CMAGIC5 – Happy Never After

By starrymag | February 26, 2025

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) You are often described as a pop/rock artist, but how would you describe your sound?

A) I’d say my current sound is edgy pop-rock with punk-infused energy. It’s a reflection of what I enjoy listening to, growing up with rock roots but also loving the feel-good energy of pop and dance music. I love blending those influences into my sound. While my upcoming EP is mostly pop-rock, some tracks dive heavier into rock while others lean more toward modern pop. It all depends on my mood of the moment 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. The industry often leans toward trends, but I’m all about blending what I love—rock vibes with catchy pop melodies—while staying true to my own artistic identity. I embrace evolution and making music that feels real in the moment is what matters most to me. If that means being a “rock chick in a pop world,” then I’m proud to own it!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I have so many musical influences—it’s honestly a mix of different genres and eras that have shaped my sound. Growing up, Avril Lavigne was a huge influence on me, especially her early pop-punk era. Her music was bold, unapologetic and full of attitude, which is something I really admire and try to channel into my own songs. Joan Jett is a huge one—her rebellious energy and refusal to conform to industry standards inspire me every day. That’s why I always have to include “Bad Reputation” in my sets; it makes me feel proud to be an independent artist making music on my own terms. Lady Gaga shaped the way I approach both music and fashion. Ever since I was little, I was known for having a bold and unique sense of fashion. I’ve been inspired by Gaga’s bold creativity, her constant evolution and the way she fuses music with style and storytelling. It’s why I never hold back when it comes to expressing myself. Vocally, Christina Aguilera showed me the importance of owning my voice. When I first heard her as a kid, I knew I wanted that kind of power in my vocals. That drive led me to pursue classical training and become the educated and skilled vocalist I am today. I’m actually a qualified vocal coach today which is my small way of giving back to the community through the power of music! And then there’s Miley Cyrus—my spirit animal. I grew up with her and her ability to constantly reinvent herself inspires me to push boundaries and embrace change. Her transition into rock also encouraged me to lean back into my love for rock and punk influences in my own sound.

At the end of the day, my music is a reflection of everything that I love listening to—a mix of pop, rock and punk energy, all tied together with honest storytelling and powerful melodies.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Happy Never After.”

A) “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 and 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 sensing 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 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.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think fans connect to “Happy Never After” because it’s raw, candid and completely unapologetic. It flips the script on the fairytale fantasy we’ve all been fed and instead embraces the reality that not every love story has a happy ending—and that’s okay. The song is all about reclaiming your power after heartbreak and I think that message resonates with so many people who’ve dealt with toxic relationships, self-doubt or just the realization that they deserve better.

Beyond the lyrics, the energy of the song is infectious. It’s bold, rebellious and has that perfect mix of pop-punk angst and modern pop-rock swagger. It’s the kind of song you can scream in your car, blast with your friends or use as your personal anthem when you’re moving on from something (or someone) that no longer serves you.

At the end of the day, I think fans connect to “Happy Never After” because it’s more than just a breakup song—it’s an empowerment anthem. It’s about rewriting your own story, shaking off the fantasy of “perfect love” and realizing that the real happy ending is choosing yourself.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The “Happy Never After” music video was such an incredible experience to bring to life. Imagine Alice in Wonderland meets Beetlejuice. It’s a bold re-imagination 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.

Filming on a fun set where your vision comes to life is always such an adrenaline rush. The oversized objects, vibrant chaos and awesome crew made everything feel so immersive. It was like being in my own pop-punk fairytale world with an empowering message at its core. To me, the video is more than just a reimagining of Alice—it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a facade of a “perfect” fantasy. It’s about rebelling against those fake Romeos and stepping into your power, unapologetically.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My songwriting process is pretty dynamic—it really depends on the vibe and inspiration at the moment! Sometimes I’ll start with a melody or a lyric idea that randomly pops into my head (usually at the most inconvenient times, like in the shower or right before I fall asleep). Other times, I’ll sit at the piano or guitar and just play around until something clicks.

I don’t necessarily need the music first to create lyrics, but having a chord progression or beat can definitely help shape the mood of the song. A lot of my lyrics come from personal experiences or stories I’ve heard, so sometimes I’ll have an entire concept, hook, or even a full chorus before any music is made. Other times, I’ll get in the studio with a producer, and we’ll build the track from scratch while I freestyle melodies and words that fit the energy.

One of my favorite parts of the process is storytelling—whether I’m writing about love, heartbreak, empowerment, or self-discovery, I always aim to make my lyrics feel real and relatable. This is the part that feels like therapy because I’m just letting the emotions and thoughts flow without fear of judgment. At the end of the day, my goal is to create songs that people can connect with, whether they’re screaming them in their car or finding comfort in them during tough times.

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.

 

Q) You have an EP on the way where you got to work with some Grammy-nominated and Juno-winning producers. How much of a say though do you have when it comes to the production side of the music that you make?

A) Working with Grammy-nominated and Juno-winning producers on my upcoming Happy Never After EP was a game-changer. Collaboration and insightful connections are such a huge part of my creative process and being in the studio with producers who truly understood my vision helped bring this new era of music to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

That said, I’m very hands-on with the production process. I know exactly how I want my music to sound and feel, so every creative decision—from the sonic textures to the emotional delivery—comes from a place of intention. The producers I worked with helped elevate that vision, pushing me to experiment with new sounds and refine every detail to make sure each song hit with maximum impact. Whether it was layering gritty guitars, dialing in the perfect vocal take or crafting those anthemic choruses, the process was all about amplifying the raw emotion in a way that felt authentic and fresh.

This EP marks a new chapter for me—not just musically, but in terms of storytelling and confidence as an artist. It’s the most unapologetic and empowered I’ve ever felt in my music, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.

 

Q) What are some themes that you can tease that you will be exploring on this upcoming EP?

A) The Happy Never After EP is all about embracing self-empowerment and stepping completely into your badass era. This project represents a significant milestone, symbolizing my first major chapter and is crafted in collaboration with Billboard-charting Juno award-winning producers and songwriters. Each track encourages listeners to channel their “main character energy,” while guiding them on a dynamic journey of realizing self-worth, building confidence, and unleashing their inner rebel. It’s about owning your story, breaking free from expectations, embracing the chaos and giving your mindset a makeover! The main goal is that each single in the EP gets you closer to unleashing your alter ego —a fearless, unapologetic version of yourself. Whether you’ve been hiding the best parts of yourself from the world or simply ready to step into a new chapter, these songs are designed to uplift and encourage you to own every part of who you actually and truly are.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) One of my absolute favorite moments was performing at Garden Square, Ontario, opening for the iconic Canadian legends Simple Plan on New Year’s Eve—it was truly a dream come true! The energy from the crowd, the buzz in the air—it was the perfect way to kick off the year. Getting to share the stage with such a legendary band was something I’ll never forget.

But honestly, Toronto has a special place in my heart. It’s my hometown and every time I perform here it feels like a homecoming. The crowd energy is always electrifying, and there’s something so incredible about seeing familiar faces in the audience—people who have been supporting me since day one. It’s like a full-circle moment for me every time I step on stage here. I can’t help but get a little extra hype performing in Toronto.

For instance, headlining Sankofa Square (formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square) for Youth Day Toronto was an incredible show, as well as my headliner act at The Rec Room in Toronto, where I got to do a meet-and-greet with fans after the show!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) That’s a really tough one because I look up to so many artists who I’d love to collaborate with, 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. [smiles]

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Right now, I’m really vibing with Måneskin. Their energy is absolutely infectious, and I love how they blend rock with modern elements in such a bold way. They’ve really brought rock back into the mainstream, and there’s something so raw and unapologetic about their sound that resonates with me. I admire their fearless attitude and the way they just own who they are, both musically and visually. It’s that kind of boldness I admire and want to channel in my own work. Plus, their live performances are unreal—pure rockstar energy! They’re definitely at the top of my playlist these days.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to every single one of you who has supported me, whether you’ve been with me from the start or just recently discovered my music. Your energy, love and encouragement mean everything to me. You’re the reason I get to do what I love and I feel so grateful to have such an incredible community in my corner.

Every message, every time you share my music, every concert you come to—it is all a blessing and makes such a difference. I truly wouldn’t be here without you, and I promise to keep pushing myself to create music that connects, empowers and makes you feel like you’re not alone.

You’re the real rockstars and I can’t wait to keep this journey going together. Stay tuned for new releases from my upcoming EP and tour announcements! As they say, this is only the beginning…