Lead photo: Sara Doyle
This New Year’s episode of Jools’ Annual Hootenanny brought to our attention the incredible talent of Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, the 28-year-old Irish performer known as CMAT. Beginning her performance of Have Fun while lying on the studio floor, the rendition was instantly intriguing and full of style as well as substance. CMAT showcased her incredible vocal talent later in the show with an electrifying cover of Without You, most notably performed by Mariah Carey. Despite the challenge of competing with Mariah, CMAT showed she was more than capable and effortlessly delivered a flawless and emotional version of the hit.
Since the Hootenanny, it’s safe to say we are now obsessed with CMAT, who released her debut album If My Wife New I’d Be Dead in 2022, followed by Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize-nominated follow-up Crazymad, for Me in 2023. Full of wit, intelligent lyrics and self-deprecation, particular highlights include Whatevers Inconvenient and the brilliant Stay For Something, which we have had on repeat so far in 2025.
As a fearless, innovative performer, it is unsurprising CMAT was nominated for BBC Sound of 2024 and Best International Artist at the Brit Awards, and we are delighted to see CMAT enjoying incredible success. With belting vocals reminding us of Beth Ditto, the humorous and self-deprecating lyrics of Amy Winehouse and a fun-loving sound akin to the Scissor Sisters, CMAT truly is a powerful young talent we are so excited to hear more from this year.
Song you have to listen to: Stay For Something
Connect with Culture Fix on X, Blue Sky, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Threads.