CMAT on Overcoming Stage⁤ Fright‍ and the “Wall of People” at Glastonbury

Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has opened up about her experience performing ‍at Glastonbury Festival, revealing a surprising tactic she used to combat her stage fright and her overwhelming reaction to the sheer size of the crowd. The artist, known for ⁢her honest lyrics and captivating stage presence, described a moment of clarity that allowed her to truly enjoy the performance.

From fear to Freedom: A Shift in viewpoint

CMAT, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, admitted to struggling with anxiety leading up to her set on the ⁢Pyramid Stage. However, she discovered a powerful ‍mindset shift that ultimately transformed her experience.

“I was thinking, ‘This is about to be over, because I don’t have ⁣to be⁢ scared of it anymore’,” she explained. ⁣This realization – ⁣that the source of her fear was finite – allowed ‍her to release her anxiety and embrace the moment.

“and then,actually,weirdly,because I had had that thought,I was like,’Oh,I can just enjoy myself,because it’s about to be over and⁤ not in front of me anymore’,” she continued. This newfound⁢ freedom enabled ⁣her to deliver a performance⁣ she described as “amazing,” particularly thanks to thorough rehearsals.

A Crowd Unlike Any other

despite having performed for large audiences before, CMAT was unprepared⁣ for the scale⁢ of the glastonbury ‍crowd. She recalled being told to expect around 20,000 people,but the reality far exceeded her expectations.

“I’ve seen 20,000 people before, and I was ‍like, I don’t know, I ⁢don’t know what this is. I’ve never⁣ seen this wall (of⁢ people). They just kept going,” she said, describing the seemingly endless sea of faces.

The intensity of the experience left her feeling “shocked” and “winded” after stepping off stage. She needed a full ten minutes of solitude to⁤ process the‍ enormity of the moment, retreating to her ⁣dressing room to “curl up in a ball” and disconnect from the outside world.

Glastonbury Set and Beyond

CMAT’s Glastonbury performance wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was also a moment of political expression. Towards the end of her set, while performing ⁢her song Stay For Something, she waded into the crowd and chanted “Free Palestine,” referencing the ongoing conflict in gaza.

Following her pyramid Stage set,CMAT surprised fans with a secret performance at the⁣ BBC Introducing stage. She ‍has been gaining notable recognition for her music, with her 2023 album Crazymad, For Me receiving a Mercury Prize nomination, following her ‍debut album If My Wife Knew I’d⁤ be Dead in 2022.

Recently, CMAT also addressed a controversy surrounding the ⁢BBC’s broadcast of her single Euro-Country, with the BBC denying allegations of editing out Irish language elements.

her third studio album is scheduled for release on August 29th, promising more of the ‍honest and captivating music that⁣ has quickly ⁢established her as⁣ a rising star.

Source: Press Association