Canadian artist CMAGIC5, known as ‘C’, is taking the stage at Gussapolooza with her punchy pop-rock anthems and electrifying energy. With over 5.3 million streams on Spotify and 26 million views on TikTok for her single ‘Dancing On My Heart,’ she’s a powerhouse performer blending pop hooks with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
Backed by her high-energy band, CMAGIC5 is set to deliver a dynamic show that will leave the audience craving more.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey there! I go by the moniker ‘CMAGIC5’ (feel free to call me ‘C’), and I’m an independent singer/songwriter, musician, and recording artist hailing from Toronto, blending my powerhouse vocals with infectious pop-rock melodies. As an independent artist with over 5.3 million streams and 2 million listeners on Spotify in just the past year alone, I am profoundly grateful for this incredible journey I’m on. A fun fact is that I was fully trained in classical music by 16, and I’m now a vocal mentor. I also graduated from a specialization program at The University of Toronto just a few months ago! With youthful energy and a rock ‘n’ roll spirit, I craft catchy pop-rock anthems, inviting listeners to embrace their “main character” energy, unapologetically. I’m gearing up for my next EP release, promising more empowering tracks to electrify audiences worldwide.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My latest release, “Rock Paper Scissors” is an energetic pop-rock anthem that captures the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. With its catchy melodies and sophisticated, thought-provoking lyrics, the song cleverly explores the concept of choices and the consequences they entail through the metaphor of a classic kid’s game. It combines elements of rock and pop to create an electrifying sound that will resonate with listeners. “Rock Paper Scissors” is a dynamic pop-rock song that combines introspective lyrics with an infectious melody. It invites listeners to reflect on the decisions they make in life and the impact they have on their relationships and overall well-being. I recently won the 2024 IPMA (International Portuguese Music Award) in the pop category for this song, so it holds a special place in my heart!
How would you describe your musical style to someone who has never heard your music before?
Fresh, fierce, and a fun edgy pop style infused with flavors of rock and punk, with an empowering underlying message to just embrace your most authentic, badass self, and love yourself first in every situation. It’s the kind of music you want to scream out to with the windows down and wind gushing through your hair – literally to make you feel like you are the main character in your own movie.
What does performing at a festival like Gussapolooza, known for its focus on emerging talent, mean to you and your band?
I am honored to be part of a community of creators who can all benefit from one another, collaborate, grow, and build meaningful relationships through the love of music which transcends boundaries and, limitations. Not only does it foster partnerships with like-minded humans and their creativity but it spreads love and peace through the love of the arts. I feel super grateful to be part of such an iconic festival and I’m excited to put on one heck of a show! I have some special surprises in my setlist for a Friday the 13th special.
What makes Gussapolooza different from other festivals?
The very essence and the theme behind Gussapolooza are so distinct and noble as it is all about supporting emerging independent acts. It is not just a music festival but a movement that unifies and inspires people to celebrate music. To me, it makes a huge difference when festival organizers actually care about their artists. I definitely feel the love & support from the Gussa team and can see they are really passionate about supporting up-and-coming artists! To add to it, I think it’s so cool how festival goers can come and camp out there and stay for the whole weekend and have a blast!
With over 40 indie bands performing, how do you plan to stand out and make a lasting impression on the audience?
I am grateful to be sharing the stage with all the dynamic talent out there. It’s a really exciting lineup to be part of! I believe every artist, with their musical styles and genre are different, and unique in their own way.I am hoping to enhance the audience experience through a creative kaleidoscope of the arts and multidimensional performance with my 10-piece ensemble which includes my high-energy backing band and dancers. It’ll be a whole experience that we don’t usually see at most artists’ emerging stages. We have been rehearsing hard and practicing to not only musically entice the audience but also to enrich their overall experience through a powerful and captivating performance which will not only give them a great weekend but songs that will linger on in their hearts for days to come, hoping they can come to my upcoming tours across the nation.
Are there any specific bands or artists at Gussapolooza that you’re excited to see perform?
This being my first time at Gussapolooza, I am super excited to see all the bands perform! It is going to be a night full of energy and excitement. I’m stoked to watch them play and exchange positive vibes!
For fans who may be seeing you perform for the first time, what do you hope they remember most about your set?
I hope to leave a lasting impact, a memory that will linger, and a message that incredible things happen by just believing in yourself. I would like them to forget about their worries even if it is for a night and just come and have a blast!
What’s next for you after Gussapolooza? Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should look out for?
I have been blessed to have been on tour throughout the summer with back-to-back shows and I am so grateful that the saga continues into early fall. Releasing my upcoming EP is on the cards and also touring internationally! Performing is one of my favorite parts of being an artist, so I can’t wait to travel and share my music with the world at large and hit some of the festival and show venues that are on my bucket list. Yes, please stay tuned for the release and tour announcements via my any of my social media platforms! (@cmagic5)