CMAT calls on artists to stop ‘sitting on the fence’ after winning Ivor Novello Award for best album

CMAT HAS WON the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for Euro-Country.

The awards recognise the work of British and Irish songwriters and composers, including film scores and soundtracks.

The Best Album category celebrates 2025 releases that “demonstrate exceptional songwriting craft, creativity and cohesion across the record as a whole”.

CMAT was previously nominated for her second album, Crazymad, for Me.

This time round, she bested artists including Lily Allen, Olivia Dean and Wolf Alice.

In her acceptance speech, CMAT said she has a “very specific idea of what songwriting is supposed to be for”.

“I think it is to reflect the times through your own personal view, so that everybody can have something to connect to and something to learn from years later.

“Now I would compel my fellow artists in the room – it is not the time to sit on the fence.

“I have no time, sympathy, or empathy for anybody that decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live, and that’s what this record is about.”

In its commendation, the Ivors Academy said CMAT’s Euro-Country “blends confessional songwriting with sharp humour, vivid storytelling, and social commentary while exploring themes of identity, relationships, and modern anxieties through a personal lens”.

The judges also praised the album’s “honesty, originality, and particularly highlighted its ability to balance personal songwriting alongside political and cultural themes”.

One of the singles on the album, also called Euro-Country, struck a particular chord with Irish people who grew up during the recession, with its references to Bertie and empty homes.

Elsewhere, London composer Tom Hodge won the award for best original film score for Testimony, the 2025 documentary about Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes.

Meanwhile, Belfast duo David Holmes and Brian Irvine won the award for best television soundtrack for their work on Trespasses.

Brian Irvine (left) and David Holmes with their Best Television Soundtrack award for Trespasses at the Ivor Novello Awards. Alamy Stock Photo

The Channel 4 show, starring Lola Petticrew and Gillian Anderson, is based on the novel of the same name by Louise Kennedy and set in 1970s Belfast during the Troubles.

Other awardees included Linda Perry, with the 4 Non Blondes singer and guitarist picking up the special international award, while Calvin Harris won the Icon Award.

Linda Perry with her Special International Award at the Ivor Novello Awards. Alamy Stock Photo

Rosalía, meanwhile, was named international songwriter of the year.