Feb 18

Feb 18 CMAGIC5 Speaks About New Single “Happy Never After” and Music Being An Intrinsic Part of Her Life

CMAGIC5 is a top rising independent singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist based in Toronto. With an infectious energy and a rock 'n' roll spirit, CMAGIC5 writes edgy, power pop, punk-flavoured soundtracks that embrace the highs and lows of coming-of-age and celebrate your inner rebel. Her incredibly catchy anthems with soulful vocals get your heart pumping. Flipping the script on fairy tale romances, her new single “Happy Never After” features razor-sharp lyrics and a contagious modern pop-rock beat, capturing the fallout of heartbreak with sass and unrelenting honesty. Capturing that sense of rebellion, it’s empowering and unapologetically catchy, with a fierce energy that will have you ready to scream along with every word. The song radiates catharsis, blending a punchy pop-rock sound with raw emotion. It feels like a nostalgic pop-rock anthem from the 2000s, reimagined with a fresh, bold perspective. This is your breakup anthem of the year—because not every fairytale ends in "happily ever after." The accompanying music video for "Happy Never After" reimagines Alice in Wonderland into a dark and twisted, Tim Burton-esque world. In conversation with Clique, CMAGIC5 shares that one message she hopes listeners take away from “Happy Never After” is the power of reclaiming your own narrative, especially after experiencing heartbreak or toxic relationships. This track is all about breaking free from the fairy tale myths that tell us our worth is tied to someone else’s love, and channeling that inner rebel.

CLIQUE: How long have you been working on Happy Never After?

CMAGIC5: ‘Happy Never After’ came together relatively quickly—it was completed in just a few months along with the rest of the EP. However, I wanted to take a different approach this time by gradually teasing the tracks before the full release, allowing listeners to experience the journey leading up to it. I’ve been teasing “Happy Never After” and the other unreleased tracks from my upcoming EP at my 2024 summer festival tour rocking 22 shows across Canada, which included slotting alongside the iconic Canadian Pop-punk band Simple Plan at the NYE Garden Square event. The audience response has been incredibly heartwarming, and it’s been amazing to see people resonate with the song live and then reach out “I heard this at that festival, and now it’s on my playlist!” Moments like this remind me why I love to do what I do—it’s about creating something meaningful and inspiring that relates with people and resonates with them in some aspect of their lives r and makes them feel part of something greater through the love of music.

That’s why it’s such an exhilarating and gratifying feeling at the same time to have “Happy Never After” out in the world. This track marks a huge milestone and new chapter for me, as it’s the title track of my upcoming EP, and it sets the tone for everything that’s to come. Beginning with “Happy Never After”, I’ll be releasing a new single every month leading up to the full EP release in the Summer of 2025, and I couldn’t be more excited about this journey.

“From an early age, I was drawn to the power of melody and storytelling, constantly exploring new sounds and emotions through music. Over time, that passion has only deepened, evolving into a relentless pursuit of crafting songs that resonate on both a personal and universal level.”

CLIQUE: Has music always been a passion of yours?

CMAGIC5: Absolutely! Music has been an intrinsic part of my life for as long as I can remember. I truly believe music chose me. It’s more than just a passion—it’s a driving force that has shaped my identity and creative expression. From an early age, I was drawn to the power of melody and storytelling, constantly exploring new sounds and emotions through music. Over time, that passion has only deepened, evolving into a relentless pursuit of crafting songs that resonate on both a personal and universal level.

My passion for singing, dancing, and acting manifested itself at a very young age, with my first "audience" in my living room at just five years old. Thanks to my parents’ unwavering support, I was able to explore the creative arts—dance, drama, and music—developing my skills through lead roles in summer Broadway productions. Songwriting quickly became second nature, as I started composing melodies at six, drawing inspiration from the world around me.

By ten, my songwriting deepened, leading to my first original composition and an EP, Destiny’s Calling, written in just a few days. During a challenging period of being bullied in elementary school, music became my refuge. I picked up an acoustic guitar and poured my emotions into songwriting—this was the moment I knew music was my true calling. That basement recording laid the foundation for my future in professional music.

Since then, I’ve never looked back. I independently self-released my debut album, Ready to Run, during the pandemic, which went on to amass over 10 million streams across platforms. More than anything, I want my music to inspire others—to share the same magic that has shaped my journey.

CLIQUE: Tell us a little bit about the meaning behind your single “Happy Never After.”.

CMAGIC5: “Happy Never After” was born out of a desire to break free from the clichés of fairy tale romances and unrealistic standards of relationships portrayed on social media and movies. Through a young & fresh perspective, I wanted to create an anthemic song that reclaims power after heartbreak, turning pain into empowerment. The idea sparked during a late-night writing session where the concept of a modern-day “anti-fairytale” resonated deeply. Drawing from personal experiences and stories of others navigating toxic relationships, the song evolved into a fierce anthem of self-love and strength. This isn’t just a breakup song—it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt let down by false promises and toxic people.

Thematically, I wanted to create a track that’s a celebratory anthem for moving on from toxic ex-lovers, friends, or bosses—those people who at first play the role of "Prince Charming" or "Romeo," but you can foresee the signs and know exactly how that last chapter of the story will end once you start sensins those red flags. It’s all about empowering yourself and others to avoid getting hurt again and walking away before it’s too late.

One message I hope listeners take away from “Happy Never After” is the power of reclaiming your own narrative, especially after experiencing heartbreak or toxic relationships. This track is all about breaking free from the fairy tale myths that tell us our worth is tied to someone else’s love, and channeling that inner rebel.

CLIQUE: What is your personal favorite part about the process of making music?

CMAGIC5: My favorite part of the process is when everything starts to click—when the lyrics, melody, and instrumentation come together to form something that feels complete and alive. It's a blend of inspiration and instinct, where all the individual elements align to tell a story. There's a certain magic in the creative chaos that transforms a simple idea into a fully realized piece of music. I also love the vulnerability of songwriting, the way it allows me to express emotions and experiences that might otherwise go unsaid. That raw honesty, combined with the thrill of shaping a sound, makes the process incredibly fulfilling. It's not just about crafting a song; it's about creating a moment that connects on a deeper level.

And then, performing the song live is an even greater adrenaline rush. Whenever I'm working on a new track, I always try to envision it in a live setting—how it will feel to bring it to life in front of an audience, how the energy will shift, and how the connection with the crowd will amplify the song. There's something truly special about that moment when the music goes from something personal and intimate to a shared experience with others. It's where the song evolves even further, and the energy from the crowd becomes a part of it, creating an unforgettable experience. The experience of a zesty uproar from the audience as the floodlights flash into a kaleidoscope of alternating colors on a live stage, the feedback and responses that I receive after a live performance are indescribable in words.

CLIQUE: Where does inspiration for your music come from?

CMAGIC5: My music is usually inspired by real-life experiences, either my own or someone else’s, seamlessly woven with the boundless depths of my imagination. I strive to craft songs where the instrumentation and melody alone evoke emotion and narrative, even before a single lyric is sung. Inspiration finds me anywhere—during a late-night drive, in the shower, or in the most unexpected moments. It’s an ever-evolving fusion of raw emotion, sonic storytelling, and creative spontaneity.

My writing process is usually a paradox mix of spontaneity and thoughtfulness. It often starts with a general concept or feeling that I want to explore, but from that point, I like to let the ideas flow naturally. It’s a bit of a stream of consciousness at times, where I let the lyrics flow and take shape in the moment. I’m not afraid to take a thought or phrase and just run with it, seeing where it goes. Sometimes, the best lines are written when I stop overthinking and just let the music and words connect on their own.

The writing process for Happy Never After was more spontaneous and free-flowing. It started with the thought of putting an angsty twist on the classic "Happily ever after," and once I had that thought, it really took off. I remember wondering , “What if we wish them a ‘Happy Never After’?” and I immediately thought it was different, edgy and playful. From there, the song just kind of wrote itself, as I explored the concept of flipping the script on fairytale endings and embracing the messy, realistic aspects of life. Sonically, I was especially inspired by that nostalgic 2000s pop-punk music and found myself listening to a lot of early Avril Lavigne, Paramore, and other pop-punk bands at the time. I have also been a huge fan of Disney movies, but the concept of how all fairytale romances end with "happily ever after" really got me thinking: when is that going to happen for me? Is there really a happy ever after for everyone?

CLIQUE: Your music video for “Happy Never After” is so unique and creative. Can you take us a little into the process of how it came to be?

CMAGIC5: Thank you! The concept for the Happy Never After music video was something I had envisioned for a while. I wanted to blend the whimsical chaos of Alice in Wonderland with the dark, quirky energy of Beetlejuice to reflect the song’s themes of toxic love and breaking free from illusion. It’s a bold reimagination of Alice in Wonderland with a Tim Burton-esque twist, but infused with the sharp, edgy energy of pop-punk. I play Alice, who finds the book ‘Happy Never After’ and lets her curiosity get the best of her, then magically transports into the story which is this chaotic, whimsical realm that feels like a collision of Dr. Seuss and Wonderland gone dark. It’s vibrant, surreal, and a little unsettling—exactly the kind of twisted backdrop to explore themes of toxic relationships and reclaiming your power.

Immersing myself in that space felt like stepping into my imagination—or maybe a nightmare! The Mad Hatter, played by a female, is this seductive, manipulative figure who represents the toxic allure of unhealthy relationships. The tension between Alice and the Hatter was such a powerful metaphor for navigating those situations where love feels more like control than freedom.

Eventually, Alice makes her way back to the real world and burns the Happy Never After book in a witch’s cauldron, symbolizing her escape from the fantasy of perfect love and rewriting her own story. That moment is the catharsis the song builds to—it’s about breaking free from manipulation and owning your narrative.

From floating playing cards to giant chess pieces, it felt like stepping into my own pop-punk fairytale—one with an empowering message at its core. To me, this video isn’t just a reimagining of Alice; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a picture-perfect illusion. It’s about breaking free from the facade, rejecting the fake fairytale, and stepping into your own power unapologetically.

CLIQUE: How much creative freedom did you have in the music video?

CMAGIC5: Part of the perks of being an independent artist is that I have 100% of the creative freedom. I am proud that the "Happy Never After" video was my vision, and it was such an incredible experience to bring to life. For this song, I wanted to blend the whimsical chaos of Alice in Wonderland with the dark, quirky energy of Beetlejuice, a concept I’d been envisioning for a while.

From the makeup look to the oversized chess pieces, the Mad Hatter character, and the Happy Never After book, every detail was something I knew had to be part of the video. I especially wanted to include a Mad Tea Party scene, and I’m so happy we were able to make it happen. Filming on a set like that, where every element felt immersive, was such an adrenaline rush.

CLIQUE: Who are some people you would love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

CMAGIC5: That’s a really tough one because I look up to so many artists, especially badass females who shatter glass ceilings! If I had to choose, Avril Lavigne would definitely be one of my dream collaborators. She’s the pop-punk queen and has inspired so many of us with her fearless attitude and anthems that have stood the test of time. Avril’s been such a massive influence on me—not just as an artist, but as someone who paved the way for women in pop-punk and rock to have a voice and be unapologetically themselves. It’s always a cherry on top that she’s Canadian :)

Avril’s music is iconic because it’s the perfect blend of empowerment, rebellious energy, and authenticity. From Sk8er Boi to Love Sux, her songs are timeless and relatable, and they’ve shaped an entire generation of music lovers. What I love most about her is that she’s stayed true to who she is throughout her career. She’s fearless, unapologetic, and has always been iconic for creating music that speaks to individuality and self-empowerment.

It would also be a dream come true to collaborate with Miley Cyrus, who I’ve worshipped ever since her Hannah Montana days. I’ve literally grown up with her—from Best of Both Worlds to Flowers—and her journey has been a constant reminder to follow my dreams, no matter how wild they seem. Her ability to reinvent herself time and again, even in the face of criticism, is so inspiring. When I feel overwhelmed or discouraged in my career, I think of Miley and how she’s weathered every storm to stay true to herself. Her transition into rock with her album Plastic Hearts reignited my own love for the genre which I grew up listening to, and pushed me to incorporate more rock and punk influences into my modern pop sound. Miley’s carefree, badass attitude and resilience taught me to have thick skin and keep going, no matter what. She’s living proof that being true to yourself, even when it’s hard, is always worth it.

Both Avril and Miley are such trailblazers who continue to break barriers, and working with artists like them would be a dream come true—not just for the music but for the opportunity to connect and create with two fearless women who’ve paved the way for so many of us.

“I’m always open to exploring different genres because I believe growth as an artist comes from pushing creative boundaries. My music has always been a representation of what I enjoy listening to, influenced by a love for so many different genres. Growing up with rock roots, but also loving the feel-good energy of pop and dance music, I’ve found ways to blend those influences into my sound. While my current sound is in pop-rock, I love incorporating elements from other genres to keep things fresh and unexpected.”

CLIQUE: Do you think you will explore any other genres of music? Or do you want to stay with the genre of music you are in right now?

CMAGIC5: I’m always open to exploring different genres because I believe growth as an artist comes from pushing creative boundaries. My music has always been a representation of what I enjoy listening to, influenced by a love for so many different genres. Growing up with rock roots, but also loving the feel-good energy of pop and dance music, I’ve found ways to blend those influences into my sound. While my current sound is in pop-rock, I love incorporating elements from other genres to keep things fresh and unexpected.

In my upcoming EP, while most of the tracks are pop-rock, some dive heavier into the rock side, while others lean more into modern pop. It all depends on the day, my mood, and what I feel like listening to at the time. For me, it’s less about fitting into a specific genre and more about creating music that feels authentic and resonates with listeners. I’m always looking for ways to evolve while staying true to my core identity.

Above everything, I hope my music inspires people to express themselves fearlessly and unapologetically. Life is too short not to love yourself and own your truth. I want listeners to feel empowered to embrace their most authentic selves, let go of societal expectations, and celebrate who they are. It’s all about tapping into that badass energy, reclaiming your power, and living boldly, without holding back. Even if one person feels more confident and proud of who they are after hearing my music, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

CLIQUE: What can you tell us about what you have planned for in the future?

CMAGIC5: After ringing in the new year on a high note opening for Simple Plan, I am stoked for 2025 already shaping up to be an exhilarating year, as there’s so much coming up! Along with the monthly single releases leading up to my Happy Never After EP in the Summer, I’ll hit the road with more live shows and festivals. I have some touring plans in the US in Spring, and of course, when festival season hits, it’s gooo time!!! There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live performance, and I can’t wait to bring the new tracks to all the main stages, get up close with fans, and feel that electric connection. I am also looking forward to more exciting international collaborations! I will keep everyone updated on what’s in store for 2025, so be sure to follow along on socials, and in the meantime, you can stream ‘Happy Never After’! XoXo - C

Listen to Happy Never After and watch her music video here