CMAT Credits Beyoncé for Mercury Prize Nomination Impact

The Irish artist CMAT has attributed her nomination for the prestigious Mercury Prize to the influence of Beyoncé. The singer, whose Euro-Country album is currently a favorite at 2/1 odds to win, believes that Beyoncé’s groundbreaking contributions to the genre have opened doors for diverse styles within a traditionally conservative landscape. The awards ceremony will take place in Newcastle later this year.

Breaking Barriers in Country Music

CMAT, whose full name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, expressed her admiration for Beyoncé during a recent interview. She highlighted Beyoncé’s 2023 Grammy win as a pivotal moment that signifies a shift in the acceptance of various musical expressions within country music. CMAT stated, “Beyoncé winning a Grammy 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.”

The artist referenced an incident from the 2016 Country Music Awards when Beyoncé faced backlash for collaborating with the Dixie Chicks, now known simply as the Chicks. “People walked out and were fuming at this woman for taking ownership of it,” CMAT noted, adding, “It’s funny because she’s from Texas…which they say is where country music comes from.”

CMAT’s own journey within the country music scene has not been without challenges. She has often encountered skepticism regarding her brand of country music, particularly in the United States. “Everyone’s allowed to make it…but 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.”

She pointed out that traditionalists often feel that their cultural identity is threatened when new voices attempt to enter the genre. “If anyone else wants to come in and use it for self-expression, they think it’s literally not allowed,” she added. The ongoing conversation about the evolution of country music has gained momentum, especially following the release of Beyoncé’s acclaimed album, which some critics initially dismissed as not fitting the genre.

A Personal Connection to Country Music

Growing up in Ireland, CMAT developed a deep appreciation for country music at an early age. She recalls a fascination with artists such as Johnny Cash and the cultural impact of the film Walk the Line. Influenced by icons like Dolly Parton and early work from Taylor Swift, she has embraced her own unique blend of the genre. “I love Dolly Parton, obviously. She plays guitar and writes her own songs and has big boobs. She’s, like, the best person alive,” CMAT remarked, highlighting her admiration for the country legend.

As the Mercury Prize approaches, CMAT’s nomination reflects a broader trend in which artists are increasingly challenging the boundaries of country music. This evolving landscape signals a growing acceptance of diverse influences, paving the way for new voices and styles to emerge. The Mercury Prize ceremony will be broadcast on various BBC channels, allowing global audiences to witness the celebration of musical innovation.

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