A former Golden Grizzly is making noise on the local music scene.

Pato Margetic is taking passions for sound and the city into his musical endeavors. A 2010 graduate, Margetic has been developing his zeal for music and his playing style for years, even before his time at Oakland University.

“I’ve always been into music and writing.  Even as a kid I’d be jotting things down,” he said. “I first picked up a guitar when I was 12, and I haven’t put it down.”

His style creatively blends flowing acoustic rhythms and smooth vocals to produce the soulful tunes that resonate through his music.

The infatuation has grown into a lifestyle for the former communications major. Margetic recognizes that his formal education has helped improve his extracurricular focus.

“At Oakland, I did independent study classes for recording and writing through the communication department to help further my work,” he said. “I performed for presentations and projects whenever I could. I incorporated music into class.”

He also said that his multicultural communication class with associate professor Dr. Kellie Hay left a lasting impression.

“I have a multicultural background myself,” Margetic said. “That was one of my favorite classes, and definitely the most inspiring.”

Practice in school and out aided his pursuit of a career as a musician.

Instead of performing for a class of 30, however, he now plays live shows. In place of projects for communications classes are music videos.

Margetic explained that some inspiration comes from his surroundings.

“I’m a metro Detroiter, so I like to bring some hometown spots into my videos,” he said. “It’s about keeping up with the tradition of Detroit musicians, honoring the whole city.”

Local landmarks like Belle Isle, the DIA and several of the city’s casinos are featured in his videos. One of Margetic’s first videos was filmed at Royal Oak’s Gusoline Alley, similar to Detroit musicians like Kid Rock, Obie Trice and The White Stripes.

While he appreciates the works and influence of the accomplished musicians before him, Margetic insists his style is his own. A multitude of influences helped shape his music, including a taste of Spanish guitar. Comparisons have been drawn between his music and that of artists like Jason Mraz and John Mayer.

“I don’t mind (the comparisons). I actually take (them) as a compliment,” he said. “I’ve definitely been influenced by other artists, but my music is personal, and I like to remind people of that. I’m my own artist.”

As a musician, Margetic has two albums to his credit, with a third in the works. Currently, he is keeping busy between studio sessions and live performances, with an understanding that learning is a product of experimentation and collaboration.

In his limited free time, Margetic has been writing and recording with other musicians and fine-tuning his own sound.

“Right now, I’m working on all aspects of performance,” Margetic said. “I’m a freelance recording artist and musician working on all my chops creatively. And I’m really having fun with it. I’m in love with what I’m doing.”

Margetic’s next gig is Ignite Detroit! 2 inside Motor City Casino on April 14.

“I hope that people respect me as an artist,” he said. “I want people to hear my music and truly enjoy it.”

For more information about Margetic, visit www.patomusic.com