A Fascinating Look at the Irish Music Industry
You might have heard Irish music, but have you ever lived it?

Johnny Lappin’s “In a Lifetime: From Hozier to U2” is one such book—that will take you to the heart and soul of Irish music. As a memoir, the candid account portrays a vivid account of the rise of the Irish music industry through the eyes of one of its key figures.

The book takes readers behind the scenes of the transformative moments that shaped Irish music’s identity and global reach. With more than four decades of experience, Lappin has been a witness to, and a shaper of, Ireland’s musical landscape, from the folk roots of Clannad to the genre-defying style of Hozier.

The narrative discusses the author’s recollections of Theme from Harry’s Game, a song that catapulted Clannad to international fame. Lappin details his connection with Clannad’s manager, Dave Kavanagh, whose foresight and persistence played a crucial role in getting the band’s ethereal, Gaelic-language song on the UK charts. He shares how the song became a cultural landmark and paved the way for Irish-language music to find a place in the global market.

Lappin’s description of his role in securing publishing deals and navigating international markets underscores his impact on Irish music’s commercial success. Whether it is his anecdotes about managing the complexities of copyright, sub-publishing, or various other challenges—each of the chapters of this book paints a clear picture of the evolving nature of music publishing, from the analog era of sheet music to this digital and modern age of streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

What makes In a Lifetime compelling is Lappin’s honesty and humor. He is honest about the challenges he faces. From dealing with industry politics to making tough calls that shaped the careers of artists like Hozier, U2, and Celtic Woman—his touching book touches every sensitive keynote and topic of the Irish music stars. For example, one vivid memory recounts the day in 2013 when Lappin’s email inbox exploded with inquiries from record companies around the world, all vying for a piece of Hozier’s breakout hit, Take Me to Church. The song’s viral success, which began on Bandcamp and took off after a tweet from Stephen Fry, catapulted the young artist to international stardom. Lappin describes the frenzy as unlike anything he had ever seen in the digital era.

Moreover, in addition to this, the strength of the book lies in its detailed, insider accounts of key moments in Irish music history. Lappin doesn’t shy away from discussing the harsh realities of the business, from the underhanded deals to the relentless pace of the music industry. Yet, his passion for the music and respect for the artists he has worked with shine through—that makes his memoir a true inspiration for anyone who loves Irish music and its universal appeal.

To conclude, “In a Lifetime: From Hozier to U2” is a must-read for anyone interested in music publishing, artist management, or simply a deep dive into the rise of Irish music on the world stage. Johnny Lappin’s legacy as a publisher is evident in every success story he shares, making this book an inspiring and educational journey through the soundscapes of modern Irish music.

For aspiring music professionals, “In a Lifetime” offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, strategic thinking, and the art of championing creativity.

Get your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/179664403X.

How Johnny Lappin Helped Shape International Careers
Johnny Lappin, the author of “In A Lifetime,” may not be as recognizable as the artists he has championed, but his impact on the Irish and international music scenes is profound.


Over the past four decades, Lappin has been a key figure behind some of Ireland’s most successful musical exports, from Clannad’s ethereal soundscapes to Hozier’s global chart-topping success. His role as a music publisher has not only been about signing artists but strategically positioning their work for international recognition and sustainable success.

Lappin’s uncanny ability to identify talent and navigate the complexities of global markets has helped transform local musicians into worldwide sensations.

The foundation of Lappin’s success was laid in the early 1980s when he partnered with Clannad’s manager, Dave Kavanagh, to secure an international record deal for the band. Clannad was known locally for their use of traditional Irish elements, but it was Lappin’s vision that helped elevate them beyond the niche folk scene. He knew that their haunting melody, Theme from Harry’s Game, had the potential to resonate far beyond Ireland’s borders.

Lappin recounts in his memoir that when he first heard the Theme from Harry’s Game, he was struck by its potential to captivate a global audience despite being sung entirely in Irish. Most industry insiders were skeptical that a Gaelic-language song could find success in the UK market, let alone internationally. But Lappin’s foresight and tenacity paid off when the song reached the UK’s Top 5, making history as the first Irish-language song to achieve such success.

The impact of Theme from Harry’s Game was monumental: it won Clannad an Ivor Novello Award and led to their BAFTA-winning soundtrack work for Robin of Sherwood, which was broadcast in over 130 countries.

Clannad’s success wasn’t a stroke of luck but a product of Lappin’s meticulous planning and unwavering belief in their potential. He orchestrated deals, advised on branding, and strategically positioned their music in international markets, transforming Clannad from a local folk group into an internationally recognized Celtic/New Age act. His strategic understanding of how to market Irish music in a way that retained its authenticity while appealing to global tastes set a template for Irish artists seeking to break into the international scene.

If Clannad’s journey was a gradual ascent, Hozier’s rise to fame was more of a catapult. Lappin’s involvement in Hozier’s career exemplifies his knack for recognizing a breakthrough moment and capitalizing on it with precision. When Hozier’s Take Me to Church was released in 2013, it initially seemed like just another indie release. However, Lappin quickly sensed something extraordinary about the song’s lyrical depth and emotional intensity. As interest in the song exploded, thanks in part to a viral video and a tweet by English actor Stephen Fry, Lappin found himself at the center of a fierce bidding war among international publishers.

What set Lappin apart during this crucial period was his ability to navigate complex negotiations without losing sight of the bigger picture. He spent months deliberating over the minutiae of Hozier’s publishing contract, understanding that each clause could make or break Hozier’s long-term success. “There’s a fine line to be walked between trying to improve an offer one more time and maybe killing the deal stone dead forever. I believe that’s where a combination of instinct, knowledge, experience and realism comes in.,” Lappin writes in “In A Lifetime,” highlighting the delicate balancing act that defines top-level music publishing.

His patience and expertise paid off. Take Me to Church went on to top charts in over 40 countries and earned Hozier a Grammy nomination. The song’s success was more than just a commercial victory. It solidified Lappin’s reputation as someone who could turn an unknown Irish artist into a global star. Lappin’s skill in managing Hozier’s breakthrough moment ensured that the young artist didn’t just have a hit single but a sustainable career.

Lappin’s approach has always been to look beyond Ireland’s borders and position his artists for international success. Whether it was overseeing the international careers of Grammy-nominated Celtic Woman or securing publishing deals for Picture This, Lappin’s focus has been on building careers that resonate worldwide. His work as a Publishing Director on the Board of IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation) and his lobbying efforts for better copyright laws reflect his deep commitment to supporting local talent on a global scale.

In an era where streaming services often diminish the earnings of songwriters, Lappin has been a vocal advocate for fairer compensation. His efforts to protect artists’ rights in an increasingly digital landscape show that his role goes beyond business—it’s about safeguarding the creative integrity of Irish music. As Lappin puts it, “When you have the song, as a music publisher, you’re out fighting for the songwriter. Without a song, you have nothing.”

From the analog days of sheet music to the digital era of streaming, Johnny Lappin’s career is a testament to the power of passion, strategy, and a deep understanding of the music business. He has not just helped shape international careers; he has defined what it means to be an advocate for Irish music on the world stage.

To learn more about Johnny Lappin and his amazing career and music insights, get your copy of “In A Lifetime” from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/179664403X.


Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/179664403X/