Kneecap Surpasses The Beatles in Spotify Wrapped, Boosting Irish Music’s Rise
Irish music has seen unprecedented growth in 2025, with the rap trio Kneecap surpassing legendary bands like The Beatles and Elton John in Spotify streams within Ireland. The latest Spotify Wrapped report reveals that Kneecap garnered over 26 million streams this year, highlighting a significant shift in the music landscape.
Kneecap: A New Era for Irish Music
Kneecap, known for their bold cultural commentary, has emerged as a defining act in the current Irish music scene. Their recent success follows the release of their album ‘Fine Art’ and the accolades of a BAFTA-winning biopic. This year, they have solidified their position in the music industry.
Impact on Irish Music Exports
The rise of Irish artists has been remarkable. In 2024, Irish musicians achieved a staggering 14.6 billion streams globally, with 95% of these originating from outside Ireland. The first quarter of 2025 saw a further 20% increase in streams, totaling an impressive 9.8 billion listeners by August.
- Kneecap: 26 million streams in Ireland
- 2024: 14.6 billion streams globally
- 2025: 20% increase in streams in the first quarter
- 9.8 billion listeners added by August 2025
Other Notable Artists and Releases
Alongside Kneecap, several other Irish artists have made significant impacts this year. Fontaines D.C. maintained momentum from their album ‘Romance,’ which ranked in Ireland’s top 10 most-streamed albums. CMAT’s third album, ‘Euro-Country,’ received acclaim, achieving 1.5 million monthly listeners and featuring a viral track that has exceeded 23 million streams.
Hozier also made waves with two albums in Ireland’s top 50, while his songs ‘Too Sweet’ and ‘Take Me To Church’ were among the top 125 globally. Kingfishr rounded out the top three most-streamed artists in Ireland, with their single ‘Killeagh’ emerging as the country’s top song.
Cultural Resonance and Future Prospects
Irish artists are resonating deeply with audiences, characterized by their emotional authenticity and relatability. Shannon Carragher from Spotify noted their unique ability to blend intimate storytelling with larger themes, making them relatable on a global scale. This quality is allowing Irish music to thrive internationally.
As the music industry evolves, artists like CMAT, NewDad, and Kettama are set to represent Irish music on global stages like Coachella in 2026. The upcoming year promises to build upon the successes of 2025, showcasing the growing influence of Irish artists worldwide.
