Andrew Hozier-Byrne is a singer-songwriter hailing from Bray, County Wicklow who has crashed onto the Irish music scene in the last 12 months. His debut EP, ‘Take Me To Church’ was released in 2013 featuring, along with the title track, the songs ‘Like Real People Do’, ‘Angel of Small Death and The Codeine Scene’ and ’Cherry Wine’ with ‘Take Me To Church’ earning him worldwide critical acclaim after going viral on Youtube.
The son of a Blues musician and an artist, Hozier began a music degree in Trinity College but dropped out in his first year to record tracks with Universal Music. Since then the 24 year old has gained success in countries all over the world, but one country that seems intent on importing Ireland’s latest home-grown produce is the United States. His self-titled album ‘Hozier’ currently resides at number 2 in its 17th week on Billboard’s ‘Top 100’ American chart list (06/02/2015). And with 14 new tour dates recently announced around the USA, the Wicklow native is showing no signs of going anywhere.
But what exactly has given this self-proclaimed ‘Gangly Introvert’ his newfound success? Many would put it down to the distinct, silky voice behind the microphone, or perhaps the thought-provoking lyrics that resonate through each of his singles. Whatever it be, it’s certain that Hozier’s sound and style is one that comes around once in a lifetime. His combination of Blues, Indie Rock and Soul leaves something for everyone who picks up his album, and it seems like he’s been plugging along the road to stardom for much longer. Where songs such as ‘Jackie and Wilson’ and ‘Angel of Small Death and The Codeine Scene’ might feel right at home in the playlist of a devoted rock n’ roll aficionado, other tracks such as ‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Like Real People Do’ prove that less can indeed lead to more and sometimes all you need is a guitar and a stunning voice to compliment it.
Hozier’s breakthrough single ‘Take Me To Church’ has recently been named Spotify’s most streamed track of 2014. The bellowy, rich soul track has also seen him playing spots at various high profile events and talk shows, in December of last year the folks over at Victoria’s Secret commissioned the lofty 24 year old to play at their 2014 fashion show alongside acts such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. He’s also made appearances on American shows like ‘Ellen’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’.
Despite his larger-than-life vocals and deep, resonating lyrics, the singer seems to have remained a country boy at heart. He takes every opportunity he can to express how thankful and overwhelmed he is at the whole affair, stating that he was ‘completely bowled over’ at his Grammy Nomination for his lead-off track ‘Take Me To Church’.
Just back from a European tour, Hozier appears to be taking the world by storm. And, in the words of Augustus Waters, it seems he is indeed on a roller coaster that only goes up.
The son of a Blues musician and an artist, Hozier began a music degree in Trinity College but dropped out in his first year to record tracks with Universal Music. Since then the 24 year old has gained success in countries all over the world, but one country that seems intent on importing Ireland’s latest home-grown produce is the United States. His self-titled album ‘Hozier’ currently resides at number 2 in its 17th week on Billboard’s ‘Top 100’ American chart list (06/02/2015). And with 14 new tour dates recently announced around the USA, the Wicklow native is showing no signs of going anywhere.
But what exactly has given this self-proclaimed ‘Gangly Introvert’ his newfound success? Many would put it down to the distinct, silky voice behind the microphone, or perhaps the thought-provoking lyrics that resonate through each of his singles. Whatever it be, it’s certain that Hozier’s sound and style is one that comes around once in a lifetime. His combination of Blues, Indie Rock and Soul leaves something for everyone who picks up his album, and it seems like he’s been plugging along the road to stardom for much longer. Where songs such as ‘Jackie and Wilson’ and ‘Angel of Small Death and The Codeine Scene’ might feel right at home in the playlist of a devoted rock n’ roll aficionado, other tracks such as ‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Like Real People Do’ prove that less can indeed lead to more and sometimes all you need is a guitar and a stunning voice to compliment it.
Hozier’s breakthrough single ‘Take Me To Church’ has recently been named Spotify’s most streamed track of 2014. The bellowy, rich soul track has also seen him playing spots at various high profile events and talk shows, in December of last year the folks over at Victoria’s Secret commissioned the lofty 24 year old to play at their 2014 fashion show alongside acts such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. He’s also made appearances on American shows like ‘Ellen’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’.
Despite his larger-than-life vocals and deep, resonating lyrics, the singer seems to have remained a country boy at heart. He takes every opportunity he can to express how thankful and overwhelmed he is at the whole affair, stating that he was ‘completely bowled over’ at his Grammy Nomination for his lead-off track ‘Take Me To Church’.
Just back from a European tour, Hozier appears to be taking the world by storm. And, in the words of Augustus Waters, it seems he is indeed on a roller coaster that only goes up.