Hozier, born Andrew John Hozier-Byrne on March 17, 1990, is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and blues-inspired sound. Rising to fame with his breakout hit Take Me to Church in 2013, Hozier has since established himself as a unique and influential artist in contemporary music.
Hozier was born in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, into a musical household. His father, a musician and blues drummer, greatly influenced his early exposure to music, while his mother, an artist, contributed to his appreciation for creativity. From a young age, he was drawn to blues, gospel, and folk music, particularly inspired by artists such as Nina Simone, Muddy Waters, and Tom Waits. These influences shaped his signature style, which blends blues, soul, folk, and rock with deeply introspective and socially conscious lyrics.
Hozier studied music at Trinity College Dublin but left before completing his degree to pursue his music career. He worked as a backup singer for the choral ensemble Anúna and spent time honing his songwriting skills before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. In 2013, Hozier independently released his debut single, Take Me to Church, which quickly gained viral attention. The song’s powerful lyrics, addressing themes of love, religious hypocrisy, and social justice, resonated with a global audience. Its accompanying music video, which depicted a same-sex couple facing persecution, further amplified the song’s impact, drawing attention to LGBTQ+ rights and issues of discrimination. The track earned him a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year and solidified his place in the industry. Following the success of Take Me to Church, Hozier released his self-titled debut album in 2014. The record, which featured songs like From Eden, Cherry Wine, and Jackie and Wilson, showcased his ability to weave intricate storytelling with haunting melodies. It received critical acclaim and commercial success, further cementing his reputation as a profound and poetic artist.
After a period of relative quiet, Hozier returned with his second studio album, Wasteland, Baby!, in 2019. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, proving that his success was no fleeting moment. Songs like Movement, Almost (Sweet Music), and Dinner and Diatribes demonstrated his evolving sound, incorporating more lush instrumentation and a wider emotional range. The album tackled themes of love, despair, hope, and the state of the world, particularly environmental and political issues. In 2023, Hozier released his third studio album, Unreal Unearth, inspired by Dante’s Inferno and personal introspection. This album deepened his exploration of existential themes while maintaining the ethereal and emotive qualities his fans have come to expect. With tracks like Eat Your Young and Francesca, he continued to blend poetic lyricism with rich musical textures.