CMAT Credits Beyoncé for Mercury Prize Nomination Boost

CMAT, an emerging artist from Ireland, believes her recent nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize can be attributed, in part, to the influence of Beyoncé. The nomination comes as CMAT’s debut album, a fresh take on Euro-Country, is currently favored at 2/1 odds to win the award, which will be presented in Newcastle later this year.

In a recent interview, CMAT, whose full name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, expressed her admiration for Beyoncé’s role in expanding the boundaries of country music. She highlighted how Beyoncé’s Grammy win for her country-influenced work signifies a shift in a genre that has often been resistant to change. CMAT remarked on Beyoncé’s boldness during the Country Music Awards in 2016, when she performed alongside the Dixie Chicks, an act that drew significant backlash from traditionalists.

CMAT stated, “Beyoncé winning a Grammy this year for it is particularly interesting, and I think is a really good sign of how she’s opening it up to so many other people.” She noted that this moment was pivotal for artists like herself, who face challenges in gaining acceptance within a genre that is tightly linked to Southern identity and conservative values.

The country music landscape, as CMAT described, can be notoriously insular. She shared her experiences of touring in the United States, where her unique style has sometimes been met with skepticism. “What I’ve dealt with in my career so far is going over to America and people not accepting that what I make is country music,” she explained. “Country music as a genre is so tied into people’s identities in the South.”

CMAT elaborated on the difficulties artists face when trying to redefine the genre, stating, “If anyone else wants to come in and use it for self-expression, they think it’s literally not allowed.” This ongoing debate has become more pronounced, particularly following the release of Beyoncé’s album, which some have controversially labeled as “not country music,” despite its clear influences.

In Ireland, the love for country music runs deep, and CMAT recalls her early influences, including legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. She fondly remembers how the film *Walk The Line* sparked her interest in the genre. CMAT expressed her admiration for Parton, saying, “I love Dolly Parton, obviously. She plays guitar and writes her own songs and has big boobs. She’s, like, the best person alive.”

As CMAT continues to pave her own path in the music industry, she feels a strong connection to the evolving landscape of country music. The upcoming Mercury Prize ceremony will be an opportunity not just for her, but for all artists pushing against the traditional boundaries of the genre. The event will be broadcast across various BBC channels, allowing fans to witness the celebration of diverse musical talent.