CMAT Celebrates The Last Dinner Party's Impact on Women in Indie Music

CMAT spoke to NME at the BRITs 2025 about how the success of The Last Dinner Party is marking a new era for women in the music industry.

The Irish singer-songwriter, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, caught up with NME while on the red carpet, sharing her admiration for the artists nominated this year. She particularly highlighted The Last Dinner Party, praising their inspiring effect on other women.

The band received the BRITs Rising Star award last year and were nominated for four awards this time, winning Best New Artist and taking the opportunity in their speech to show support for grassroots music venues.

CMAT expressed her enthusiasm saying, "I’m very openly a big fan of The Last Dinner Party; they’re such a beacon for me. Back in the day, there weren’t any visible women in indie music, as they were not allowed to be seen. The industry didn't think to encourage women during a time when guitar music was fading, which is why it’s so heartwarming to see so many women excelling and winning awards now.”

CMAT also discussed the rise of female pop artists who have been dominating the charts in recent years, such as Charli XCX, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan. She reflected on the reasons behind this significant response from fans: "Women have been held down for so long, facing many barriers to entry. When these barriers are lifted, it allows a flood of talent to emerge. Artists like me and The Last Dinner Party grew up seeking inspiration from women, which motivated us to help other girls find their own voices."

Additionally, CMAT revealed that her new material is on the way. "I have tons of new music coming very soon. I spent several months in New York City working on it, and now it’s complete. I really focused on creating songs that translate well for live performances because my live band is a crucial part of my journey. They help me connect with audiences, and I wrote this album for both them and myself, so we can shine together.”

Looking ahead, CMAT shared her excitement about her upcoming tour with Sam Fender, noting that she hasn't met him yet but is already a fan of his latest album, "People Watching." She commented, "I loved his new album even before its release; I saw some snippets online, and it sounded amazing and beautiful.”

CMAT's new music will follow her 2023 sophomore album, "Crazymad, For Me," which received a four-star review from NME—described as brilliant and emotionally engaging.

On the red carpet at the BRITs 2025, The Last Dinner Party also discussed their anticipated follow-up to their debut album, "Prelude To Ecstasy," and emphasized the need for more conversations around artists' mental health.

CMAT, music, awards