Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, born on 23 February 1996 and known professionally as CMAT, has rapidly established herself as a significant force in the Irish music scene. This talented singer, songwriter, and musician captured the attention of critics and fans alike with her distinctive blend of pop, country, and folk influences, all delivered with a sharp wit and emotional depth. Her debut studio album, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead, released in February 2022, soared to number one on the Irish Albums Chart, immediately marking her as an artist to watch. With The Guardian describing her music as “mournful yet accessible, emotionally literate and cleverly crafted, but, crucially, with a huge sense of humour…”, CMAT has carved a unique niche for herself. Her second studio album, Crazymad for Me, followed in October 2023, further cementing her position as a compelling and original voice. This article explores the trajectory of CMAT’s career, her musical style, recent trends, and what makes her such a captivating artist.

From Meath to Musical Acclaim

Hailing from County Meath, Ireland, Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson began her musical journey, eventually adopting the moniker CMAT. While specific details about her early musical experiences might be less widely documented, it’s clear that her passion for music and songwriting developed over time, leading her to the professional stage.

CMAT’s official debut came with the single “Another Day (kfc)” in April 2020. This early track offered a glimpse into her quirky and narrative-driven songwriting style, hinting at the unique blend of genres that would become her hallmark. Between this debut and her first album, CMAT steadily built a following, with her distinct voice and engaging personality resonating with listeners.

The Breakthrough of “If My Wife New I’d Be Dead”

The release of CMAT’s debut album, If My Wife New I’d Be Dead, in February 2022, proved to be a pivotal moment in her career. The album’s immediate success, reaching the top spot on the Irish Albums Chart, demonstrated the strong connection she had forged with her audience. Critics lauded the album’s clever lyricism, its ability to balance melancholic themes with a playful sense of humour, and its seamless fusion of pop sensibilities with country and folk undertones.

Tracks from the album, such as “Peter Bogdanovich,” which even saw CMAT dress as the late director in its music video, further showcased her unique artistic vision and engaging personality. The single charted on the Irish Homegrown Top 20, indicating her growing popularity within her home country. The critical acclaim for If My Wife New I’d Be Dead culminated in March 2023 when it won the prestigious Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year, solidifying CMAT’s status as a significant figure in Irish music.

Continuing Success with “Crazymad, for Me”

CMAT’s second studio album, Crazymad, for Me, released in October 2023, demonstrated her artistic growth and further expanded her fanbase. Like its predecessor, this album also debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Chart, proving that her initial success was no fluke. Crazymad, for Me has been described as a more reflective break-up album, exploring complex emotions with maturity and perspective.

Reviews for Crazymad, for Me have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its ambitious pop sound, CMAT’s powerful vocals, and her relatable yet witty lyrics, often filled with cultural references. The collaboration with John Grant on the track “Where Are Your Kids Tonight” was particularly highlighted as a musical high point. The album’s ability to blend vulnerability with CMAT’s signature humour has resonated deeply with listeners. Crazymad, for Me received nominations for the Best Album Ivor Novello Award and the Mercury Prize in 2024, further acknowledging its critical success.

Musical Style and Influences

CMAT’s musical style is a distinctive and engaging blend of folk-pop and country, often infused with a radio-friendly pop sensibility. Her music cleverly navigates the duality of sunny melodies and mournful undertones, creating a sound that is both accessible and emotionally resonant. She is known for her witty and narrative lyrics, which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggles with a light-hearted yet poignant approach.

Influences cited by CMAT reveal a diverse and eclectic taste, ranging from classic artists like Dory Previn and Kate Bush to more contemporary figures like Paris Hilton and the band XTC. This blend of influences contributes to her unique sound, which has drawn comparisons to artists like Dolly Parton and Lily Allen, noted for their quirky storytelling and emotional depth. Her lyrics often incorporate references to pop culture, modern life, and her Irish roots, adding a distinctive touch to her work.

Latest Trends and Developments

As of April 2025, CMAT continues to be an active and influential figure in the music scene. While specific “trending” topics related to her might fluctuate daily, several key areas indicate her ongoing activity and relevance:

Touring and Live Performances

CMAT has been actively touring, both in the UK and internationally. Her live shows are known for their energy and her engaging stage presence. She has upcoming performances scheduled for festivals like Bearded Theory and Neighbourhood Weekender in the UK in May 2025, and will also be supporting Sam Fender at his Newcastle shows in June 2025. Looking further ahead, she has dates booked for her headline tour in October 2025 across the UK, with several dates already sold out, indicating strong demand to see her perform live. She is also confirmed for NOS Alive’25 in Portugal in July 2025.

Awards and Recognition

Following the success of her first two albums, CMAT has continued to receive critical acclaim and award nominations. Her Choice Music Prize win for If My Wife New I’d Be Dead and the subsequent nominations for Crazymad, for Me at the Ivor Novello Awards and Mercury Prize highlight her consistent artistic excellence. While she was nominated for the Brit Award for International Artist of the Year in 2024, she did not win, but the nomination itself signifies her growing international recognition.

New Music and Future Projects

While her last album, Crazymad for Me, was released in late 2023, fans are always eager for new music. CMAT has announced that her third studio album, Euro-Country, is slated for release in 2025. This upcoming album suggests a further exploration of her genre-bending style and promises new, witty and emotionally resonant songs.

Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement

CMAT maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with her fans and sharing updates on her music, tours, and other activities. Her authentic and often humorous online persona contributes to her strong connection with her audience.

Influence on the Irish Music Scene

CMAT is considered one of the exciting voices in the contemporary Irish music scene. Alongside other emerging artists, she is contributing to the diverse and dynamic musical landscape of Ireland. Her success has helped to shine a spotlight on the creativity and talent emanating from the country.

Fanbase and Inclusivity

CMAT has noted a particularly strong fanbase within the Irish LGBTQ+ community, expressing that she consciously makes music “for the girls and the gays.” This inclusive aspect of her music and persona resonates with a significant portion of her audience.

FAQs

Who is CMAT?

Ciara Mary, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician known for her unique blend of pop, country, and folk music, characterised by witty lyrics and emotional depth.

What was the reception to CMAT’s debut album?

The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Irish Albums Chart and winning the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year in 2023. Critics praised its clever songwriting and genre-bending style.

Did CMAT’s second album also achieve success?

Yes, Crazymad, for Me also debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Chart and received critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Ivor Novello Award and the Mercury Prize in 2024.

What is CMAT’s musical style often described as?

CMAT’s musical style is often described as a blend of folk-pop and country with pop sensibilities, characterised by mournful yet accessible melodies and witty, narrative-driven lyrics.

Is Ciara Mary currently touring?

Yes, CMAT has been actively touring and has upcoming shows scheduled in the UK and Europe throughout 2025, including festival appearances and her headline tour in October 2025.

Final Thoughts

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, or CMAT, has swiftly risen to become a prominent and beloved figure in Irish music. Her unique ability to blend seemingly disparate genres with sharp, witty lyrics and genuine emotional depth has captivated audiences and critics alike. With two critically and commercially successful albums under her belt and a burgeoning international touring schedule, CMAT’s trajectory points towards continued growth and influence. As she prepares to release her third album, Euro-Country, the anticipation among her fans is palpable. CMAT’s distinctive voice and artistic vision mark her as a truly original and exciting talent in the contemporary music landscape, and her continued evolution will undoubtedly be fascinating to watch.

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