Hozier

Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an acclaimed Irish musician, singer, and songwriter. Rooted in folk, soul, and blues, his music has resonated globally, with his debut single, "Take Me to Church" (2013), reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut studio album, "Hozier" (2014), was certified 6× platinum in Ireland and peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200. His second album, "Wasteland, Baby!" (2019), and his third, "Unreal Unearth" (2023), both debuted at number one on the Irish Albums Chart and the Billboard 200. Hozier's musical journey began at a young age; he started writing songs at 15 and taught himself guitar. His early musical experiences included touring with the choral ensemble Anúna and playing at the Oxegen festivals in 2009 and 2010.

Hozier's music is not only known for its captivating melodies and his soulful voice, but also for its potent themes and rich lyrical content. Drawing inspiration from artist-activists like Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie, as well as blues artists like John Lee Hooker and Otis Redding, Hozier's songs often contain vivid literary references and imagery drawn from nature and religion. His music also explores themes of romantic relationships, love, and politics, and often subverts social norms, discussing defiance of organized religion and social convention. His socially conscious themes extend to LGBTQ+ rights, domestic violence, political and social justice, and climate change. His activism extends beyond his music; he has performed at benefit concerts, expressed solidarity with various social movements, and leveraged his platform to call for social change.

Over the years, Hozier's work has received recognition from various prestigious platforms. His song "Take Me to Church" was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2015, and he also won the International Award at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards. In addition, he received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. His music has been featured in various platforms, including the film "Cherry Wine" and shows like The Late Late Show and The Late Late Show with James Corden. His collaborations extend to artists like Bear McCreary, for the song "Blood Upon the Snow" for the video game God of War: Ragnarök, and Tori Kelly, with whom he performed "Blackbird" at VH1's Big Music in 2015 concert.