Hozier
{{short description|Irish musician (born 1990)}}
{{for-multi|the musician's debut album|Hozier (album){{!}}Hozier (album)|other uses}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=June 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Hozier
| image = Hozier 2015 01 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Hozier performing in April 2015
| birth_name = Andrew John Hozier-Byrne
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|3|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
| instrument = {{flatlist|
- Vocals
- guitar
- keyboards
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| discography = Hozier discography
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Musician
- singer
- songwriter
}}
| years_active = 2008–present
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| past_member_of = Anúna
| website = {{URL|hozier.com}}
}}
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne (born 17 March 1990), known professionally as Hozier ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|oʊ|z|i|ɚ}} {{respell|HOH|zee|ər}}),{{cite news | url=https://1079ishot.com/how-do-you-pronounce-hozier/ | title=How Do You Pronounce Hozier? | work=KHXT | date=28 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930083514/http://1079ishot.com/how-do-you-pronounce-hozier/ | archive-date=30 September 2018 | url-status=live}} is an Irish musician. His music primarily draws from folk, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and taking political or social justice stances.
His debut single, "Take Me to Church" (2013), became a rock radio hit in the U.S., peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-platinum in several countries. His eponymous debut studio album (2014) has been certified 6× platinum in Ireland and multi-platinum in several other countries. His EP Nina Cried Power (2018), which featured the title track as a single, reached number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart. His second album, Wasteland, Baby! (2019), debuted atop the Irish Albums Chart and the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in the U.S.{{Cite web | url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=hozier | title=Gold & Platinum | website=Recording Industry Association of America | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103172359/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH | archive-date=3 January 2016 | url-status=live}} In late 2022, Hozier collaborated with Bear McCreary on the song "Blood Upon the Snow" for the video game God of War: Ragnarök. His third studio album, Unreal Unearth (2023), was released on Rubyworks Records and debuted at number one on the Irish and UK charts.{{Cite web |title=Official Irish Albums Chart on 25/8/2023 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-albums-chart/20230825/ie7502/ |access-date=25 November 2023 |website=Official Charts}} In 2024, he released the EP Unheard, which includes his first number-one single in Ireland, the US, and the UK, "Too Sweet". Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-16 |title=Hozier: The 100 Most Influential People of 2025 |url=https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/7273830/hozier/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=TIME |language=en}}
Early life
Hozier was born near Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland on 17 March 1990, the son of Raine Hozier-Byrne and John Byrne. He has one older brother named Jon. Around the time he was born, his father John worked a daytime job as a local banker and had an evening side hustle as a jazz and blues drummer. His mother Raine was a stay-at-home artist.{{Cite web | last=Smyth | first=David | work=Evening Standard | date=6 June 2014 | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/religious-abuse-homophobia-and-singing-corpses-are-the-unlikely-ingredients-propelling-hozier-to-9499292.html | title=Religious abuse, homophobia and singing corpses are the unlikely ingredients propelling Hozier to rock stardom | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920052447/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/religious-abuse-homophobia-and-singing-corpses-are-the-unlikely-ingredients-propelling-hozier-to-9499292.html | archive-date=20 September 2018 | url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/hozier-if-i-wanted-to-make-a-f-king-pop-song-i-would-1.3794161 | title=Hozier: 'If I wanted to make a f**king pop song, I would' | last=Bruton | first=Louise | date=23 February 2019 | newspaper=The Irish Times | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043619/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/hozier-if-i-wanted-to-make-a-f-king-pop-song-i-would-1.3794161?mode=amp | archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtn-gAQX2z4&t=125s%2F | title=Hozier shares thoughts on his Quaker upbringing | date=4 February 2019 | via=YouTube | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724213015/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtn-gAQX2z4&t=125s%2F | archive-date=24 July 2020 | url-status=live}} When Hozier was six years old, his father underwent spinal surgery, and although he survived despite numerous complications, he needed a wheelchair from then on. Hozier's father was unemployed for a few years, which put a severe financial strain on the family.{{cite web |title=Where Is Hozier From? The Sad Truth About The Singer's Childhood |date=2 June 2024 |url=https://www.nickiswift.com/1592374/where-is-hozier-from-sad-truth-singers-childhood/ |publisher=Nicki Swift |access-date=2 June 2024}}
Hozier began writing songs at the age of 15, taught himself guitar and sang in his school choir. He was educated at Delgany National School. He was raised a Quaker.{{Cite web |title=Hozier Shares Thoughts on his Quaker Upbringing {{!}} Oxford Quaker Forty-Three Newsletter |url=https://brooksidepress.org/quaker/july-2022/hozier-shares-thoughts-on-his-quaker-upbringing/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=brooksidepress.org}} He later attended St. Gerard's School before studying music education at Trinity College Dublin. He missed exams to record demos for a music label and was refused a year's deferral by the college.{{Cite news | url=https://issuu.com/osnovina/docs/issuu_9-1 | title=Go Rail 9-1: Featuring Hozier | last=Mullally | first=Una | via=issuu.com | newspaper=The Irish Times | date=14 October 2013 | archive-date=3 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703015706/https://issuu.com/osnovina/docs/issuu_9-1 |url-status=live}}
Career
=2008–2012: Beginnings=
While at Trinity, Hozier became involved with the Trinity Orchestra. He was a member of and toured with the choral ensemble Anúna from 2009 to 2012 and appeared as a soloist on their 2014 release Illuminations singing "La Chanson de Mardi Gras".{{cite web | url=https://www.joe.ie/music/bring-the-quiet-irish-music-superstar-hozier-490438 | title=Bring the quiet: Irish music superstar Hozier | work=Joe | date=8 April 2015 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025944/https://www.joe.ie/music/bring-the-quiet-irish-music-superstar-hozier-490438 | url-status=live }}{{Cite web | url=https://www.anuna.ie/the-anna-story-part-4 | title=Part 4 : When You Think There Is No More to Say, M'Anam & Systir | work=Anúna | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025942/https://www.anuna.ie/the-anna-story-part-4 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | first=Anna | last=Job |url=https://www.goldenplec.com/featured/hozier-interview/ | title=Hozier | Interview | work=GoldenPlec | date=1 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102061110/http://www.goldenplec.com/hozier-interview | archive-date=2 November 2014 | url-status=live}} Hozier played at the Oxegen 2009 and Oxegen 2010 festivals.{{cite web | url=https://www.goldenplec.com/oxegen-2010/ |title=Oxegen 2010 | work=GoldenPlec |archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225020328/https://www.goldenplec.com/oxegen-2010/ | url-status=live}}
=2013–2017: Breakthrough=
File:Hozier at the Troubadour in West Hollywood (14238011522).jpg in 2014]]
Hozier wrote the song "Take Me to Church" in 2013 in between playing open mic nights in Dublin; the rough demo resulted in him signing with indie label Rubyworks Records.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/behind-hoziers-unlikely-rise-60949/ | title=Behind Hozier's Unlikely Rise | first=Andy | last=Greene | date=29 January 2015 | magazine=Rolling Stone | issn=0035-791X | url-access=limited | archive-date=21 November 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171121161413/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/behind-hoziers-unlikely-rise-20150129| url-status=live}} Hozier released his debut extended play, also called Take Me to Church, on 3 July 2013.{{cite web | title=Take Me To Church - EP Hozier | url=https://genius.com/albums/Hozier/Take-me-to-church-ep | website=Genius |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324170207/https://genius.com/albums/Hozier/Take-me-to-church |archive-date=24 March 2023 | url-status=live}} It appeared on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/hozier/chart-history/tlp/ |title=Hozier |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117203626/https://www.billboard.com/artist/hozier/chart-history/tlp/ |archive-date=17 November 2021 |url-status=live}} He initially recorded track demos in his attic studio before working on the record with producer Rob Kirwan.{{cite news | url=https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-hozier-take-me-church | title=Inside Track: Hozier 'Take Me To Church' | first=Paul | last=Tingen | work=Sound on Sound | date=March 2015 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025946/https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/inside-track-hozier-take-me-church | url-status=live }} The titular single was released in September 2013. The music video, alluding to themes of homophobia, was released that same month, having been created on a "shoestring budget" and filmed entirely in black-and-white. The video was shared by English actor Stephen Fry, which helped it reach the front page of Reddit and subsequently become a viral video.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/hozier-s-soaring-voice-and-searing-heart-1.1556273 | title=Hozier's soaring voice and searing heart: From quiet beginnings, the 'Take Me to Church' singer's music, and its political nous, are growing in depth and stature | last=Mullally | first=Una | work=Irish Times | date=12 October 2013 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025934/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/hozier-s-soaring-voice-and-searing-heart-1.1556273 | url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine | last=Flanagan |first=Andrew | date=7 October 2013 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/birth-of-a-buzz-behind-the-scenes-as-hozier-goes-viral-5748114/ | title=Birth of a Buzz: Behind the Scenes as Hozier Goes Viral | magazine=Billboard | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118061527/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/5748114/birth-of-a-buzz-behind-the-scenes-as-hozier-goes-viral | archive-date=18 November 2015 | url-status=live}} The song scored top-five chart positions and multi-platinum certifications; the song also garnered critical acclaim for its lyricism and messaging.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tZZZmRir8 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003173207/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tZZZmRir8 | archive-date=3 October 2020 | url-status=bot: unknown | title=Hozier thinks all musicians are egomaniacs | date=21 June 2019 | via=YouTube | access-date=9 July 2020 }} The EP's concluding track, "Cherry Wine", appeared in Zach Braff's movie Wish I Was Here, chosen for its "heartbreaking lyrics and poetry".{{Cite news | url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/hoziers-cherry-wine-will-feature-in-new-zach-braff-film-11878851 | title=Hozier's 'Cherry Wine' will feature in new Zach Braff film | work=Hot Press | date=11 July 2014 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025941/https://www.hotpress.com/music/hoziers-cherry-wine-will-feature-in-new-zach-braff-film-11878851 | url-status=live }} It was later performed on the Late Late Show.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pYY7rHvvDo | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218194147/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pYY7rHvvDo&gl=US&hl=en | archive-date=18 February 2018 | title=Hozier – Cherry Wine – The Late Late Show – RTÉ One | last=The Late Late Show | date=11 March 2016 | via=YouTube | url-status=bot: unknown | access-date=21 September 2017 }}{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/watch-hozier-performs-cherry-wine-on-the-late-late-show-with-james-corden/34604716.html |title=Watch: Hozier performs Cherry Wine on The Late Late Show with James Corden | work=Independent.ie | date=6 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100638/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/watch-hozier-performs-cherry-wine-on-the-late-late-show-with-james-corden-34604716.html |archive-date=21 September 2017 | url-status=live}} In March 2014, Hozier released his second EP, From Eden.{{Cite web | url=https://genius.com/albums/Hozier/From-eden | title=From Eden | work=Genius | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025944/https://genius.com/albums/Hozier/From-eden | url-status=live }}
Hozier released his eponymous album, Hozier, on 19 September 2014, including tracks from his first two extended-play albums (EPs). The album drew inspiration from folk, R&B and blues music.{{cite magazine | title=Album Review: Hozier, 'Hozier' | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6281404/album-review-hozier-hozier |last=Brown | first=Harley | magazine=Billboard | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108224617/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6281404/album-review-hozier-hozier |archive-date=8 January 2021 | url-status=live}} Hozier met critical success;{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/hozier/hozier | title=Reviews for Hozier by Hozier | website=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013050236/http://www.metacritic.com/music/hozier/hozier |archive-date=13 October 2014 | url-status=live}} Helen Brown of The Daily Telegraph noted that it was "an intense, youthful lyrical tangling of religion and romantic obsession that regularly finds him poised 'between love and abuse'".{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/11143317/Hozier-Hozier-review-glorious-and-uplifting.html | title=Hozier, Hozier, review: 'glorious and uplifting' | first=Helen | last=Brown |work=The Telegraph | date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101211817/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/11143317/Hozier-Hozier-review-glorious-and-uplifting.html |archive-date=1 November 2014 |url-status=live}} Hozier peaked at number one in Ireland and finished second on the US Billboard 200. The album is certified 2× platinum in the UK and US. After the release of "Take Me to Church", the record released five singles released from 2014 to 2016: "From Eden", "Sedated", "Work Song", “Someone New", "Jackie and Wilson" and "Cherry Wine", which all appeared on the Irish Singles Chart. The music videos for "From Eden", "Someone New", and "Cherry Wine" featured actresses Katie McGrath, Natalie Dormer and Saoirse Ronan, respectively.{{cite news | title=Hozier releases new video for 'From Eden' featuring Katie McGrath | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/hozier-releases-new-video-for-from-eden-featuring-katie-mcgrath-30756852.html | first=Aoife | last=Kelly | work=Irish Independent | date=19 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208125816/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/hozier-releases-new-video-for-from-eden-featuring-katie-mcgrath-30756852.html | archive-date=8 February 2022 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/saoirse-ronan-backs-hozier-charity-single-in-domestic-violence-campaign-34444706.html | title=Saoirse Ronan backs Hozier charity single in domestic violence campaign |work=Irish Independent | date=11 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425084532/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/saoirse-ronan-backs-hozier-charity-single-in-domestic-violence-campaign-34444706.html |archive-date=25 April 2019 |url-status=live}} In October 2014, he made his U.S. debut, performing "Take Me to Church" and "Angel of Small Death" on Saturday Night Live.{{Cite news | url=https://diffuser.fm/hozier-saturday-night-live/ | title=Watch Hozier Perform 'Take Me to Church' + 'Angel of Small Death' On SNL | first=Chuck | last=Armstrong | work=Townsquare Media | date=12 October 2014 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025944/https://diffuser.fm/hozier-saturday-night-live/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/snl-saturday-night-live-recap-hozier-takes-audience-to-church-in-debut-performance-bill-hader-jan-hooks-6281549/ | title=Saturday Night Live Recap: Hozier Takes Audience to Church in Debut Performance | first=Mitchell | last=Peters | magazine=Billboard | date=12 October 2014 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025942/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/snl-saturday-night-live-recap-hozier-takes-audience-to-church-in-debut-performance-bill-hader-jan-hooks-6281549/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/hozier-delivers-the-gospel-for-breakthrough-snl-performance-43397/ | title=Hozier Delivers the Gospel for Breakthrough SNL Performance | first=Daniel | last=Kreps | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=12 October 2014 | url-access=limited | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025944/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/hozier-delivers-the-gospel-for-breakthrough-snl-performance-43397/ | url-status=live }} In December 2014, he performed "Take Me to Church" at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.{{Cite news | url=https://www.her.ie/music/watch-hozier-performs-stunning-anthem-at-victorias-secret-fashion-show-204616 | title=Watch: Hozier Performs Stunning Anthem At Victoria's Secret Fashion Show | work=Joe | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025935/https://www.her.ie/music/watch-hozier-performs-stunning-anthem-at-victorias-secret-fashion-show-204616 | url-status=live }}
File:Hozier 2015 02 (cropped).jpg
In February 2015, "Take Me to Church" was nominated at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for Song of the Year. At the awards show, he performed the song with Annie Lennox.{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/02/06/annie-lennox-hozier-grammys/22984753/ | title=How the Grammys got Annie Lennox to sing with Hozier | first=Brian | last=Mansfield | work=USA Today | date=6 February 2015 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=17 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717034809/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/02/06/annie-lennox-hozier-grammys/22984753/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/annie-lennox-grammys-hozier-2015-interview-take-me-church-put-spell-on-you-6487801/ | title=Annie Lennox on Her Killer Grammy Performance & Why She Isn't Writing New Music | first=Chris | last=Payne | magazine=Billboard | date=4 March 2015 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025945/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/annie-lennox-grammys-hozier-2015-interview-take-me-church-put-spell-on-you-6487801/ | url-status=live }} He also performed it at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards in May 2015. On 12 November 2015, he won the VH1 Artist of the Year, a fan-voted award. At the ceremony, he performed "Take Me to Church" and The Beatles' "Blackbird" with singer Tori Kelly.{{cite news | url=https://www.vh1.com/news/xaxd2x/hozier-tori-kelly-blackbird-you-oughta-know-big-music | title=We Need More Hozier + Tori Kelly Collabs Like This Joint Performance Of "Blackbird" At VH1's Big Music In 2015 Concert | first=Alexa | last=Tietjen | work=VH1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505092214/http://www.vh1.com/news/223025/hozier-tori-kelly-blackbird-you-oughta-know-big-music/ | archive-date=5 May 2016 | url-status=live}} In June 2016, Hozier released the song "Better Love" as part of the Legend of Tarzan soundtrack.{{cite news | url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/listen-hoziers-first-new-song-in-nearly-two-years-better-love-591863 | title=Listen: Hozier's first new song in nearly two years, "Better Love" | work=Newstalk | date=17 June 2016 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025936/https://www.newstalk.com/news/listen-hoziers-first-new-song-in-nearly-two-years-better-love-591863 | url-status=live }}{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm4CrOfbHMI | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/Wm4CrOfbHMI| archive-date=3 November 2021 | title=Hozier – Better Love (From The Legend of Tarzan – Single Version)| via=YouTube | date=16 June 2016 | url-status=live }}{{cbignore}} Hozier subsequently took a one-year hiatus from his work, moving back to Ireland to "reconnect" after touring his debut album.{{cite news | url=https://www.idolator.com/7738602/hozier-interview-wasteland-baby | title=Interview: Hozier Talks 'Wasteland, Baby!' & New Collaborators | work=Idolator | date=3 April 2019 | archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324170243/https://www.idolator.com/7738602/hozier-interview-wasteland-baby?chrome=1 | url-status=live }}
= 2018–2021: ''Nina Cried Power'' EP and ''Wasteland, Baby!'' =
In September 2018, Hozier returned with the release of the EP Nina Cried Power.{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-nina-cried-power-interview-mavis-staples-8473841/ | title=Hozier Unpacks His New 'Nina Cried Power' EP: 'It's a Thank You Note to the Spirit of Protest' | first=Hilary | last=Hughes | magazine=Billboard | date=6 September 2018 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025941/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-nina-cried-power-interview-mavis-staples-8473841/ | url-status=live }} The album features a collaboration with Mavis Staples on the titular track. He released his second studio album's lead single, "Movement", on 14 November 2018, alongside a music video. Hozier's second album, Wasteland, Baby!, was released on 1 March 2019, including tracks from his previous EP.{{cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-new-album-wasteland-baby-single2431741-2431741 | title=Hozier has announced 'Wasteland, Baby' – his first album in more than four years | last=Skinner | first=Tom | work=NME | date=16 January 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327093126/https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-new-album-wasteland-baby-single2431741-2431741 | archive-date=27 March 2019 | url-status=live }} The thematic elements of the album center around his interpretation of the apocalypse while looking for thematic elements of romance and redemption. Reviews were largely positive;{{cite web | title=Wasteland, Baby! | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/wasteland-baby!/hozier | website=Metacritic.com | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329133606/https://www.metacritic.com/music/wasteland-baby!/hozier | archive-date=29 March 2019 | url-status=live}} Elisabeth Woronzoff of PopMatters stated it "light[s] the artist's skill and vision of his craft... [and] that it [..] delivers while edifying the artist as an impactful voice in the art and activism sphere."{{cite news | url=https://www.popmatters.com/hozier-wasteland-baby-review-2630193793.html | title='Wasteland, Baby!' Highlights Hozier As an Impactful Voice in the Art and Activism Sphere | first=Elisabeth | last=Woronzoff | work=PopMatters | date=1 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101137/https://www.popmatters.com/hozier-wasteland-baby-review-2630193793.html?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3 | archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}} The album debuted atop the Irish Albums Chart and the Billboard 200, Hozier's first number-one US release.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8501829/hozier-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-chart-wasteland-baby | title=Hozier Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart With 'Wasteland, Baby!' | last=Caulfield | first=Keith | magazine=Billboard | date=10 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327171600/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8501829/hozier-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-chart-wasteland-baby | archive-date=27 March 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-wasteland-baby-interview-8500815/ | title=Hozier Knows the World Is Ending, So He Wrote Apocalyptic Love Songs For 'Wasteland, Baby!' | magazine=Billboard | last=Hughes | first=Hilary | date=5 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305165928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8500815/hozier-wasteland-baby-interview | archive-date=5 March 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hozier-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-chart-wasteland-baby/ | title=Hozier Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart With 'Wasteland, Baby!'| first=Keith | last=Caulfield | magazine=Billboard | date=10 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315211253/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/chart-beat/8501829/hozier-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-chart-wasteland-baby | archive-date=15 March 2019 | url-status=live}} Wasteland, Baby! has since been certified silver in the United Kingdom and gold in the United States.
File:Hozier Nobody 1.png in 2019]]
Wasteland, Baby! included two further singles released in 2019 that debuted on the Irish Singles Chart: "Almost (Sweet Music)" and "Dinner and Diatribes"; the music video for the latter track features an appearance from actress Anya Taylor-Joy.{{cite magazine | last=Acevedo | first=Angelica | title=Hozier Announces 'Wasteland, Baby!' Release Date, Debuts New Song 'Almost (Sweet Music)' | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-announces-wasteland-baby-release-date-8493800/ | magazine=Billboard | date=16 January 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203163101/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8493800/hozier-announces-wasteland-baby-release-date | archive-date=3 February 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.radio.com/blogs/tiana-timmerberg/hozier-becomes-your-worst-nightmare-eerie-dinner-diatribes-music-video | title=Hozier Becomes Your Worst Nightmare in Eerie 'Dinner & Diatribes' Music Video | first=Tiana | last=Timmerberg | date=6 March 2019 | work=Audacy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173843/https://www.radio.com/blogs/tiana-timmerberg/hozier-becomes-your-worst-nightmare-eerie-dinner-diatribes-music-video | archive-date=7 March 2019 | url-status=live}} He was the closing headliner of the inaugural Railbird Festival held on the grounds of the Keeneland horse track in Lexington, Kentucky.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.capturekentucky.com/railbird-festival-reveals-inaugural-artist-lineup-ticket-levels-and-premium-experiences/ | title=Railbird Festival Reveals Inaugural Artist Lineup, Ticket Levels and Premium Experiences | date=26 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812141645/https://www.visitlex.com/media/press-releases/post/railbird-festival-reveals-inaugural-artist-lineup-ticket-levels-and-premium-experiences/ |archive-date=12 August 2019 | url-status=live}} Hozier was one of the headliners for the Electric Picnic 2019, a three-day festival held in Ireland on 30 August to 1 September.{{Cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-the-strokes-the-1975-and-florence-the-machine-to-headline-electric-picnic-2019-2461128 | title=Hozier, The Strokes, The 1975 and Florence & The Machine to headline Electric Picnic 2019 | last=Reilly | first=Nick | work=NME | date=13 March 2019 | archive-date=29 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329150551/https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-the-strokes-the-1975-and-florence-the-machine-to-headline-electric-picnic-2019-2461128 | url-status=live}} He performed at the Glastonbury Festival 2019.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/glastonbury-2019-headliners-killers-the-cure-stormzy-miley-cyrus-janet-jackson-8502658/ | title=Glastonbury 2019 Headliners Include Killers, The Cure, Stormzy, Miley Cyrus, Janet Jackson | first=Gil | last=Kaufman | magazine=Billboard | date=15 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321201504/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8502658/glastonbury-2019-headliners-killers-the-cure-stormzy-miley-cyrus-janet-jackson |archive-date=21 March 2019 | url-status=live}} He also performed at the Lollapalooza 2019, a four-day music festival held in Chicago in August.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/2019-lollapalooza-lineup-see-full-list-8503287/ | title=Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes Headlining 2019 Lollapalooza: Full Lineup | first=Gil | last=Kaufman | magazine=Billboard | date=20 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321153644/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8503287/2019-lollapalooza-lineup-see-full-list | archive-date=21 March 2019 | url-status=live}}
In March and April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hozier performed via social media to raise money and awareness for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).{{Cite news | url=https://nialler9.com/irish-artists-hozier-dermot-kennedy-kodaline-more-to-live-stream-charity-gigs-with-ispcc-childline-rte-2fm/ | title=Irish artists Hozier, Dermot Kennedy, Kodaline & more to live stream charity gigs with ISPCC/Childline & RTÉ 2FM | work=Nialler9 | date=25 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411213009/https://nialler9.com/irish-artists-hozier-dermot-kennedy-kodaline-more-to-live-stream-charity-gigs-with-ispcc-childline-rte-2fm/ | archive-date=11 April 2020 | url-status=live}} He performed a cover version of "The Parting Glass" on The Late Late Show and released the song as a charity single on streaming media, with proceeds going to the ISPCC.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/hozier-parting-glass-covid19 | title=Watch: Hozier performs chilling rendition of Parting Glass | website=IrishCentral.com | date=28 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329170014/https://www.irishcentral.com/news/hozier-parting-glass-covid19 | archive-date=29 March 2020 | url-status=live}}{{Cite news | url=https://entertainment.ie/music/hozier-is-releasing-his-beautiful-version-of-the-parting-glass-as-a-charity-single-449049/ | title=Hozier is releasing his beautiful version of 'The Parting Glass' as a charity single | first=Lauren | last=Murphy | work=Entertainment.ie | year=2020 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025941/https://entertainment.ie/music/hozier-is-releasing-his-beautiful-version-of-the-parting-glass-as-a-charity-single-449049/ | url-status=live }} In June 2020, as part of the fundraising special, RTÉ Does Comic Relief, he performed a cover of "Bridge over Troubled Water" in Croke Park{{cite news | url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0626/1149944-hozier-wows-viewers-with-stunning-croker-performance/ | title=Hozier wows viewers with 'stunning' Croker performance | work=RTÉ | date=26 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630162213/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0626/1149944-hozier-wows-viewers-with-stunning-croker-performance/ | archive-date=30 June 2020 | url-status=live}} and performed a sketch with Irish comedian Aisling Bea.{{cite news | url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0624/1149339-hozier-given-jokes-by-aisling-bea-for-comic-relief/ | title=Hozier given jokes by Aisling Bea for Comic Relief | work=RTÉ | date=24 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704091509/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2020/0624/1149339-hozier-given-jokes-by-aisling-bea-for-comic-relief/ | archive-date=4 July 2020 | url-status=live}}
On 29 October 2021, Hozier released the single "Tell It to My Heart" in collaboration with Meduza, which debuted at number 13 on the Irish Singles Chart.{{Cite web | url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/ | title=Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 | publisher=Official Charts Company | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107110119/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/ | archive-date=7 January 2017 | url-status=live}}
= 2022–present: ''Unreal Unearth'' and ''Unheard'' EP=
File:Hozier1.jpg in 2024]]
The single "Swan Upon Leda", released on 7 October 2022, was inspired by Egyptian feminist Mona Eltahawy, as well as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in the United States and the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran.{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/hozier-announces-new-single-swan-upon-leda-shares-message-of-solidarity/|title=Hozier Announces New Single "Swan Upon Leda," Shares Message of 'Solidarity'|work=American Songwriter|last=Uitti|first=Jacob|date=4 October 2022|access-date=7 October 2022|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007042411/https://americansongwriter.com/hozier-announces-new-single-swan-upon-leda-shares-message-of-solidarity/|url-status=live}} Atwood Magazine praised the song as "a haunting and heartbreakingly beautiful prayer, plea, and cry for reproductive rights and women’s empowerment."{{Cite news | url=https://atwoodmagazine.com/hsul-hozier-swan-upon-leda-song-review/ | title=Hozier's New Song "Swan Upon Leda" Is a Hauntingly Beautiful Prayer, Plea, & Cry for Reproductive Rights | last=Mosk | first=Mitch | work=Atwood Magazine | date=8 October 2022 | archive-date=11 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011123222/https://atwoodmagazine.com/hsul-hozier-swan-upon-leda-song-review/ | url-status=live }}
"Blood Upon the Snow" was released on 9 November 2022, as a collaboration with composer Bear McCreary for the video game God of War Ragnarök.{{cite magazine | url=https://consequence.net/2022/11/hozier-blood-upon-the-snow-god-of-war-interview/ | title=Hozier on His New Song for God of War: Ragnarök, "Blood Upon the Snow": Exclusive | last=Ragusa | first=Paolo | magazine=Consequence | date=8 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108231657/https://consequence.net/2022/11/hozier-blood-upon-the-snow-god-of-war-interview/ | archive-date=8 November 2022 | url-status=live}} He released the extended play Eat Your Young on 17 March 2023.{{cite magazine | url=https://americansongwriter.com/hozier-announces-new-ep-eat-your-young/ | title=Hozier Announces New EP 'Eat Your Young' | last=Uitti | first=Jacob | magazine=American Songwriter | date=24 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308131338/https://americansongwriter.com/hozier-announces-new-ep-eat-your-young/ | archive-date=8 March 2023 | url-status=live}} The EP features three songs: "Eat Your Young", "All Things End" and "Through Me (The Flood)".{{cite news | url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/hozier-shares-new-ep-eat-your-young/ | last=Murray | first=Robin | title=Hozier Shares New EP 'Eat Your Young' | magazine=Clash | date=17 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317155412/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/hozier-shares-new-ep-eat-your-young/ | archive-date=17 March 2023 | url-status=live}}
Unreal Unearth was released on 18 August 2023.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/hozier-announces-forthcoming-album-unreal-unearth-is-set-to-release-august-18 | title=Hozier announces forthcoming album Unreal Unearth is set to release August 18 | publisher=Sony Music | date=17 May 2023 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025945/https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/hozier-announces-forthcoming-album-unreal-unearth-is-set-to-release-august-18 | url-status=live }} Hozier's relationship with the Irish language is evident in the album in song lyrics ("uiscefhuaraithe") and song themes.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2023/08/19/hozier-this-album-was-actually-more-not-trying-to-be-the-control-freak/ | title=Hozier: 'This album was actually more not trying to be the control freak' | newspaper=The Irish Times | date=19 August 2023 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=24 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824192141/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2023/08/19/hozier-this-album-was-actually-more-not-trying-to-be-the-control-freak/ | url-status=live }} He also sings in Irish on some of "De Selby (Part 1)",{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-reviews/hozier-hints-at-a-break-up-with-help-from-the-divine-comedy-dantes-that-is/a1766992110.html | title=Hozier hints at a break-up, with help from the Divine Comedy – Dante's, that is | first=John | last=Meagher | work=Independent.ie | date=18 August 2023 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=24 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824201943/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-reviews/hozier-hints-at-a-break-up-with-help-from-the-divine-comedy-dantes-that-is/a1766992110.html | url-status=live }} with translation support from Darach Ó Séaghdha, Peter Kavanagh and Dr Gearóidín McEvoy from the Irish podcast "Motherfoclóir".{{Cite news | url=https://www.rte.ie/gaeilge/2023/0823/1401237-amhran-gaeilge-ar-albam-nua-le-hozier/ | title=Amhrán Gaeilge ar albam nua le Hozier | work=RTÉ | date=23 August 2023 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=24 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824201943/https://www.rte.ie/gaeilge/2023/0823/1401237-amhran-gaeilge-ar-albam-nua-le-hozier/ | url-status=live }}
On 22 March 2024, Hozier released the EP Unheard, which features four songs: "Too Sweet", "Wildflower and Barley" featuring Allison Russell, "Empire Now", and "Fare Well". The songs were originally meant to be included on Unreal Unearth and were also inspired by Dante's Inferno. Hozier said that "these are songs that might have made it to the circles of gluttony, limbo, violence, and the outward 'ascent' respectively".{{cite news|url=https://www.1057thepoint.com/music-news/hozier-announces-new-ep-unheard/|title=Hozier announces new EP, 'Unheard'|date=15 March 2024|publisher=105.7 The Point|access-date=23 March 2024}} Of these songs, "Too Sweet" was the most commercially successful; it debuted at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100,{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=1 April 2024 |title=Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar's 'Like That' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/future-metro-boomin-kendrick-lamar-like-that-hot-100-number-one-debut/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} becoming his first song to debut within the top five of the chart and his second top five entry since "Take Me To Church". "Too Sweet" rose to number one three weeks later,{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=22 April 2024 |title='Sweet' Success: Hozier Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for First Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/hozier-too-sweet-hot-100-number-one/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |magazine=Billboard}} making Hozier the fourth Irish artist to top the chart.{{Cite web |date=22 April 2024 |title=Hozier Has The #1 Song In America |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2260514/hozier-has-the-1-song-in-america/news/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Stereogum}}
On 1 August 2024, while performing at Lollapalooza 2024, he presented an unreleased song titled "Nobody's Soldier" and called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-hozier-give-unreleased-song-nobodys-soldier-its-live-debut-and-call-for-a-ceasefire-in-gaza-at-lollapalooza-2024-3780259|title=Watch Hozier give unreleased song "Nobody's Soldier" its live debut and call for a ceasefire in Gaza at Lollapalooza 2024. |last=Duran|first=Anagricel|website=NME|date=2 August 2024|access-date=5 August 2024}} After this, he released the EP Unaired, which featured songs "Nobody's Soldier", "July", and "That You Are" featuring Bedouine. A deluxe version of Unreal Unearth titled Unreal Unearth: Unending featuring a brand new song, "Hymn to Virgil", was later released.{{cite web |last1=Skinner |first1=Tom |title=Listen to Hozier's atmospheric new single 'Hymn To Virgil' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-hoziers-atmospheric-new-single-hymn-to-virgil-3819654 |website=NME |access-date=6 February 2025 |date=6 December 2024}}
Artistry
=Influences=
{{multiple image
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| footer = Hozier has credited artist-activists Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie among the influences of his music.
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| alt2 = Woody Guthrie
}}
As a result of his countryside upbringing, much of Hozier's early music exposure came from his parents' blues, jazz and soul record collections, incorporating artists such as John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Bukka White and Tom Waits.{{cite news | title=Hozier: The best vocalists I can think of are female | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/31/hozier-best-vocalists-female-take-me-to-church | work=The Guardian | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051559/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/31/hozier-best-vocalists-female-take-me-to-church | archive-date=22 December 2017 | url-status=live}} His first musical memories were drawn from his father's career as a drummer playing music in Dublin.{{cite news | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/wnrmxh/hozier-interview-irish-bog-people-sex | title=Sex, Bog Bodies and Nina Simone: Hozier Reveals His Surprising Influences | first=Brenna | last=Ehrlich | work=MTV News | date=18 December 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026192445/http://www.mtv.com/news/2029578/hozier-interview-irish-bog-people-sex/ | archive-date=26 October 2020 | url-status=dead}} He has stated that his musical education was "grounded" in Chicago blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Otis Redding and Nina Simone, to whom he pays tribute in the track "Nina Cried Power".{{cite web | title=In the Middle with Hozier | url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/hozier | last=Ilana | first=Kaplan | work=Interview | date=22 September 2014 | archive-date=26 September 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926011840/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/hozier#:~:text=BYRNE%3A%20Biggest%20musical%20influences%20would,Lee%20Hooker%20and%20Otis%20Redding. | url-status=live }} As a child, he was a fan of the bands Stereophonics and Daft Punk.
He draws inspiration primarily from Irish and African-American artistry; he has said that the "roots" of jazz, rock, soul and R&B have been largely shaped by black culture and finds importance in "crediting the legacy you're crediting". His guitar work draws from Celtic folk inspiration, as well as musicians Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen. Hozier has stated that "the best vocalists I can think of are female". Musically, Hozier has listed Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, St Vincent, Feist, Little Green Cars, Paul Simon, Willie Dixon and Lisa Hannigan as musical and vocal influences.{{cite news | url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/hozier-on-van-morrison-his-influence-on-me-was-significant-22827860 | title=Hozier on Van Morrison: "His influence on me was significant" | work=Hot Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116032505/https://www.hotpress.com/music/hozier-on-van-morrison-his-influence-on-me-was-significant-22827860 | archive-date=16 January 2021 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=Writer of the Week: Hozier | url=https://americansongwriter.com/writer-week-hozier/ | first=Will | last=Minter | work=American Songwriter | date=29 June 2014 | archive-date=3 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503041225/https://americansongwriter.com/writer-week-hozier/ | url-status=live}}
=Songwriting=
Hozier states that his writing differs based on the starting point: varying from a couplet and lyrical idea, or a musical hook that he "flesh[es] out from a fairly embryonic point".{{cite news | title=Hozier on Seamus Heaney, Maltesers and why Nina Simone turns his brain inside out | url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/live/2019/feb/15/hozier-webchat-post-your-questions-now-take-me-to-church | work=The Guardian | date=18 February 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503041224/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/live/2019/feb/15/hozier-webchat-post-your-questions-now-take-me-to-church?page=with:block-5c6ab87de4b022557d2471aa#liveblog-navigation | archive-date=3 May 2021 | url-status=live}} Lyrics "by far take [him] the most time", describing a "slow process of repetition" while "not lean[ing] too much on verbose phrases" to maintain the integrity of the sentiment. His process is described as "slow, methodical work" and he is "meticulous" about wording; he has stated that he "can defend any idea by the time someone hears it, because [he has] put it through a strainer seven times". His lyrics often contain vivid literary references and draw imagery from nature and religion; they tend to focus on themes of romantic relationships, love and politics.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/hozier-interview | title=Hozier's Moment Has Arrived | first=Sarah | last=Rowland | magazine=Nylon | date=1 May 2015 | archive-date=3 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503141515/https://www.nylon.com/articles/hozier-interview | url-status=live}}
Hozier has dismissed comparisons of his work to poetry, stating that to consider it such "would be a disservice to poetry itself". The "subversion of social norms" plays a role in his music, which often discuss the defiance of organised religion and social convention. Hozier references the Irish concept of the craic, which he interprets as subverting social norms and self-respect, and has stated, "If the Irish are not taking the piss out of something, what's the point really?" His songwriting has been influenced by Irish music and folklore, as well as poets Seamus Heaney and W. B. Yeats. He has said that his first record contained a "fairytale aspect" influenced by Oscar Wilde.{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/12/17/qa-hozier-on-tom-waits-poetry-mixing-pop-and-politics/ | title=Q&A: Hozier on Tom Waits, Poetry, Mixing Pop And Politics | work=Forbes | date=17 December 2019 | url-access=limited| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503141524/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/12/17/qa-hozier-on-tom-waits-poetry-mixing-pop-and-politics/?sh=60c1708d3d18 | archive-date=3 May 2021 | url-status=live}}
=Socially conscious themes=
Steve Baltin of Forbes observed that Hozier's brief collegiate study of music theory has influenced his sound as he writes from a "socially conscious" perspective. Hozier has stated that he believes "the personal is the political"; much of his work holds direct references to topical events. The "Take Me to Church" music video features two men in a same-sex relationship and highlights the injustices and violence perpetrated against members of the LGBT community. The video was inspired by videos of violent crimes against gay men in Russia.{{Cite news | url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/hozier-ditches-church-gets-political-on-new-ep-10884076 | title=Hozier Ditches 'Church,' Gets Political on New EP | last=Cabral | first=Angelica | work=Phoenix New Times | date=11 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326211618/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/hozier-ditches-church-gets-political-on-new-ep-10884076 | archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live}} The music video for the song "Cherry Wine" was released to raise awareness of domestic violence.{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdSCCwtNEjA | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/SdSCCwtNEjA| archive-date=3 November 2021 | url-status=live | title=Hozier- Cherry Wine | date=13 February 2016}}{{cbignore}} "Nina Cried Power" is a song that features lyrics including names of artists such as Nina Simone, Bob Dylan and Mavis Staples whose work takes a political or social justice stance.{{Cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2018/10/12/656859027/watch-hozier-perform-nina-cried-power-on-world-cafe | title=Watch Hozier Perform 'Nina Cried Power' On World Cafe | first=Bruce | last=Warren | work=NPR | date=12 October 2018 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025941/https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2018/10/12/656859027/watch-hozier-perform-nina-cried-power-on-world-cafe | url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/tonight-show-hozier-mavis-staples-honor-activists-powerful-nina-cried-watch-8481649/ | title=Hozier & Mavis Staples Honor Activists With Powerful 'Nina Cried Power' on 'Tonight Show': Watch | first=Marina | last=Pedrosa | magazine=Billboard | date=25 October 2018 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025944/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/tonight-show-hozier-mavis-staples-honor-activists-powerful-nina-cried-watch-8481649/ | url-status=live }} The music video features Irish activists alongside protest footage.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/hoziers-nina-cried-power-video-is-a-tribute-to-irish-activists-868801.html | title=Hozier's Nina Cried Power video is a tribute to Irish activists | work=Irish Examiner | date=13 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326211618/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/hoziers-nina-cried-power-video-is-a-tribute-to-irish-activists-868801.html | archive-date=26 March 2019 | url-status=live}}
In November 2019, Hozier released a song titled "Jackboot Jump", following live performances of it on tour. This song, besides being a direct reference to George Orwell's 1984, alludes to social demonstrations in Hong Kong, Russia and in America.{{Cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-shared-new-live-song-jackboot-jump-listen-now-2577396 | title=Listen to Hozier's politically charged new live song 'Jackboot Jump' | first=Elizabeth | last=Aubrey | work=NME | date=22 November 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215101244/https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-shared-new-live-song-jackboot-jump-listen-now-2577396 | archive-date=15 February 2020 | url-status=live}} In 2019, Hozier performed an unreleased song, "But the Wages", that refers to temperatures rising as well as riots all around the world, while wages remain the same.{{Cite AV media | title=Hozier Unreleased "But the Wages" at Hammerstein (11/26/2019) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPTrurPsBms | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/jPTrurPsBms| archive-date=3 November 2021 | url-status=live | via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Prior to the release of Unreal Unearth, Hozier released the single Swan Upon Leda. Named after the Leda and the Swan Greek myth, Hozier stated on social media that the song was inspired by the work of Mona Eltahawy and the systemic oppression of women.{{Cite news | url=https://egyptianstreets.com/2022/10/07/hoziers-swan-upon-leda-inspired-by-egyptian-journalist-mona-eltahawy/ | title=Hozier's 'Swan Upon Leda' Inspired by Egyptian Journalist Mona Eltahawy | first=Mona | last=Adou | work=Egyptian Streets | date=7 October 2022 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025939/https://egyptianstreets.com/2022/10/07/hoziers-swan-upon-leda-inspired-by-egyptian-journalist-mona-eltahawy/ | url-status=live }} Commentators noted the thematic resonance with the release coinciding with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in the U.S. and the Iranian protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.{{Cite news | url=https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2022/10/opinion-hozier-swan-upon-leda-womens-rights-roe-v-wade | title=People and Planet: Hozier captures essence of women under attack with new song 'Swan Upon Leda' | last=Diehl | first=Meg | work=The Post | date=11 October 2022 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=24 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824223917/https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2022/10/opinion-hozier-swan-upon-leda-womens-rights-roe-v-wade | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/11/1/hozier-swan-upon-leda-single-cover-art-review/ | last=Timothy C | first=Fargiano | title='Swan Upon Leda' Review: For Hozier, Oppression and Resistance are Mythical and Mundane | work=The Harvard Crimson | date=1 November 2022 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=16 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016215741/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/11/1/hozier-swan-upon-leda-single-cover-art-review/ | url-status=live }} Though the song was written and produced before either of these occurred, Hozier commented that the timing of the release was intentional, calling it "an opportunity to offer some show of solidarity."{{Cite news | last=Scully | first=Nora | title=Protest through song: an ode to resistance in Hozier's "Swan Upon Leda" | url=https://georgetownvoice.com/2022/10/31/protest-through-song-an-ode-to-resistance-in-hoziers-swan-upon-leda/ | work=The Georgetown Voice | date=31 October 2022 | access-date=24 August 2023 | archive-date=24 August 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824223910/https://georgetownvoice.com/2022/10/31/protest-through-song-an-ode-to-resistance-in-hoziers-swan-upon-leda/ | url-status=live }}
Personal life
=Activism and views=
In 2016, Hozier participated in the "Home Sweet Home" movement with the goal of getting the Irish government to act to end homelessness.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/celebs-hansen-hozier-ronan-lead-illegal-homeless-uprising-in-dublin | title=Celebs Hansard, Hozier, Ronan, lead "illegal" homeless uprising in Dublin | first=Walter Ryan | last=Purcell | website=IrishCentral.com | date=19 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111705/https://www.irishcentral.com/news/politics/celebs-hansen-hozier-ronan-lead-illegal-homeless-uprising-in-dublin | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live}} Hozier, who was brought up in the Quaker faith but also attended a Catholic school, is an outspoken critic of the Catholic Church, specifically on its views on sexual orientation.{{cite news | title=Singer Hozier on Catholic Church: It's an Organization of Men, It's Not About Faith | url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/singer-hozier-on-catholic-church-its-an-organization-of-men-its-not-about-faith.html | last=Funaro | first=Vincent | work=The Christian Post | date=10 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721005133/https://www.christianpost.com/news/singer-hozier-on-catholic-church-its-an-organization-of-men-its-not-about-faith.html | archive-date=21 July 2019 | url-status=live}} He showed support for abortion in the Republic of Ireland in the 2018 referendum and stated he felt "pride" in his generation and the democratic process following the vote.{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/irish-abortion-referendum-musicians-encourage-votes-tweets-8457893/ | title=Niall Horan, Hozier, Bastille & More Encourage Votes on Irish Abortion Referendum | first=Gil | last=Kaufman | magazine=Billboard | date=25 May 2018 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=10 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610123129/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/irish-abortion-referendum-musicians-encourage-votes-tweets-8457893/ | url-status=live }} In 2020, Hozier donated all the royalties from his 2019 protest song "Jackboot Jump" to the NAACP and Black Lives Matter movement following the George Floyd protests.{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishpost.com/entertainment/250072-250072 | title=Hozier a decade on | first=Tony | last=Clayton-Lea | work=Irish Post | date=23 March 2023 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025945/https://www.irishpost.com/entertainment/250072-250072 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://etcanada.com/news/653911/hozier-shares-public-support-for-black-lives-matter-after-facebook-fan-group-deleted-blm-posts/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210220716/https://etcanada.com/news/653911/hozier-shares-public-support-for-black-lives-matter-after-facebook-fan-group-deleted-blm-posts/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=10 December 2020 | title=Hozier Shares Public Support For Black Lives Matter After Facebook Fan Group Deleted BLM Posts | work=Entertainment Tonight Canada | date=7 June 2020}} In March 2023, Hozier performed at the Love Rising benefit concert in Nashville in support of the LGBTQ community.{{Cite news | url=https://www.jambase.com/article/hozier-allison-russell-love-rising-nina-cried-power | title=Watch Hozier & Allison Russell's Fierce 'Nina Cried Power' Collab At 'Love Rising' | first=Andy | last=Kahn | work=JamBase | date=21 March 2023 | access-date=21 July 2023 | archive-date=21 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721195307/https://www.jambase.com/article/hozier-allison-russell-love-rising-nina-cried-power | url-status=live }} Hozier has expressed solidarity with Palestine by calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during his Unreal Unearth shows.{{Cite news |last=Simpson |first=Dave |date=11 December 2023 |title=Hozier review – who says pop can't be political? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/11/hozier-review-righteous-rock-is-a-wind-tunnel-of-sound |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Gravley |first=Carly May |title=Hozier Brought a Folk-Rock Political Revolution to Dallas |url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dallas-hozier-concert-review-unreal-unearth-tour-19243616 |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Dallas Observer}}
Discography
{{main|Hozier discography}}
- Hozier (2014)
- Wasteland, Baby! (2019)
- Unreal Unearth (2023)
Awards and nominations
{{awards table}}
!Ref.
|-
|2015
|rowspan="3"|Hozier
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="5"|2025
|Favorite Male Pop Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|Favorite Rock Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=2|"Too Sweet"
|Song of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
|Favorite Rock Song
|{{nom}}
|-
|Favorite Rock Album
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|2015
|Hozier
|Best International Artist
|{{nominated}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|rowspan=2|2015
|Hozier
|International Artist of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
| Song of the Year
| {{won}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|2024
|De Selby (Part 2)
|Best Cinematography
|{{win}}
{{end}}
;
{{awards table}}
|-
|rowspan="5"|2015
|rowspan="2"|Hozier
|Top New Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|Top Rock Artist
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|"Take Me to Church"
|Top Streaming Song {{small|(Audio)}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|Top Rock Song
|{{won}}
|-
|Top Rock Album
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
!Ref.
|-
|2015
|Hozier
|International Male Solo Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|2025
|"Too Sweet"
|{{nom}}
|{{cite web |title=Brit Awards 2025: Nominations in full |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj482r7pqlgo |website=BBC |access-date=25 January 2025 |date=23 January 2025}}
{{end}}
;Country Music Association Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|2020
|"The Bones" (with Maren Morris)
|{{Nominated}}
{{end}}
;European Border Breakers Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|2015
|Album of the Year
|{{win}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|2015
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
| 2015
| "Take Me to Church"
| rowspan="2"|Best Song Musically and Lyrically
| {{won}}
|-
| 2019
| "Nina Cried Power"
{{end}}
{{award table}}
!Ref.
|-
| 2016
| Hozier
| Best New Artist
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2020
| "The Bones" (with Maren Morris)
| Best Remix
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3"|2025
| rowspan="3"|"Too Sweet"
| Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Pop Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Alternative Song of the Year
| {{won}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|2016
|International Album of the Year
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|rowspan=2|2015
|Hozier
|Best International New Artist
| rowspan="2" {{nom}}
|-
|-
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
!Ref.
|-
|2014
|Best Song with a Social Message
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|2024
|rowspan="2"|Hozier
|{{nom}}
|-
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
!Ref.
|-
|rowspan="2"|2015
|rowspan="2"|"Take Me to Church"
|rowspan="2" {{nom}}
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2024
|rowspan="2"|"Too Sweet"
|{{nom}}
|-
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
{{award table}}
!Ref.
|-
| 2016
| Hozier
| International Award
| {{won}}
{{end}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|2015
|{{won}}
{{end}}
;Žebřík Music Awards
{{award table}}
!Ref.
|-
| rowspan=2|2014
| Hozier
| Best International Discovery
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best International Song
| {{nom}}
{{end}}
Tours
=Headlining=
- North American fall (2015){{cite web| url=https://www.pacificsandiego.com/things-to-do/music/pac-hozier-announces-new-fall-concert-dates-story.html |title=Hozier announces new fall concert dates |last=Varga |first=George | work=Pacific San Diego |date=20 April 2015 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092040/https://www.pacificsandiego.com/things-to-do/music/pac-hozier-announces-new-fall-concert-dates-story.html |url-status=live}}
- Wasteland, Baby! (2019) – North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.{{cite magazine |title=Hozier Adds Fall Dates to North American Tour | url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/hozier-fall-dates-north-american-tour/ | first=Taylor | last=Mims |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315103621/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/live/8501891/hozier-fall-dates-north-american-tour |archive-date=15 March 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | title=He'll take you to church: Hozier announces UK and European tour for 2019 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-announces-uk-european-tour-2019-2447302 | first=Nick | last=Reilly | work=NME | date=13 February 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213203704/https://www.nme.com/news/music/hozier-announces-uk-european-tour-2019-2447302/amp |url-status=live}}
- Unreal Unearth (2023){{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-tour-unreal-unearth-tour-new-album-interview-1235398456/ | title=Hozier Is Most Excited About These Three Things Ahead of His U.S. Tour | first=Andrew | last=Unterberger | magazine=Billboard | date=28 August 2023 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=28 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928025946/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/hozier-tour-unreal-unearth-tour-new-album-interview-1235398456/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news | url=https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2023/03/hozier-returns-with-new-ep-eat-your-young-and-announces-north-american-headline-tour-slated-for-the-fall/ | title=Hozier Returns with New EP Eat Your Young and Announces North American Headline Tour Slated for the Fall | work=Live Nation Entertainment | date=17 March 2023 | access-date=28 September 2023 | archive-date=22 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422152251/https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2023/03/hozier-returns-with-new-ep-eat-your-young-and-announces-north-american-headline-tour-slated-for-the-fall/ | url-status=live }}
- Govball (2025)Lineup | Gov Ball. (n.d.). https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/lineup
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{official website}}
- {{IMDb name|6494594}}
{{Hozier}}
{{Ivor Novello Best Song}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hozier}}
Category:21st-century Irish male singers
Category:21st-century Irish singer-songwriters
Category:Alumni of Trinity College Dublin
Category:Critics of the Catholic Church
Category:Irish LGBTQ rights activists
Category:Irish male singer-songwriters
Category:People educated at St Gerard's School, Bray
Category:People from Bray, County Wicklow
Category:People from Newcastle, County Wicklow