Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an acclaimed Irish musician, singer, and songwriter born on March 17, 1990, in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. Renowned for his soulful voice and eclectic musical influences, Hozier’s work predominantly spans folk, soul, and blues, often incorporating religious and literary themes along with social and political commentary.
Hozier’s musical journey began early, influenced by his parents’ extensive blues, jazz, and soul record collection, featuring artists like John Lee Hooker and Nina Simone. His father, a drummer, also contributed to his early exposure to music. Hozier studied music briefly at Trinity College Dublin, where he became involved with the Trinity Orchestra, but he left during his first year to record demos for Universal Music.
In 2013, Hozier released his debut EP, featuring the breakout single “Take Me to Church,” which quickly became a viral sensation on YouTube. The single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and was certified multi-platinum globally. His follow-up EP, “From Eden,” was released in 2014 and included tracks like “Work Song” and “Arsonist’s Lullabye.”
Hozier’s self-titled debut studio album, released in September 2014 in Ireland and globally in October 2014, solidified his place in the music industry. The album featured hits such as “Take Me to Church,” “From Eden,” and “Cherry Wine,” and was met with critical acclaim. It has since been certified 6× platinum in Ireland and multi-platinum in several other countries.
In 2018, Hozier released the EP “Nina Cried Power,” with the title track reaching number one on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart. His second full-length album, “Wasteland, Baby!” was released in March 2019. The album debuted at number one on both the Irish Albums Chart and the Billboard 200 and was certified gold in the U.S. Despite some criticism regarding its length, the album was praised for Hozier’s vocal performance and songwriting.
Hozier continued to explore social and political themes in his music. His 2022 collaboration with Bear McCreary, “Blood Upon the Snow,” was featured in the video game God of War: Ragnarök. His third studio album, “Unreal Unearth,” released in 2023 on Rubyworks Records, debuted at number one on the Irish and UK charts.
In 2024, Hozier released the EP “Unheard,” which included his first number-one single in Ireland, the US, and the UK, “Too Sweet.” His songwriting, often drawing from Irish folklore and poets like Seamus Heaney and W. B. Yeats, combines vivid literary references with themes of love, politics, and social justice. Hozier’s lyrics, known for their meticulous crafting and depth, frequently challenge social norms and organized religion, reflecting his belief that “the personal is the political.”
Hozier remains a significant figure in contemporary music, blending diverse influences into a unique sound that resonates with a global audience. His commitment to addressing social issues through his art continues to define his career and impact.
