Hozier is the stage name of Andrew Hozier-Byrne, an Irish singer-songwriter from Bray, Ireland. He is associated with blues, blues rock, chamber pop, folk rock, indie rock, pop and related indie and soul-influenced styles.

Early life and training

Hozier grows up in Bray, County Wicklow. He begins a music degree at Trinity College Dublin but leaves during his first year to record demos for Universal Music. While at Trinity, he also becomes involved with the Trinity Orchestra.

ANÚNA and early recordings

From 2008 to 2012, Hozier is a member of ANÚNA. He appears as a soloist on their 2012 release Illumination, performing “La Chanson de Mardi Gras”, and tours and sings with the group internationally, including performances in Norway and the Netherlands.

Breakthrough and EPs

In 2013, he releases his debut EP, led by “Take Me to Church”, which becomes his breakthrough single after spreading on YouTube. The track reaches number one on the Irish iTunes singles chart and number two on the Irish official chart. Later in 2013, he releases the Take Me to Church EP, which also includes “Like Real People Do”, “Angel of Small Death and The Codeine Scene” and a live version of “Cherry Wine”. In 2014, he releases the From Eden EP, featuring “Work Song”, “Arsonist’s Lullabye” and a live version of “To Be Alone”. He also gives festival and television performances in the United States.

Debut album and later releases

Hozier releases his self-titled debut album, Hozier, in 2014. The album includes five singles, among them “Take Me to Church”, “Work Song” and “From Eden”, all of which first appear on earlier EPs.

In 2018, he releases the Nina Cried Power EP, with the title track issued as a single. In 2019, he releases his second album, Wasteland, Baby!, which debuts at number one in Ireland and on the Billboard 200 and later receives gold certification in the United States.

Awards and recognition

“Take Me to Church” is nominated for Song of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

Family and background

Hozier’s mother is the visual artist Raine Hozier-Byrne, who also designs his latest album cover.