CMAT, born Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, has been long ahead of the curve, calling herself a “global pop star” since before she had a record deal.
Fast forward to now, and she is indeed well on her way to global domination. With recent standout performances at Primavera Sound, a string of support slots for Sam Fender’s stadium tour and a landmark afternoon set on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, CMAT – hailing from Dunboyne, County Meath in Ireland – is already making waves on the world stage. Adding to that momentum is her viral UK hit Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, which became her first single chart success last month.
But CMAT isn’t stopping there. Describing herself as an “extremely loud, hyperactive, Tasmanian devil person,” she now gearing up to release her highly-anticipated, blockbuster new album Euro-Country, due August 29 via AWAL.
To mark the occasion and to reflect on a whirlwind year, Music Week meets up with the soon-to-be stratospheric musician to discuss the issues that matter most to her. From the “gross” way that society treats women, to the power dynamics within the music industry and “bollocks” way that Ireland is romanticised in mainstream media, CMAT pulls no punches.
In this huge cover story, we delve into the heart of CMAT’s monumental breakthrough with help from her manager Barry O’Donaghue, AWAL and Mother Artists, and explore how the combination of her progressive messaging and giant choruses has resonated with audiences across the world, setting her on a path for superstardom.
In June, the music business was shaken by the tragic passing of two legends: Brian Wilson and Sly Stone. In a very special tribute section, Music Week pays homage to the profound impact these pioneers had on the entire industry.
With exclusive insights from Decca’s Laura Monks and Tom Lewis, alongside UTA boss Neil Warnock, we celebrate the indelible impact left by the visionary genius of the Beach Boys icon.
We also gather a host of leading industry names to honour the life and work of the trailblazing musician, songwriter and record producer that was Stone.
In our Music Week Interview this month, we sit down with Toyin Mustapha, TikTok’s head of music partnerships in the UK, who’s fresh off the platform’s triumph at the Music Week Awards. The one-time musician outlines what TikTok can really offer the music business, his mission to empower artists and the company’s plans for staying ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
The Grammy-winning metal band Ghost has taken the world by storm with their sixth album Skeletá, which rocketed to No.2 in the UK and became their first No.1 in the US this year. Up next in the features section, their manager at The Rick Sales Entertainment Group Kristen Mulderig reveals the secrets behind the mysterious band’s global success.
Also in the features section, digital distribution company Zebralution’s co-CEOs Konrad ‘Konny’ Von Löhneysen and Tina Jürgens and SVP UK, Ireland & the Nordics William Hallström look back on the company’s two-decade long story so far, and talk technology, global growth and the neverending importance of independence.
Finally, we gather a host of industry figures for a special report on one of the industry’s most dynamic and competitive sectors, label services.
In the news section, the Red Light Songs management team discuss the success of their roster of hitmaking songwriters behind hits from the likes of Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, whilst in The Big Story, we hear from Manchester’s Co-op Live executives who hold court on ticket sales and breakthrough acts as they prepare to host the BRITs for its first ever ceremony outside of London.
For this month’s edition of Hitmakers, Jesse Fink takes us behind the scenes on how Myles Smith’s breakout hit Stargazing came to life, talking pizza and tequila-fuelled creativity during a getaway in Malibu, working with friends, climbing the charts and the ‘mystical’ moment his newborn baby heard the song for the first time.
In the Aftershow, meanwhile, 11-time Grammy-winner Brandi Carlile joins Music Week to reflect on her No.1 album with Elton John, recount the magic of working with the legend himself and talk befriending Joni Mitchell, the power of musical activism and the chaotic reality of raising a family in music.
This month’s Mentor Me features award-winning journalist, presenter and strategist Mimi The Music Blogger, who shares top tips on how to build a career in the business, from owning your voice to building your platform.
Finally in the front section, we are joined by LA-based singer Jade Bird as she prepares to release her third LP, Who Wants To Talk About Love? and traces her journey through the industry so far in Incoming, whilst On The Radar sees Ravyn Lenae come to terms with the breakout success of her UK No.2 viral hit Love Me Not, open up about difficult family conversations and reflect on her journey from school nights in the studio in Chicago to touring the world.
In Spotlight, CEO and co-founder of Swedish music and tech firm MAIA Universe – which has secured deals with Sony Records UK, Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell – talks sync revenue, AI and influencer marketing.
Lastly, in our expanded monthly charts section, we present the Top 75 Singles and Albums of the previous month, accompanied by revamped analysis pages, plus a host of new listings. These include specialist genre Top 20s for Americana, Classical, Hip-Hop & R&B, Jazz, Country, Dance, Folk and Rock & Metal. The issue is also home to streaming, compilations and vinyl charts.
The new issue of Music Week is available from July 16.
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