Hey everyone! Thank you so much for visiting my page! My name is Margaret Durante and I’m 21 years old. I've been living in Nashville for a couple years. I moved here after leaving Clemson University in the middle of my sophomore year to pursue my ultimate dream job of being an entertainer and songwriter. I simply love writing and performing songs, so to me, it was obvious that Nashville was where I needed to be. There's nothing like sharing your song and story with an audience and feeling the lyrics and the melody work its way through the crowd making everyone a little more close and familiar.
I have an incredible family. My mom, dad and two sisters, Claire and Theresa, have been with me every step of the way. My childhood friends and their families are also incredible. Growing up, they became used to my tendency to sing…a lot! They're all in Potomac, MD, and the Washington, DC area, where I grew up, and I miss them every day. They always encouraged me to sing when I was growing up, so I did.
When I was sixteen, family friends, music enthusiasts and big supporters, Tom and Karen Natelli, introduced me to the B Street Band from the Jersey Shore. The Natelli’s had become friends with the band members over many summers. The band and I immediately hit it off after our first gig together. I spent the next four summers traveling up and down the east coast, enjoying every minute of performing with them. The band dubbed me "Margrock" and I became an honorary member.
As I became more sure of my desire to perform and sing, Tom and I worked together to make the dream a reality. Together we formed MargRock Entertainment, LLC. I wrote songs, we recorded them and we knocked on every door we came upon. At the same time, I was a full time student at Clemson, trying to juggle my classes, my clubs, my sorority -- all the activities I was involved in there.
I'll never forget the day I made the decision to leave Clemson. I was a good student (I swear!), pursuing a double major in music and business. I loved the college life. A lot. (Go Tigers.) But, I loved music first. Somehow, Tom and I had gotten the attention of one of the most prominent executives in the music industry, Tommy Mottola. He believed that I should, could, would have a career in the industry, but I needed to commit, 100%. My Clemson friends helped me pack my car, and, in the middle of my sophomore year…I drove away. I cried for 30 minutes before I felt relief -- the weight of trying to live a double life lifted – it was stressful! The pulling in two directions stopped and a single-minded purpose set in.
At 19, I found myself living alone in Nashville. I've been blessed to be able to work with some amazing people there. Brilliant songwriters like Lisa Carver, Stephony Smith and Shelly Fairchild. My good friends Laura and James Stroud. James is one of the most accomplished producers in country music, and I still can't believe that he took the time to produce my first single. And, in April I signed a record deal with Universal Republic...I'm still reeling about that.
I've learned quickly that the story behind the story of every successful artist is built on the support and contributions of dozens of people who are there for you, helping you along the way. Some in big ways and some in small ways, but every bit matters. I expect this to be true of every meaningful journey in life, but I realize and fully appreciate it now, more than ever.
.. 
Online Now!
