Irish Star CMAT Extends Long-Term Label Deal With AWAL Following Breakout Year
CMAT, the rising Irish country-pop sensation, has officially extended her global record deal with AWAL, a move that underscores her growing influence in the music industry. The 29-year-old artist, born Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, first signed with AWAL four years ago and has since released three critically acclaimed albums, including her debut *If My Wife Knew I’d Be Dead* in 2022 and the follow-up *Crazymad, For Me*, both of which topped the charts in Ireland. Her latest album, *Euro-Country*, released on August 29, 2023, has further solidified her status, reaching No. 2 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart and capturing the top spot in Ireland. This album features standout tracks like “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station” and the viral hit “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me,” which inspired a TikTok dance trend dubbed the “Woke Macarena,” marking CMAT’s first entry into the Official U.K. Singles Chart.
The announcement of her extended partnership with AWAL was met with enthusiasm from both her management and the label. Barry O’Donoghue, CMAT’s manager, expressed excitement about continuing their collaboration after a whirlwind of success over the past three years. AWAL CEO Lonny Olinick echoed this sentiment, praising CMAT as an artist whose talent is undeniable and who is poised for even greater achievements on the world stage. The positive reception of *Euro-Country*—which garnered near-unanimous five-star reviews and earned CMAT her second consecutive Mercury Prize nomination—demonstrates her rising star power. As she embarks on a sold-out headline tour across the U.K. and Ireland, culminating in a performance at Dublin’s 3Arena, CMAT is not only establishing herself as a formidable artist but also as a key player in the evolving landscape of modern music.
Looking ahead, CMAT is set to headline London’s Lido Festival next summer, further showcasing her ability to draw large crowds and share the stage with renowned artists like Father John Misty and Sharon Van Etten. With AWAL’s roster including other notable artists such as Laufey and Little Simz, the label is clearly committed to nurturing unique talents. The recent launch of AWAL Middle East also highlights the company’s ambition to expand its global reach, making CMAT’s continued association with them a promising prospect for her future endeavors. As CMAT’s artistry continues to captivate audiences, her journey is one to watch in the coming years.
CMAT
has extended her long-term global record deal with longtime partner AWAL, the label has revealed exclusively to
Billboard U.K.
The Irish country-pop songwriter has released three albums on the Sony-owned firm, having signed with it four years ago.
The 29-year-old artist, born
Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson
, put out her debut album
If My Wife New I’d Be Dead
in 2022 and followed up with the Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize-nominated
Crazymad, For Me
. Both records topped the charts in her homeland.
Related
How a ‘Woke Macarena’ TikTok Trend Is Helping CMAT’s ‘Sexy Picture’ Become a Summer Anthem
It was the release of third LP
Euro-Country
earlier this year (Aug. 29) that pushed CMAT’s stature into a new stratosphere entirely, peaking at No. 2 on the
Official U.K. Albums Chart
as well as reaching the summit on the Irish Albums Chart. The album was supported with show-stealing appearances at major U.K. and Ireland festivals including Glastonbury and All Together Show, alongside a run of stadium tour support slots for
Sam Fender
.
Barry O’Donoghue
, manager of CMAT, said in a statement: “After a whirlwind three albums in just over three years, and a very memorable 2025, we are excited and indeed delighted to extend our arrangement with the top tier team at AWAL.”
Lonny Olinick
(AWAL CEO) added: “CMAT is one of those artists that you know matters from the moment you meet her. We have been so fortunate to have a front row seat to her masterful artistry over these last three albums and know the world stage is set for her. Our entire team is beyond excited to continue partnering with CMAT and Barry on these next incredible chapters.”
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Euro-Country
includes standout tracks such as “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station” and “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me.”
The latter spawned a TikTok dance trend
dubbed the “Woke Macarena” – thanks to simple choreography – which then translated into real-world success, with the song marking CMAT’s first placement on the Official U.K. Singles Chart (peaking at No. 42).
The album was greeted with near-unanimous five-star reviews from the British press, and also landed CMAT her second consecutive Mercury Prize nomination.
Matt Riley
(U.K. president, AWAL) noted: “CMAT is a unique and world class artist and it’s been immensely rewarding for everyone at AWAL to be a part of the emergence of a superstar.”
CMAT is currently on a sold-out headline tour across the U.K. and Ireland, which will conclude on Dec. 5 with a date at Dublin’s 13,000-capacity 3Arena. Next summer, she will top the bill at London’s Lido Festival, with support from the likes of Father John Misty and Sharon Van Etten.
AWAL’s roster also includes Laufey, Djo, Little Simz and Jungle. In September, the full-service recorded music company
announced the launch of a new division
, AWAL Middle East, which will be headquartered in Dubai in partnership with Sony Middle East.
