Hozier
Biography
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an Irish musician, singer, and songwriter born on March 17, 1990, in Bray, County Wicklow. The son of a blues drummer and an artist, he was raised in a musical household. He began writing songs at 15, taught himself guitar, and sang in his school choir. Hozier briefly studied music at Trinity College Dublin but dropped out to record demos for Universal Music. During this period, from 2009 to 2012, he was also a member of the choral group Anúna, with whom he toured internationally.
Breakthrough with "Hozier"
Hozier's international breakthrough came in 2013 with the release of his debut single, "Take Me to Church." The song, which he recorded in the attic of his parents' home, became a viral sensation, propelled by its powerful music video addressing homophobia. The track achieved widespread commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and topping the charts in several other countries. His self-titled debut album, "Hozier," was released in September 2014 to critical and commercial acclaim. The album, which blends folk, soul, and blues, featured other singles like "From Eden" and "Someone New," and has been certified multi-platinum in several countries.
Sophomore Album: "Wasteland, Baby!"
In March 2019, Hozier released his second studio album, "Wasteland, Baby!". The album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. It was preceded by the EP "Nina Cried Power," featuring the title track with Mavis Staples, and the single "Movement." "Wasteland, Baby!" continues to explore themes of love and crisis, with the apocalypse serving as a backdrop for romantic and redemptive narratives. The album includes tracks like "Almost (Sweet Music)" and "Shrike."
"Unreal Unearth" and Recent Work
Hozier's third studio album, "Unreal Unearth," was released in August 2023. The album was written during the COVID-19 pandemic and is conceptually inspired by Dante's Inferno, framing the songs around the nine circles of Hell. It debuted at number one in the UK and Ireland. Singles from this album include "Eat Your Young" and "Francesca." In 2024, Hozier released the EP "Unheard," which features the song "Too Sweet." This track became his first number-one single in the US, UK, and Ireland.
Musical Style and Themes
Hozier's music is a blend of folk, soul, blues, and indie rock. His lyrics are known for their poetic quality and often incorporate literary and religious themes, as well as social and political commentary. He draws inspiration from artists like Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie, and his work frequently touches upon themes of love, religion, social justice, and Irish folklore. Hozier's activism is a prominent feature of his work, addressing issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and the climate crisis.