New To Hot Press: CMAT

Self-proclaimed pop star Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known by the moniker CMAT, brings a real sense of panache to the Irish music scene.

Beginning her career at 17, CMAT debuted as one half of the since-retired band Bad Sea. Now the Meath singer-songwriter is gradually growing an online following as a solo artist, courtesy of her excellent weekly music videos.

Although she says her music doesn’t fall into a single genre, CMAT draws a lot of inspiration from country music.

“It really appeals to me,” she explains, “because it was one of the first genres where female artists came to the front almost immediately. They were singing about experiences very specific to women.”

CMAT abandons the shiny gloss of her contemporary pop counterparts in favour of crafting songs filled with what she dubs “brutal honesty”. She pens songs about her own experiences as a young woman, like ‘Another Day’ – detailing a breakdown in KFC – or ‘Water Retention Liar’, about being addicted to online retail service AliExpress. So far, the approach is working for her.

As she goes from strength to strength, CMAT is determined to create music that’s true to who she is.

“I want to just write for myself with no outside interference,” she notes. “No matter what the music sounds like, I’m going to be a pop star in my head. And that’s what’s important.”