Women of Rock: CMAGIC5 Shares Her Greatest Female Inspirations

As a musician, CMAGIC5 is more focused on substance than style, but as it turns out, she has an abundance of both. Often referred to simply as C, she’s a do-it-yourself singer-songwriter based in Toronto who has worked tirelessly to achieve her current success. Where she is now is a place where she is starting to establish herself, and people are beginning to take notice.

Last year, she achieved over five million streams of her music, and you can add many more to that thanks to her recently released single “Happy Never After.” The song serves as the title track to her upcoming EP, a notable example of the edgy power pop for which she is becoming renowned. C wanted to make a song that would be both fun and empowering. It’s meant as a celebration for moving on to bigger and better things than partners, friends, colleagues, etc, who seem great for a period and then ultimately let you down.

The entirety of Happy Never After is centred around self-empowerment. C’s goal as an artist is to inspire her listeners to embrace their true essence without feeling the need to put on a front. It’s very much in line with her role as a mental health advocate and qualified vocal mentor. She has also educated herself, earning a degree from the University of Toronto. C aims to be a well-rounded artist who doesn’t let anything get her down. Enormously self-motivated, it would be tough to rival her energy and youthful exuberance.

Very much in line with her own MO as an artist, CMAGIC5 joins us today for a Women of Rock feature. She shares with us five female artists who have provided her with something to aspire to and have motivated her to pursue her own artistic journey.

“First and foremost, I would like to say how refreshing it is to be asked about my most important female musical influences. Thank you, V13, for empowering female artists and creating a space to celebrate the incredible women who’ve shaped the industry and inspired us all—you rock! While it’s impossible to capture the full scope of the countless trailblazing female artists who deserve recognition, these are my top five. These badass women have shattered expectations, redefined the rules, and taught me the power of authenticity, resilience, and fearless self-expression in both music and life.”

1. Joan Jett

CMAGIC5: “Joan Jett is my ultimate inspiration for living unapologetically and owning my identity as a fiercely independent artist. When record labels told her women couldn’t rock, she refused to take NO for an answer and co-founded her own label, Blackheart Records. Her defiance of industry gatekeepers and her determination to create music on her own terms is something I carry with me every day. That’s why ‘Bad Reputation’ is a staple cover in my sets. It’s an anthem that reminds me to stay true to myself and channel my inner rebel.

“In high school, I’d blast her music in my headphones while rocking black eyeliner and my leather jacket, not caring what anyone thought of me. Joan was my soundtrack for rebellion, and she made me feel invincible. Even beyond her music, she’s a cultural icon. Her bold fashion sense and fearless attitude taught me that standing out is a strength, not a weakness. Joan showed me that if the world says NO, you can carve your own path—and own it with pride. I believe her resilience and raw energy make her a legend who continues to inspire women to shatter glass ceilings in every industry.”

2. Hayley Williams (Paramore)

“Hayley Williams inspired me to embrace the pop-punk side of my music. As the lead singer of Paramore, she built a career by being unapologetically herself, addressing mental health struggles, heartbreak, and personal growth in her music. The first time I heard Paramore was in a movie theatre, watching Twilight with my mom, and as soon as Hayley’s voice hit during ‘Decode,’ I was hooked. Her raw emotion and powerful vocals were unlike anything I’d heard before, and they made me realize how much heart you can pour into a song.

“She influenced my sound in a great way, combining pop melodies with a punk/rock edge, and that’s a blend I’m always drawn to in my own work. Hayley’s vulnerability and strength in her lyrics remind me that it’s okay to put all of myself into my music, even the messy parts. She’s a fierce leader in a male-dominated genre, showing young women everywhere that their voices are powerful enough to change the world.”

3. Lady Gaga

“Lady Gaga changed the way I approach both music and life. She’s the reason I’m not afraid to evolve as an artist and create the music I truly enjoy, rather than chasing trends or trying to please people. In my opinion, she redefined what it means to be an artist. She’s bold, unfiltered, and fearless in her creative expression, combining music, art, and activism into a singular vision. I’ve always been bold in my fashion choices, and Gaga inspired me to lean into that unapologetically.

“It’s funny because ‘Bad Romance’ is another cover I love doing during my longer sets—it’s such a perfect mix of sleek pop with a razor-sharp edge. Gaga’s daring spirit made me see how music and fashion could intertwine, and ever since her ‘Bad Romance’ era, I’ve embraced both as a way to express who I am. Her guts to stand out in a crowd and rebel against industry standards, remind me to stay true to my artistic vision.”

4. Christina Aguilera

“Christina Aguilera’s voice is as powerful as her message and gave me the courage to embrace my bold, soulful voice. I’ve always had a naturally powerful sound, but listening to Christina as a child showed me the beauty and strength in letting my voice run free. A lot of singers I hear in my genre on the radio usually conform to the status quo of soft, whisper-like tones; however, Christina’s power and range inspired me to be fearless with my voice and to continuously refine my craft.

“At just six years old, I was captivated by her voice, and then, after watching Burlesque, I was determined to pursue classical vocal training. Completing ten examination levels at the Royal Conservatory of Music, studying theory and history alongside performance, helped shape me into the educated and technically skilled vocalist I am today, enabling me to understand music on a deeper level. Christina showed me that having a big, bold voice is something to be proud of and to never shy away from.”

5. Miley Cyrus

“Miley Cyrus is my spirit animal. I’ve grown up with her, from Hannah Montana to Plastic Hearts, 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 recent transition into rock reignited my own love for the genre and pushed me to incorporate more rock and punk influences into my 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.”