It’s time to grab your green and a pint of “Gat” (another name for Guinness) because it’s nearly St. Patrick’s Day. That’s why our very-Irish-named Senior Designer, Brendan Callahan, has curated Spire on Spotify’s newest playlist, Vol. 2: Sláinte.

But first, here are a few stats on the holiday commemorating the fifth-century Romano-British Christian, patron saint, and “Apostle of Ireland.” The latest consumer spending data from NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics’ 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Survey found that 49% of U.S. adults said they plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.

Similar to 2020, consumers may be adjusting their celebrations with COVID-19 in mind. While traditionally this can be a holiday where you meet up with friends or attend parades, significantly fewer are doing so this year. Of respondents, 55% said they’ll be avoiding gatherings this year as a result of the pandemic. But the leprechauns are still in luck, with 32% of consumers keeping the spirit alive by planning a special dinner or celebration at home.

In past years, it was a common B2B marketing and sales tactic to have a St. Patty’s Day party and invite current and prospective clients. But attendance dropped significantly with the dawning of the pandemic in 2020, where only 19% of respondents attended a private party, and 27% attended a party at a bar or restaurant. Not surprisingly, those figures dropped even more in 2021 with only 13% choosing to attend a private party, and 10% planning to attend a party at a bar or restaurant.
 
If you are planning to partake this St. Patrick’s Day, Toastmasters International has compiled a list of their Top 10 toasts. And as you raise your glass of Guinness, know that 13 million pints of it will be consumed worldwide on March 17—890% more than any normal day.

With plenty of decorations and festive treats needed to mark the occasion, 92% of those celebrating plan to make St. Patrick’s Day purchases. On average, they plan to spend $40.77, for a total of $5.1 billion nationwide.

But enough stats, let’s strike up the pipes and flip on the fife and fiddle. Check out our interview with Brendan for a behind-the-scenes look into why he chose these tracks for our advertising agency’s newest playlist.

Brendan, what is the name of your album?

Sláinte, in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, is pronounced SLAHN-cha. It is commonly used as a drinking toast in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

How would you describe this mix?

Even though we can’t gather in large groups to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2021, we can still enjoy this playlist—influenced by all things gold, green, lucky, and Irish.

What was the inspiration behind it?

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday I’ve heavily embraced over the years, with it quickly becoming one of my favorite days of the year. We dug deep into the archives and ended up with a playlist that celebrates everything we love about the holiday, as well as a few hints of green (to ensure no one gets pinched)…

What is your favorite song and why?

“I’m Shipping Up To Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys. Every time I hear this song, I’m immediately transported back to Fenway Park, where it is often played during Boston Red Sox games.

If your playlist was a brand, what would it be?

Bailey’s Irish Cream. Much like the liquor, this playlist is perfect for all occasions. You can enjoy during a night in or a night out with friends. See drink ideas here.

Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?

Any time I hear U2, I think of celebrating with friends down on Knox Henderson or Lower Greenville during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dallas. I look forward to the day we can all safely celebrate together again.

What makes your playlist unique?

Most St. Patrick’s Day playlists tend to be only for March 17th. I’d like to think that you can wear green and gold and listen to this playlist any day of the year.

More fresh playlists will be introduced soon. So, stay tuned to the Spire Blog and Spotify Channel for the drop of our next highly anticipated album. As the Irish toast goes, “May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day, America and beyond!

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