The singer-songwriter from Dublin cites Samantha Mumba, Dolly Parton and Katy Perry as some of her inspirations which is reflected in her mash up of quirky country-pop music.Her upcoming album was written in complete isolation at the start of last year and she’s previously cited that her song making process is like therapy.Read on to find out more about how she recorded the album and her love for a certain Eurovision star!

1. For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…

Hello, I'm CMAT. I come from Dublin in Ireland (NOT Meath, as some liars on the internet may have told you). I am a very cool girl and also an international pop sensation. I have also never done anything wrong in my life and Inever will!

2. Who/what inspired you to start a career in music?

There was a popstar from Dublin called Samantha Mumba when Iwas growing up and Iused to copy everything that she did from the age of like five. I pretty much decided at that point that Iwas going to be a popstar because Iwas also from Dublin. I once did a school project about her being my hero because she could sing, dance and act and that was three things. Everybody else did like, their mam or nanny.

3. Who are your biggest musical influences?

Samantha Mumba, Dolly Parton, Cate Le Bon, John Grant, Vashti Bunyan, Glen Campbell, XTC, Paris Hilton, Charley Pride... Icould go on.

4. Tell us about the writing and recording process of your new release…

I finished writing this album in complete isolation in Lisbon in January 2021 and recorded it in London in May 2021. I went kind of mad in Lisbon, I got it into my head that Ishould watch every Mae West film ever made but the problem was Ididn't have a conversation with anyone in real life for the entire month Iwas there, so every time Igot on the phone to my mam or whatever Ispoke in a full transatlantic accent.

5. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

I got to sing a song in a telephone box on live television on a kids' TVshow in Ireland called 'The Den'. It was absolutely the highlight of my career. My first crush as a child was this puppet featured on the show called Dustin The Turkey, who once represented Ireland in the Eurovision. I was in love with him and he performed in Dolly Parton puppet drag for me. Chivalry!

6. Who would you be your dream collaboration and why?

I'm tryna get Robbie Williams to go back to cutting some huge bangers again, and Ithink we could do it together. Please Robbie, let's give the people what they deserve.

7. Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?

One time Imet Cate Le Bon after a show in Dublin and stopped being able to speak english. I just gawped at her, told her Iloved her, and then pointed at a jumper I was wearing that had crabs on it and said 'CRABS!'. Her album at that time was called 'Crab Day' but Istill think it came off as a threat.

8. If you could only listen to one song on repeat for the rest of time what would it be and why?

Last year I listened to the song 'It's Gonna Be Me' by *NSYNC over 150 times, according to my Spotify. I think that is because Ilistened to it on a loop for about a week. I physically could not listen to any other song for weeks because Ithink it is perfect. I think I could manage with only that song for the rest of my life.

9. What’s on your playlists that people wouldn’t expect?

I have a very eclectic taste in music so Idon't think I'd shock anyone with anything at this point. However, notably I did cry a couple of nights ago walking home because I was listening to 'I Turn To You' by Mel C (Original Mix) and was moved by how beautiful it was. I also love Cascada and whatever that genre of music is called. Basshunter, DJ Sammy, September etc.

10. What can we expect from your live shows?

You can expect a lot of really good looking people on stage. You can expect to have your face melted by sick guitar shredders and your ears pricked by soaring vocals. You can expect to have your mind blown and your heart filled with love.

11. When can we see you live this year?

My UK headline tour is starting on the 31st of March in Glasgow (yup). You can check all the rest of the dates onwww.cmatbaby.com

'CMAT's debut LP 'If My Wife New I'd Be Dead' is out March 4th!'