Cmat

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, known professionally as CMAT, is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician, born on 23 February 1996. Her debut studio album, If My Wife New I'd Be Dead, was released in February 2022 and entered the Irish Albums Chart at number one. Her songs are acclaimed for being emotionally insightful, cleverly constructed, and laced with a distinctive sense of humour.

Born in Dublin, she spent her childhood in Clonee and Dunboyne, County Meath. She later returned to Dublin to study at Trinity College, which she left before completing her degree, and spent a brief period in Denmark attending a songwriting camp.

From a young age, CMAT aspired to be a professional musician. She moved to Manchester to pursue music with her then-boyfriend, performing under the name Bad Sea. After describing the relationship as toxic and creatively stifling, she took a step back from music for a time. Following their break-up, she returned to Ireland and began releasing her own music independently online, quickly gaining attention for her unique style and storytelling.

Her debut album received widespread critical acclaim, including praise for its originality and depth. It went on to win the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year in March 2023. That same year, she released the single Peter Bogdanovich, accompanied by a visually striking music video.

In October 2023, CMAT released her second studio album, Crazymad, for Me, which, like its predecessor, debuted at number one in Ireland. The album was subsequently nominated for Best Album at the Ivor Novello Awards in May 2024.

CMAT is also recognised for her strong connection with the Irish LGBTQ+ community, and has described her work as being made "for the girls and the gays, and that's it." In May 2024, she withdrew from a scheduled performance at a major summer festival in protest against its sponsorship, citing ethical concerns related to the sponsor's financial links to international conflict.

CMAT continues to distinguish herself as one of Ireland’s most original and outspoken musical talents.