Tim Adam-Smith
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TN: 163 CMAT & OLI DEAKIN - FULL VIDEO EPISODE!
🕑 Added 2025-09-03 14:13:45 +0000 UTCJohn is joined by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT and producer Oli Deakin, to discuss how they wrote and recorded the album ‘EURO-COUNTRY’.
CMAT, aka Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, is best known for her unique blend of country-infused pop music, which often incorporates humour and pop culture references. She released her debut album, ‘If My Wife New I'd Be Dead’, in 2022, produced by longtime friend Oli Deakin. Both it and second album ‘Crazymad, For Me’ were praised for their detailed lyricism. The latter was also nominated for the Mercury Prize and the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album. CMAT’s third album ‘EURO-COUNTRY’ was released on 29th August 2025, with Oli Deakin again on production. It has already garnered rave reviews and given CMAT her first viral Tiktok hit with ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’.
Sitting down at Platoon Studios in London, the trio discuss how the album was inspired by growing up in Ireland in the Noughties, why CMAT’s phone is her most important instrument, how online trolling inspired her viral hit ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ and why a three-minute ‘perfect’ pop melody can be the most effective way to deliver a hard-hitting political message.
Tracks discussed: Billy Byrne From Ballybrack, The Leader of the Pigeon Convoy; EURO-COUNTRY; Take a Sexy Picture of Me; Iceberg
Comments
Tim Adam-Smith
So glad you enjoyed - thanks 🙏
B D Jarman
What a fantastic episode! Fascinating insight into the work of a brilliant artist and producer. And John is always such a generous interviewer! I am absolutely here for the discussions on inspiration, songwriting and artistic vision. I love that episodes can move through those areas as well as gear and production. Really fascinating to hear Ciara speak so articulately about her awful experiences online that inspired such a banger. Thanks to all the team. You're doing a great job.
Tim Adam-Smith
Hi everyone, we're aware the sound is very low at a few points during this episode. We're addressing and will re-upload the video later today. Thanks for your patience!
