CMAT, the Irish singer-songwriter with a voice as bright as a summer morning in Dublin, is taking a well-deserved breather. After six whirlwind years of touring and recording, Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson has announced she'll be hanging up her stage boots for 2027 – at least, that's what she told Annie MacManus on the 'Sidetracked' podcast. The mental exhaustion was palpable as CMAT revealed her decision to take a complete hiatus from live performances and studio work, no new music expected next year.
CMAT knows all too well about the gruelling demands of the music industry – planning ahead by over a year and a half can be a recipe for burnout. Yet, this fiery artist is determined to step away from the spotlight and recharge her batteries. Even during short breaks in the past, she's always found herself glued to the mixing desk, describing herself as 'a gremlin chained to the controls'.
This isn't a decision taken lightly – CMAT has been on fire this year, with critically acclaimed third album 'Euro-Country' still burning bright. Her 2026 schedule has seen her play some of her biggest shows yet, including sold-out concerts at St Anne's Park and Alexandra Palace. She's also shared the stage with legends like Robbie Williams at Coachella, TRNSMT, Bilbao BBK Live, and more recent appearances at Eden Sessions and tonight (Friday 17th July) at The Piece Hall in Halifax.
Before CMAT disappears into her well-deserved break, she has one final flurry of performances lined up – including a show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre tomorrow (Saturday 18th July), Belfast dates in August, and festival slots at Electric Picnic, Rock En Seine, End Of The Road, and Lollapalooza. Her last scheduled live performance for the year is set to be at Primavera Sound Sao Paolo in December.
CMAT's 'Euro-Country' has earned her a plethora of industry accolades – Ivor Award winner and Mercury Prize shortlistee, no less – cementing her status as one of the most exciting new voices on the global music scene. But even with all this success, it seems CMAT needs to take a step back and rediscover herself in 2027.