Artist Glimpse - CMAGIC5
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From electrifying stages across Canada to crafting genre-bending anthems that fuse pop, rock, and soul, CMAGIC5 is more than a rising star—she’s a force of nature. With her latest releases turning heads and her empowering lyrics resonating with fans way beyond Canadian borders, I’m thrilled to connect with the award-winning singer-songwriter to explore the heart behind the music, the stories that shaped her sound, and what’s next on her horizon.
Rob Aguiar - Your music blends pop precision with rock rebellion—how did your sound evolve into this signature style, and what drew you to this fusion in the first place?
CMAGIC5 - My sound evolved from the kaleidoscope of music I was constantly surrounded by growing up. I was classically trained from a young age, which gave me a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and music theory, allowing me to understand music on a deeper level. But beyond that structured training, I was drawn to two distinct worlds: the raw energy of classic rock and the infectious hooks of pop.
I discovered rock legends like Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, and AC/DC early on and was instantly captivated by their passion and grit. Meanwhile, artists like Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus inspired me with their powerhouse vocals, bold fashion, and fearless pop sensibilities. Avril Lavigne embodied the perfect blend of rock’s rebellion and pop’s accessibility, with a punk edge. They all pushed me to channel real, unfiltered emotion into high-energy music.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t have to choose one lane—I could fuse both worlds into something authentic. That’s how my sound became edgy pop-rock with punk energy: rebellious yet polished, emotional yet anthemic. At its core, my music empowers, energizes, and helps people feel seen through relatable lyrics.
RA - Let’s talk “Rock Paper Scissors”—a track that really put you on the map. In fact, it recently won the 2025 Mississauga Music Song of the Year Award. The line “There’s no wrong or right, only hits and misses” suggests growing from what lands and from what doesn’t. What does that moment in the song mean to you personally?
C - “Rock Paper Scissors” will always hold a special place in my heart, and it’s been incredible to see how the song continues to resonate over time. Winning Song of the Year at the 2025 Mississauga Music Awards was especially meaningful. To be recognized in my hometown and headline the MMAs at the same theatre where I once played lead Broadway roles like Simba in The Lion King and Donkey in Shrek truly felt like a full-circle moment. I’m just trying to turn that little girl’s dreams into reality and make her proud. On top of that, “Rock Paper Scissors” won the 2024 IPMA for Best Pop Song, which was such an honor. Even though it’s not my latest release, the track keeps gaining momentum. The line, “There’s no wrong or right, only hits and misses,” captures something universal. As an independent artist, it’s about embracing both victories and setbacks, and recognizing that every experience shapes who you are and where you’re headed. That’s a message I carry with me in music—and in life.
RA - Who are the artists—past or present—that have shaped your musical journey? And if you could collaborate with any one of them, who would be your dream pick?
C - My biggest musical inspirations have always come from bold, fearless female trailblazers who defied the status quo. Artists like Joan Jett, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, and Miley Cyrus each shaped me in unique ways. Joan taught me to be unapologetically independent, Avril brought a punk edge to my pop-rock sound and inspired raw emotion, Gaga pushed me to embrace individuality beyond music, Christina gave me confidence in my powerhouse vocals, and Miley reminds me to stay authentic through every evolution.
“Performing is where the music truly comes alive, and my goal is to give as many people as possible the chance to experience that energy in person.”
I was also deeply influenced by rock icons like Aerosmith and Bon Jovi. Steven Tyler’s showmanship made me fall in love with live performance, and their hit ‘Dream On’ remains a staple in my set. That iconic Ab note possesses me every time I sing it—though I’ve added my own twist by taking it up to a C6 (music theory nerd alert!). Jon taught me the art of writing timeless, stadium-sized anthems that connect across generations.
These artists didn’t just make music—they created movements that transcended genres. That’s the kind of impact I aspire to have: music that empowers and makes people feel part of something bigger.
As for a dream collaboration, definitely Gaga. Her ability to transform emotion into art while pushing boundaries is unmatched. I admire how she balances vulnerability with strength, and I think merging her theatrical artistry with my high-energy pop-rock would be explosive.
RA - You’ve hinted at new projects and a bold creative direction for 2026. Can you give us a glimpse into what fans can expect from the next chapter of CMAGIC5?
C - I’m grateful to have had a thrilling year as an independent artist, ringing in 2025 on a high note opening for the Canadian Pop-Punk legends Simple Plan to embarking on my National Summer Festival tour, and releasing my Sophomore EP crafted with Juno award-winning production heavyweights. This year was just the warm-up! In 2026, my objective will be to take my sophomore EP Happy Never After beyond Canada and expand my touring internationally. I really want to spend more time on the road, exploring new cities, meeting fans, and creating those unforgettable moments. Performing is where the music truly comes alive, and my goal is to give as many people as possible the chance to experience that energy in person. Before I move on to releasing new music, I want to give this EP the spotlight it deserves. Behind the scenes, I’ll be tapping into my degree to create even more content and experimenting with ways to reimagine each single from Happy Never After so listeners can rediscover the songs in fresh ways.
This feels like the perfect time for listeners to be part of my journey. There’s so much growth happening, and this is only the beginning, so hop on and enjoy the ride!
From fearless lyrics to genre-defying soundscapes, CMAGIC5 continues to carve out a space that’s entirely her own. As she gears up for her next musical chapter, one thing’s clear—she’s not just rewriting the rules, she’s setting the stage for something unforgettable. We’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
