CMAT Announces “EURO-COUNTRY,” A Landmark Album, and a Massive UK/European Tour
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Irish country-pop sensation CMAT has unveiled her highly anticipated third album, “EURO-COUNTRY,” slated for release on August 29th via AWAL. Described by the artist as her “most important record” to date, the album arrives alongside the captivating new single, “Running/Planning,” and news of an extensive UK and European tour, including a coveted Glastonbury slot and monumental headlining shows at London’s O2 Academy Brixton and Dublin’s 3Arena.
“Running/Planning,” premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record, delves into the pressures faced by women in modern society. CMAT explains, “It’s about having to chase your own tail to be good enough to exist. It’s an abstracted view of societal pressure on women – specifically through a relationship lens: You start dating someone, you get engaged, you get married, you have kids etc etc etc… everything has to follow this linear pattern. And the minute you don’t follow that path, your mam starts giving out to you. That narrow path that everyone is supposed to be on… the minute you get outside of that, it gets incredibly stressful. And I don’t know anyone who is like, ‘Yeah, love this!'” The track’s repetitive chorus mirrors the cyclical nature of these expectations, showcasing CMAT’s ability to blend insightful commentary with infectious melodies.
Despite only releasing her debut album, “If My Wife New I’d Be Dead,” in 2022, CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, has swiftly become a cultural force. Her 2023 follow-up, “Crazymad, For Me,” propelled her to wider acclaim, earning her a BRITs Best International Artist nomination and nods for ‘Best Album’ at the Ivors, Mercury Prize, and the Choice Music Prize (which she won for her debut). Her distinctive blend of country-pop, infused with wit and emotional depth, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
CMAT’s rise has been fueled by widespread support from press, radio, and television. Her appearances on shows like “Later… with Jools Holland” and “The Graham Norton Show,” along with her acclaimed Maida Vale sessions, have solidified her position as a compelling live performer. The Very Sexy CMAT Band has become synonymous with energetic and engaging shows, cementing her reputation as one of the best live acts currently touring.
“EURO-COUNTRY,” recorded in New York and co-produced by long-time collaborator Oli Deakin and CMAT herself, delves into themes of economics, identity, and grief. This album marks a significant step forward in CMAT’s artistic evolution, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and cementing her status as a generational talent. Her ability to juxtapose seemingly contradictory elements—wide-eyed drama with self-deprecation, country twang with pop sensibilities—is a hallmark of her unique sound.
CMAT describes “EURO-COUNTRY” as “the best thing I have ever made,” revealing the personal investment and creative intensity that went into its creation. “I felt halfway through recording it was the most important record I’ve made for myself… mainly because it was making me go crazy,” she confesses. “I’m always going to make the work I want to make, because there is a little gremlin in my head that tells me if it’s shit. More than success, there’s a bigger gremlin that wants me to make music that’s really good. She’s brutal and has ruined my life at times, but she is the keeper of my life and she’s always right.”
To celebrate the album’s release, CMAT has announced a sprawling UK and European tour in 2025, promising fans an unforgettable live experience.
CMAT – European/UK Tour Dates 2025:
- May 23rd – Wide Awake Festival, London, UK
- May 25th – Neighbourhood Festival, Warrington, UK
- Jun 5th – Primavera, Barcelona, ESP
- Jun 6th – London Stadium, London, UK (Supporting Sam Fender)
- Jun 12th – St James Park, Newcastle, UK (Supporting Sam Fender)
- Jun 14th – St James Park, Newcastle, UK (Supporting Sam Fender)
- Jun 15th – St James Park, Newcastle, UK (Supporting Sam Fender)
- Jun 27th – Glastonbury, UK
- Jul 12th – NOS, Lisbon, POR
- Jul 26th – Truck Festival, Oxfordshire, UK
- Jul 27th – Tramlines Festival, Sheffield, UK
- Aug 1st – Belladrum Tartan Heart, Belladrum, UK
- Aug 2nd – All Together Now, Waterford, IRE
- Aug 7th – Syd For Solen, Copenhagen, DEN
- Aug 8th – Way Out West, Gothenburg, SWE
- Aug 14th – Cabaret Vert, Charleville Mezieres, FR
- Aug 15th – Lowlands, Biddinghuizen, NL
- Aug 16th – Green Man Festival, Crickhowell, UK
- Aug 28th – Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast, UK (Supporting Sam Fender)
- Oct 2nd – O2 Academy Brixton, London, UK
- Oct 4th – Academy, Manchester, UK
- Oct 5th – O2 Academy, Leeds, UK
- Oct 6th – NX, Newcastle, UK
- Oct 9th – Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow, UK
- Oct 12th – Rock City, Nottingham, UK
- Oct 13th – Corn Exchange, Cambridge, UK
- Oct 15th – Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, UK
- Oct 16th – O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK
- Oct 17th – UEA, Norwich, UK
- Oct 19th – Octagon, Sheffield, UK
- Oct 20th – O2 Academy, Bristol, UK
- Dec 5th – 3Arena, Dublin, IRE
With “EURO-COUNTRY,” CMAT is poised to solidify her position as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in contemporary music. Her unique blend of country, pop, and insightful lyricism, combined with her captivating live performances, promises to make her upcoming tour an unmissable event.