CMAT Discusses New Album 'Euro-Country' and TikTok Success

In a candid interview, breakout Irish artist CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, shared insights regarding her upcoming third album, "Euro-Country," set to be released on August 29, 2025, under AWAL. Reflecting on her unique career trajectory, CMAT emphasized the value of her personal experiences in shaping her music, particularly her latest single, "Take A Sexy Picture Of Me."

The track has gained significant traction, becoming a viral hit on TikTok, where it has inspired a dance trend dubbed the ‘Woke Macarena,’ created by influencer Sam Morris in May 2025. This trend has drawn participation from notable figures, including Julia Fox and Amelia Dimoldenberg, highlighting the song's resonance with issues surrounding societal beauty standards and female empowerment. According to CMAT, the song's message relates closely to the pressures women face regarding their appearance. "It’s so incongruous; I don’t have TikTok on my phone because people were so mean to me. There were so many nasty comments about my physical appearance. That kind of stuff was the genesis of the song," she stated.

In the context of her burgeoning popularity, CMAT's previous singles have also performed well, with "Take A Sexy Picture Of Me" amassing over 10 million streams on Spotify, contributing to her 2.7 million monthly listeners. "It’s been so valuable to know I’m not out here on my own, that I did a really good job of describing something that is difficult to describe," she reflected.

On her new album, CMAT confronts various themes, including the loss of a friend and the socio-economic challenges stemming from Ireland’s Celtic Tiger era. "I feel like I grew up a bit, to be frank, I went from being about 12 to being 29 overnight. There’s just a lot going on in the world right now and it’s hard to stay apathetic. I am someone who is a pop artist and loves pop and big, stupid, escapist dance routines. But there was an element that was really falling flat; I wanted to re-centre things so it was less about my personality and more about my songwriting. It felt like a natural progression," she elaborated.

Hailing from Dunboyne, County Meath, CMAT's rise in the music industry has been characterized by her unconventional path. Unlike many artists who attend prestigious music schools or are signed at a young age, CMAT credits her exposure to music through online interactions and her unique personal story as key components of her artistic identity. "I think my version of events is quite interesting, and I feel more and more like my origin story is interesting," she noted, contrasting her journey with that of her peers who typically followed more traditional routes into the music industry.

Her first two albums, "Crazymad, For Me" and "If My Wife Knew I’d Be Dead," both achieved commercial success, topping the Irish charts. CMAT’s ability to connect with listeners through authentic storytelling and relatable themes reflects a growing trend in the music industry, where personal narratives are increasingly valued. As she prepares for the release of "Euro-Country," CMAT remains committed to addressing the complexities of contemporary life through her art, ensuring that her music continues to resonate with a diverse audience.

The full interview can be found in the latest issue of Music Week, providing further insights into CMAT's artistic vision and the evolving landscape of the music industry.