CMAT on redefining pop: ‘Things came crashing down, and with it came this sense of urgency’

She sets boundaries with her audience. “I hate when people go for their fans,” CMAT says. “First of all: Fans are not a homogenous group. But second: They’re only picking up on what you’re putting out. If people are weird with you, maybe it’s what you’re selling. Whereas for me? Yeah there’s weird people. Some intense interactions with people are also some of the most thoughtful, informed, funny and interesting. And I’m quite weird. I’ve some brain problems!”

But what she finds truly weird? Some of her peers’ behaviour.

“Famous women”, who she won’t name, have often imposed unsolicited advice on her. “Sure, it comes from a place of care and love, but I’ve found it to be quite negative and catastrophizing,” she admits. “Someone I love and respect told me that I should be making albums at the pace I do because once you’re older, they’ll forget you. Once you turn 40, no one cares.”

The biggest pinch-me moments so far? “That first Glastonbury changed my life,” she says. Watching clips, you can understand exactly why – a tent filled with over 10,000 people scream when that airy opening guitar of Stay For Something hits, then chant and woop as she whips her gold fringed jacket above her head and a ‘CMAT is a silly bitch’ tank top revealed. The second was her appearance on Graham Norton. “I’d done a lot of telly and live recordings, but we did such a good job,” she says. “You could have one shit Live Lounge and that’s it, but all the moving parts worked.” She was on the same sofa with Miriam Margolyes. “She told me I had an amazing bum. Of course, I know that, but it’s a Miriam Margolyes-certified ass.”

The next single is the aforementioned Take A Sexy Picture Of Me with a Celtic Shania Twain-coded video. “It’s the best song I’ve ever made,” she says. “It’s basically calling every man that thinks I’m ugly a freak.” .

It comes as she feels liberated leaving her twenties behind. “I’ve achieved so much, I have these amazing friends, and there’s people I know who didn’t get to turn 30. I’ve been the same person since I was 15-years-old and I haven’t really changed that much.” We chug the rest of our lagers because CMAT has to hurry off to a friend’s art opening. The next few weeks involve a Jools Holland appearance, music video drops and a mini British tour to test out her Glastonbury set. “Maybe some people get more jaded by the music industry, but that hasn’t happened for me. I only get more grateful.”

EURO-COUNTRY will be released on 29th August.