How Do Irish Music Acts Become Global Million Sellers?

From U2 and Enya to Hozier, Fontaines DC and Kneecap, Ireland has produced an extraordinary number of globally successful music acts. But how does a small country consistently create artists who sell millions of records, tour the world and shape popular culture?

This seven-lecture series explores the creative, cultural and business forces behind Ireland’s popular music success. Blending music history, industry insight and real-world case studies, IADT Lecturer Dr Michael Mary Murphy reveals how Irish artists have navigated DIY scenes, major labels, global markets and innovative strategies to achieve international impact.

Across the series, audiences will explore:

• Just how successful Irish music acts have been on the global stage
• The recent breakthroughs of artists such as Hozier, Fontaines DC, CMAT, Kneecap and M**der Capital
• The role of teenagers, students and youth subcultures in driving musical change
• Ireland’s groundbreaking DIY traditions, from Horslips to punk and independence
• U2’s long-term strategy for becoming the biggest rock band of their era
• The business brilliance behind Enya, Ireland’s biggest-selling female artist
• How Riverdance fused music and theatre into a global phenomenon

Drawing on his experience as a former music industry insider in Dublin, London and New York, Murphy combines academic research with behind-the-scenes stories from major labels, management and grassroots scenes.

Whether you’re a music fan, student, musician or industry professional, this series offers a fascinating look at how Irish music travels from local scenes to global success.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher IADT