My stepdad was always listening to classic rock, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, etc., and some of my influences came from that and into the likes of Bryan Adams and Springsteen. Then when Nirvana came out, it evolved to their style and Radiohead, Linkin Park, and POD, but as I got older and started writing, it also naturally came out to a more contemporary folk style. So, I’ve had a broad sense of influence from all these bands, and with “You Got This” you get some elements in there from those bands: dirty guitars, synths, and solid drums. One of my favorite productions so far.
What message do you hope listeners take away after hearing “You Got This,” especially those going through difficult moments?
You know, we’ve all been there, and we hit those trials and those moments, and we ask ourselves, “How am I going to get out of this one?” But you know what? We’re still here. In all our circumstances we’re still going. So no matter how many times we have fallen, we have gotten back up, and that’s the song right there, “You Got This.” ”.
Looking back at your growth as a songwriter, how has your creative process evolved from your earlier releases to now?
I think now I don’t pigeonhole myself any longer. I allow myself to write or produce however I want. Am I a rock? Am I alternative? Secular folk singer-songwriter? Well, yes, yes I am! Haha, basically I don’t want to follow the rules. My writing is more ‘mature’ just because I’m older and I can express it in any genre now.
With this new single out, what direction are you planning to explore next, and can fans expect more collaborations in the future?
I love collabs very much. Artists usually like to get collabs in to expand on their audience, but for me, this is just about working with friends; most don’t have any songs released, so it’s a fun experience. I mentioned earlier I have been working on a cover worship album for this summer release, which has been in the making for the past year. I have numerous friends from church adding their respective talents, mostly vocals. Before I get that out, though, I have another modern rock version called “I’ll Never Fall Away” that has a feature with my friend Bethany and will have the same vibe as “You Got This”; it should be out come May.
