Hozier
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne (born 17 March 1990), known professionally as Hozier (/ˈhoʊziər/ HOH-zee-ər),[1] is an Irish musician, singer and songwriter. His music primarily draws from folk, soul and blues, often using religious and literary themes and taking political or social justice stances.
For the musician's debut album, see Hozier (album). For other uses, see Hozier (disambiguation).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 has been 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.[2] His third studio album, Unreal Unearth (2023), was released on Rubyworks Records, and debuted at number one on the Irish and UK charts.[3] In 2024, he released the EP Unheard, which includes the song "Too Sweet".
Early life[edit]
Andrew John Hozier-Byrne was born on 17 March 1990 in County Wicklow, the son of Raine Hozier-Byrne, an artist, and John Byrne, a local blues drummer who had a day job working at a bank.[4][5][6][7] He began writing songs at the age of 15, [8] taught himself guitar and sang in his school choir.[5] He was educated at Delgany National School. His parents were raised Catholics but converted to Quakers. Despite this, he later attended the Catholic 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.[9][10]
Career[edit]
2008–2012: Beginnings[edit]
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".[11][12][13] Hozier played at the Oxegen 2009 and Oxegen 2010 festivals.[14] In 2012, Hozier was a backup singer for Billy Ocean.[15]
