Irish singer CMAT says the country’s recent musical success comes from a “generation of traumatised people” and she thinks it shows in the songs themselves.
The 29-year-old, nominated for the Mercury Prize alongside fellow Irish act Fontaines D.C. for her album Euro-Country, told PA news agency that Ireland’s small but mighty music scene is producing work that feels important, not trivial.
“I think this is a bit of a generation of traumatised people that are getting to make music now,” she said.
“Everybody is a bit earnest and has had their head screwed on a little bit because we all went through something 20-odd years ago.”
She added that the 2008 Irish economic downturn, which also inspired her album, shaped her generation’s creative output.
“We’re now really dealing with the fall-out and the repercussions of it. On a psychological level, everybody just kind of has that thing in common.”
CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, said she’s “very excited” about the Mercury Prize ceremony and the recognition of Irish talent on a global stage.
The 12-artist shortlist also features Pulp, Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, FKA Twigs, PinkPantheress, Pa Salieu, Emma-Jean Thackray, Jacob Alon, Joe Webb, and Martin Carthy.
But of course, all eyes will be on Ireland’s finest when the winner is announced.
Just the other month, CMAT annouced a huge UK and Ireland headline tour for 2026, where she will headline two shows in Ireland in the summer, with Raheny’s Saint Annes Park on 30 May and Cork’s Musgrave Park on 20 June.
Before then, however, those who were lucky enough to get tickets can catch the singer this December as she headlines one of her biggest shows at Dublin’s 3Arena as part of the sold-out tour.
What a time to be a CMAT fan!
