Artist Discovery: Hozier

by: Daly Tongren

Andrew Hozier Byrne is tall, Irish, and about to blow up.

Known simply as his middle name, Hozier, in the music world, this 24-year-old singer-songwriter currently has two EPs on the market. His music is a mix of soulful blues and a rock-folk sound. Hozier grew up heavily immersed in American delta blues, and credits among his influences Otis Redding and Nina Simone.

The Take Me To Church EP was released in the fall of 2013, with the title track reaching number one on the Irish iTunes charts shortly after. Since that time, “Take Me to Church” has gone almost viral and is currently the single being played on American rock stations like Chicago’s 93XRT. Hozier performed the song on The Ellen Show and The Late Show in recent weeks. The single, which Hozier spoke about in an interview with New York Magazine - “its about sex and it’s about humanity” - paints love as a parallel to religion and takes a bit of a shot at organized religion. “The only heaven I'll be sent to/Is when I'm alone with you, I was born sick, but I love it/Command me to be well.” It’s dirty and sarcastic – which, paired with an almost gospel sound, is something really unique and spectacular.

“The song is about asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love. Turning your back on the theoretical thing, something that's not tangible, and choosing to worship or love something that is tangible and real - something that can be experienced,” Hozier told NY Mag.

The From Eden EP, which was released just earlier this year, features the same lyrical beauty and pure vocals as its predecessor. In particular, the haunting “Arsonists Lullaby” stands out in this track listing. It’s a 4:27 sneak peak into inner darkness. “All you have is your fire/And the place you need to reach, Don't you ever tame your demons/Always keep them on a leash.” Another notable track on this EP is the live version of “To Be Alone,” a more stripped down, twang-y number.

Both EPs are available on iTunes and Spotify.


Hozier has recently announced a North American tour, with a local stop planned October 26, at the Metro. A full album is rumored to be released later this year.