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We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Pop Punk artist, CMAGIC5; greetings and salutations, CMAGIC5! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how is the summer of 2023 treating you thus far?
Greetings from Toronto! Thank you for having me. The summer of 2023 has been an absolute blast so far. I’ve been fortunate enough to be releasing and working on a ton of new music, connecting with fans, and playing exciting shows. The summer is always a special and exciting time for artists like me, as it allows us to bring our music to life in outdoor venues and festivals, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere. I do have to say, it’s been an insanely busy time for me as well. I’ve been spending most of my time in the studio, collaborating with different producers and songwriters, and traveling extensively to work on new music. Being a pop-punk artist, I believe in the power of energetic performances, so I also dedicate a significant amount of time to rehearsing with my band for upcoming shows. Oh and in between all that, there’s making time to eat and sleep too haha. Although it’s not the typical ‘sipping a pina colada on the beach’ kinda summer, I love the hustle, and what I’m doing as an artist feels just as rewarding. These are the months when I get a break from University too (yup, I’m a full-time musician and full-time student at the same time). It’s definitely a challenging balancing act, but I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for anything else and I’m looking forward to what’s yet to come!
Major congratulations on the freshly-minted new single Game Boy! What’s the story behind this raw and catchy tune and what made it the perfect choice as your latest music release?
Thank you so much! I envisioned Game Boy as a 3-minute crash course or a quick reference guide on getting over a breakup before the song ends. I wanted to offer my take and create a ridiculously catchy and modern pop-punk anthem for the broken-hearted. Growing up, I believe many of us feel pressured by society’s expectations and still do, especially young females (i.e., “sitting with your legs crossed, speaking up but not too much, etc”). I wanted to capture that candid sentiment of feeling ‘trapped’ through the metaphor of being stuck and treated like a video game. Writing this song helped me realize the importance of taking control of my own life. Through youthful emotion-soaked lyrics, I want to encourage listeners to stand up against unrealistic standards through a bold and playful yet rebellious attitude. The lyrics specifically address a toxic ex-lover who undermined my worth by demanding unrealistic expectations. This being the first single off my upcoming 9-track album, Game Boy sets the tone as a bold, edgy, and empowering banger that would inspire listeners to step into the best version of themselves unapologetically. The process of creating this song was so therapeutic as it enabled me to release suppressed emotions about a relationship gone sour, in a tasteful and artistic way, hoping it would encourage listeners to do the same. It was the perfect choice for my latest release because it symbolizes the beginning of a new era for CMAGIC5. I want my sophomore album to be the ultimate soundtrack for late-night dance parties in your bedroom, screaming out to a hairbrush as a microphone, or cruising in your car with the windows down.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates Game Boy from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
In the ever-evolving music scene of 2023, there is a diverse range of talented artists and a multitude of genres and styles. It’s important to reflect on how each artist brings their own unique perspective, sound, and artistic approach. It is this diversity that contributes to the richness of the music industry and offers listeners a wide range of choices and experiences.
In my humble opinion, “Game Boy” speaks directly to listeners, enabling them to feel like the main character in their own story. In contrast to the recent trend of commercial pop music with whisper-singing, “Game Boy” is an edgy and upbeat pop-punk anthem that showcases a bold and rebellious attitude. With its raw lyrics and catchy melodies, the song captures the
relatable frustrations and emotions that come with being manipulated and deceived in a
relationship. Carrying a similar energy to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” and Leah Kate’s
“10 Things I Hate About You”, it combines elements of punk and pop to create a
high-energy and empowering sound that will hopefully resonate with listeners.
The response has been overwhelming, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see people enjoying and connecting with my music.
Who was your producer on Game Boy and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?
Game Boy was a seedling that was already implanted in my head . It needed to germinate and come to life through a producer who understood the vision and could bring it to life. The collaboration between my producer and I in the studio was an exciting and creative process. From the beginning, we shared a strong musical connection and he understood my vision for the song. We had great discussions about the desired sound, the emotions we wanted to evoke, and the overall direction of the track. We spent time discussing different techniques that could enhance the pop-punk anthem vibe of “Game Boy”. Writing this over Zoom did not impact the creative process, and it turned out to be even greater than I imagined. During the recording session, the energy and vibe in the room was magical! Overall, the collaboration was marked by a strong creative partnership, open communication, and a shared unwavering commitment to delivering the best possible version of “Game Boy.” Our combined efforts, musical expertise, and creative vision culminated in a pop-punk anthem that we are extremely proud of today.
You hail from the beautiful country of Canada! How do those roots inform you as both an artist and as a person?
Yes, thank you! Land of the Biebs, Weeknd, Celine Dion, and so many more amazing talents. Makes me feel so proud! As an artist and as a person, my Canadian roots have had a significant influence on my perspective, creativity, and values. Growing up in Canada, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a rich cultural tapestry, stunning natural landscapes, and a diverse community that celebrates inclusivity and multiculturalism. Canada is known for its cultural diversity, and this has taught me to appreciate different perspectives, embrace collaboration, and create music that speaks to a wide range of people. The natural beauty of Canada has also been a source of inspiration for me as an artist. The breathtaking landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the serene lakes and forests, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. This connection to the environment often finds its way into my music, through the desire to create an immersive sonic experience that transports listeners to a specific place or mood.
How is Game Boy similar to some of your past music? How is it different?
Game Boy marks the beginning of a new CMAGIC5 era for a few different reasons. My past music has been more about exploring a wide range of styles and genres and all about finding my true sound. With my forthcoming album, I still believe in the power of variety and wouldn’t want to ever confine myself to just one sound. However, Game Boy feels like my truest sound to date. The instrumentation of “Game Boy” is characterized by its punchy guitars, driving drums, and energetic bassline, which are common elements in most of my past music. However, leaning more into the punk/pop genre is the main point of differentiation. The guitars provide a crunchy and distorted tone, delivering powerful riffs and infectious hooks. The combination of power chords, palm-muted rhythms, and melodic leads creates a dynamic and high-energy sound that I believe is quintessential to pop-punk music. Most of my previous music was produced electronically with drum and guitar loops, but with Game Boy and the rest of the singles off my next album, I really wanted to have live guitars, drums, and other authentic instrumentation. Also, I’m known for my unique and bold sense of fashion. The whole Game Boy vibe and visual aesthetic also feel so much more like me than anything else I’ve done before, which you’ll get to see in my lyric video coming soon! Stay tuned!
Lyrically, I wanted this next album to be more direct, raw, and accessible to a younger audience in light of the ‘coming-of’age’ themes. In the past, my lyrics have been super metaphorical, sophisticated, and deep, which I still think is cool, but I wanted to try a different approach this time.
2021’s Dancing On My Heart is a favorite of ours from all of the wonderful music you’ve created and fashioned! How did this little gem enter into your oeuvre?
Aww, thanks so much for the love! Dancing On My Heart will always have a special place in my heart. I wanted to write an upbeat party pop anthem that would inspire energy and confidence in my listeners. This single still keeps me steady on a meteoric rise with over 26 million views on TikTok and was the #1 trending hashtag on Twitter on the day of its release. The track was quickly recognized by internationally certified platinum EDM artists who created an EDM version of the song and subsequent remixes. The songwriting process for this track was unlike any of my previous releases. As my Debut Album was entirely self-written, this was the first track that I collaborated on with established songwriters and producers. Also, it was written entirely through one Zoom session during the Pandemic days. Dancing On My Heart was definitely a milestone in my musical journey.
As a respected singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you – The lyrics or the music?
I think one of the beautiful things about songwriting and creating music is that there is never a fixed formula because inspiration can hit you anywhere, anytime. As a singer and songwriter, the creative process can vary from one song to another. However, generally speaking, both lyrics and music can serve as starting points for a song, and the process of writing can be approached from different angles. Usually, it depends on a couple of different factors, such as who I’m collaborating with and what their creative process or writing style is like, if I already have a vision/concept for the song, or if I have a certain melody/hook in mind. Usually, my favorite way to work is by having a rough instrumental groove to give me a vibe of the song before writing lyrics. Then once the lyrics are done, the rest of the production is completed and brings the song to life!
With the release of Game Boy, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?
Absolutely! With festival season already here, fans can catch me at a bunch of shows in Canada with my band, and Game Boy is definitely included in the setlist! I recently finished performing again for CMW-Canadian Music Week. Next week I’ll be performing at the Festival of Smiles in Vaughan on July 9th, and then I’ll be headlining Youth Day Global a few weeks after in Toronto on July 23rd. I’m so excited to rock out to Game Boy with everyone. You can stay up to date with my performance schedule on your favorite social media platform! See you there 🙂
Who inspires you musically?
Although I have a variety of inspirations for different aspects of my music career, here are some artists who inspired the sound for my upcoming LP: Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, Maneskin, YUNGBLUD, Joan Jett, and Miley Cyrus.
Can you tell our ever-inquisitive readers about the music you have coming up after Game Boy? Might there be an EP or LP in their 2023 future?
Of course! You all are the first to know that Game Boy is the first single off my upcoming 9-track LP dropping in 2024. Riding the hot pop-punk wave right now with a fresh perspective. My upcoming LP is a punchy kaleidoscope of power pop anthems that gets you ecstatic to meet the best version of yourself and embrace the highs and lows of coming-of-age. It’s an invite for you to channel that “main character energy” and celebrate YOU unapologetically. Picture late-night dance parties in your bedroom, hairbrush in hand, screaming the lyrics with passion. I think that’s the best kind of therapy. Getting over a breakup, toxic friends, toxic boss, and self-limiting beliefs has never been easier. Think of this album as the best friend you never had. If you love music that pumps energy through your veins and makes you feel unstoppable even on your worst days, this new album is tailor-made just for you. The singles will be dropping every month so stay tuned on socials!
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a spin to the crackling new single Game Boy?
I want my music to help my listeners feel like they can meet their ‘ideal’ selves in the present moment by just being who they are unapologetically. There is no need to wait and self-love is not selfish. Why can’t we experience our best-self era now by embracing our perfectly imperfect selves? For so long I’ve been trying to work towards creating the ideal version of myself. While that’s great, I feel like I’m missing out on the important moments and lessons of personal growth and self-love in the process. Whether it’s a breakup, lost opportunity, or just negativity knocking you down, I hope listeners are encouraged to feel and release all their innate emotions but come out of it stronger and more confident. I wrote Game Boy for anyone and everyone seeking a defiant anthem against manipulation and deceit. If you’re ready to move on from toxicity, prioritize yourself, and feel that ‘main character energy’, Game Boy is the soundtrack for you.
