Live Report: CMAT ignites the Home of Guinness on second night of Lovely Days Live

CMAT was the headliner on night two of Lovely Days Live – celebrating 25 years since the opening of the iconic Guinness Storehouse – on Saturday. But there was an excellent support bill too, with a line-up that showcased Irish women artists.

First up on the night were the eleven members of the all-female Irish traditional music collective, BIIRD. The high energy supergroup delivered a fast-paced set of cascading melodies and powerful rhythms, lifting the audience into a frenzy of dance. Their dynamic trad-influenced sound featured instruments like the fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes, flute and many more – not to mention lots of virtuoso playing.

To top it off, the group even brought out a few Irish step dancers to further excite the crowd. It was a great, euphoric way to open the show.

“We’ve been BIIRD, you’ve been fantastic!” they said. “We’ll be back soon to Dublin!”

BIIRD at The Guinness Storehouse. Copyright Curtis DeSmith

Up next was Morgana, the Dublin-based singer-songwriter who first came to prominence as a member of Saint Sister. Donning a long shiny green dress for the occasion, she appeared on stage after an intro sequence of Lesley Gore’s ‘It’s My Party', transitioning expertly into her as-yet unreleased opening track. With only three songs out on streaming services in her solo guise to date, it was a real treat to watch her perform. The song, – likely title ‘Crying in Public' – delivered an addictive dance beat and booming drums, her voice filled with emotion.

“What’s up, how are you doing?” she asked. “Are you ready for a party? Okay, a party is what you’ll get.”

The singer didn’t lie. Pillowy clouds spiralled in the background, as she gripped the mic with intensity, her music blending electronic pop with disco elements. The audience was captivated by her presence, and so was I.

“Thank you so much everybody, have a good time drinking a sweet, creamy pint!” she said before leaving the stage.

Morgana at The Guinness Storehouse. Copyright Curtis DeSmith

As the moment for CMAT's entrance approached, I felt the crowd’s anticipation rise. The audience, many sporting cowboy hats and country boots, were more than ready for the Dublin singer.

She opened with her 2023 track ‘Have Fun!’

Otherwise known as Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the larger-than-life performer immediately began dancing, an invitation for the audience to follow suit. Her voice vibrated impressively, supported by killer guitar and groovy bass. Fans clapped along and sang every word, clearly entranced by her riveting display of energy and chutzpah.

“Well, my name is CMAT, and I’m so happy to be here in Dublin!” she said. “We just flew all the way from London. And boy, are my arms tired!”

The crowd went wild for Thompson's rendition of 'I Don't Really Care For You', off her 2022 album If My Wife New I'd Be Dead. Incorporating pop with a classic country twang, CMAT has created a sound that is completely her own. Her exceptional vocals are at the heart of it, displaying an impressive range and rare agility.

"This next one is a new song that has not been released yet," she said. "It's a meditation about hatred and that it does not matter to anyone or anything at any time... But it also does read as a diss track towards the famous TV chef Jamie Oliver.

"It isn't really that though," she mused. "Just bear with me!"

Titled 'The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station', the track ruminates on what the narrator knows is an irrational dislike of the chef, concluding that hatred in any form serves no purpose. Lost in a delirium of passion, the artist fought the air and shook her head wildly, strumming her guitar with a fervour that seemed almost violent.

CMAT at The Guinness Storehouse. Copyright Curtis DeSmith

This wasn't the only unreleased song CMAT performed. The singer left the stage briefly, returning alone with just her guitar.

"Would anyone mind terribly, if a play a new song that's acoustic?" she asked. The audience cheered in approval.

"When I was younger, I used to live in Manchester," she explained. "At that time I just felt like I really didn't have a real life at all. I was broke, and I didn't get to do anything fun... I wrote a song about that and it's called 'Coronation St.'"

The song – its title drawn from the Manchester-based ITV soap, which has been running since 1960 – is an introspective reflection on youth that will feature on her upcoming album Euro-Country. Performing it solo tonight, her emotionally wrought musings and delicate vocals touched on something very real, in a way that is sure to strike a chord with any young person in the throes of navigating life's multifarious challenges.

With the end of the night approaching, the mood of celebration became even more intense, with fans seeming to lose their minds completely as she launched into 'I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!' The song perfectly encapsulates the familiar CMAT trademarks: country charm paired with heart-thumping pop. The singer, oozing with personality, basked in the enthusiasm of the crowd and smiled widely, clearly having fun.

During her final song 'Stay for Something', she jumped the barricade and ran into the audience, hugging fans and dancing: the moment appeared just as special for CMAT as it was for everyone else. Climbing back on stage, the artist addressed the crowd one final time.

"Thank you so much!" she said, bowing with her band.

CMAT is clearly on a roll. Her phenomenal energy and artistic excellence were there for all to see and admire, the more intimate setting making this show uniquely precious. For those lucky enough to get tickets, this will always remain a night to hold dear.