Irish songstress CMAT, real name Ciara Mary-Alive Thompson, arrived at the BRITs glammed in a chic black and gold number, ready to start the event with exclusive interviews with both NME and Rolling Stone UK. The ‘Have Fun!’ singer discussed the role of women in indie music and spilled the latest details of her upcoming record.
In the interview with NME, CMAT delved into her admiration for this year’s BRIT nominees, particularly The Last Dinner Party, who have put a new face to indie music – having won both the BRIT Rising Star award last year and Best New Artist at this year’s award ceremony.
The ‘No More Virgos’ performer shared: “I’m very openly a big fan of The Last Dinner Party, they’re such a beacon for me. Back in the day, there was not a woman to be seen for miles. There were no women in indie music because they weren’t allowed to be visible.”
She continued: “they weren’t put to the forefront at a time when guitar music was starting to die a death, and [the industry] didn’t think they should revitalise it by encouraging women to get involved… So to now see so many women, not just being here, but being the best at what they do to the point they’re winning great awards, it makes my heart sing.”
As topics of independent artists and venues, and women being at the forefront of the industry were pertinent themes at the BRITs last night (1 March), CMAT’s comments are even more resonant, especially in her discussion of removing barriers for women to inspire other women within the industry.
In both interviews, the indie-country singer was also eager to discuss her upcoming new material.
When speaking to Rolling Stone UK the ‘California’ singer shared: “There’s something very big that’s maybe in the shape of an album that’s coming very soon. The announcement is coming very soon. It’s all done and dusted.”
Continuing: “It was a really really difficult album to make, and it took all of my creative juices. I locked myself in a studio in New York for four months and got a bit of scurvy. It sounds really different to the other two, but it is very connected spiritually to everything happening in my life right now. I’m really proud of it. I think it’s my best record so far.”
Releasing her first album ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’ in 2022 and her second album ‘Crazymad, For Me’ in 2023, CMAT showcases an enticing glimpse into her world through pop-culture references, high emotions alongside an extraordinarily outlandish funk of country-pop. She recently performed at Jools Holland’s annual Hootenanny, where her quirky and captivating performance style left a lasting impression on viewers. CMAT’s appearance at the BRITs coincides with her upcoming schedule supporting Sam Fender on his European Tour next week.
Find our full report of the BRITs 2025 here.
