Hozier – Unreal Unearth

[Live Your Life]

Irish singer-songwriter, Hozier, is releasing his debut album this fall on Columbia records. His two EPs, "Take Me to Church" and "From Eden" have garnered a lot of buzz. The single, "Take Me to Church," has over 3 million views on YouTube, and is currently Top 10 at AAA.

"Take Me to Church" video:

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Last September, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier posted his first video on YouTube, for the bluesy ballad "Take Me to Church," and it went viral. The charged clip, which criticizes Russia's criminalization of homosexuality, shows a gay man about to be burned alive by masked thugs. The video has racked up 5 million views so far, but the song is about another controversial topic: Ireland's relationship with the Catholic Church.

"Growing up in Ireland, the church is always there – the hypocrisy, the political cowardice," says Hozier, real name Andrew Hozier-Byrne, who identifies as nondenominational Christian. "The video has the same theme – an organization that undermines humanity."

Major-label A&R execs from across the globe flocked to Hozier's hometown of Dublin to scout his gigs. Within weeks, his Irish label Rubyworks (co-owned by his managers Caroline Downey and Denis Desmond with Niall Muckian) had inked deals with Island/Universal internationally and Sony's Columbia in the United States, where the "Take Me to Church" EP was released in late November. A second EP, "From Eden," followed in March as a streaming exclusive with Spotify before hitting digital retailers in April.

Meanwhile, "Church" is still growing, jumping 4-2 on the Aug. 2 Adult Alternative Songs chart. On Alternative Songs, it pushes 26-25 in its fifth chart week. "There's a lot of layers to the song," says Hozier, who turned 24 on St. Patrick's Day. "It's a love song about asserting one's self."

One of Hozier's biggest fans? OneRepublic singer and hit songwriter Ryan Tedder. "I would love to sign Hozier," he told Billboard in March. "When I heard 'Take Me to Church,' I was like, 'You got to be kidding me. This dude can outsing anybody.' "The two met at a OneRepublic gig in London in May – no word yet on whether they have found time to collaborate creatively.

Hozier's self-titled debut album, due Oct. 7 in the States, is being completed on the road in between shows, where the singer has been known to cover everything from Led Zeppelin to fun. to Amerie's "1 Thing." "It's a bit of a mixed bag," says Hozier of his music. "There's obviously folk, but my earliest influences were Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, so there's lots of blues in it too."

Irish engineer Rob Kirwan (U2, PJ Harvey) is co-producing the album, but much of the rest of his team is a family affair. His mother, Lorraine, did the artwork for both EPs, and is working on the album art and tour merch. Hozier's brother Jon is expected to direct his next video. Meanwhile, co-manager Downey is mapping out Hozier's incredibly tight schedule. "We can tell you where he'll be through March 2016," she says.

www.billboard.com/articles/news/6174242/hozier-gains-following-with-church

[K.]

The clips of the songs on iTunes sound awesome. This is going to be an awesome album.

[Devil Marlena Nylund]

He's on fairly regularly on Sirius.

Please keep Ryan Tedder away from him.

[Hefty Hanna]

Can't wait for the album. 'Cherry Wine' anyone?

[mluv]

I'm happy to see that "Someone New" is included in the new album. I've liked that one ever since I saw the live sessions video for it.

[Live Your Life]

"Sedated" video:

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Per HDD's Rumor Mill:

SNL GOES TO “CHURCH”: Columbia singer/songwriter Hozier will perform on Saturday Night Live on 10/11, the week his full-length album streets, it was announced today. Former SNL cast member Bill Hader, who’s earning Oscar buzz for the indie dramedy The Skeleton Twins, will host the show. Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” is currently Top 10 at Alternative radio, #6 on the iTunes Alternative chart, and #40 at Shazam

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The album is streaming on iTunes Radio First Play.

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All Music gives the album 3.5/5 stars:

The recipient of much hype and praise for his breakthrough single "Take Me to Church," Ireland's Hozier does plenty to back it up on his self-titled debut LP. A soulful voice and a brooding mystique can get you a long way but fortunately, most of the material here is well-written enough to warrant a deeper look at the young artist many have labeled an old soul. Like fellow Irishman Van Morrison did decades before, Hozier (Andrew Hozier-Byrne) draws on the soul and R&B of Jackie Wilson and runs it through the mystery white-boy filter of Jeff Buckley, adding a touch of Bon Iver's rural indie aesthetic to mix into his own dark cocktail. Moodcraft and vibe are where Hozier is at his most effective and he hits his mark on the eerie, midnight-hour blues of "Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene" with its subtle layers of creepy choir boy and gospel vocals. It's the logical sequel to his equally haunting "Take Me to Church," which leads off this set. Coming in at 53 minutes and 13 tracks, the record is probably a bit too lengthy. The album's best tracks, like the warm, laid-back "Someone New" and the grandiose shuffling of "From Eden" are all front loaded in the first half, while side two feels a bit weighed down with a few too many slow, contemplative pieces. When you're dealing with the kind of spells Hozier is casting, it's always best to leave them wanting more. Still, the dirge blues of "It Will Come Back," with its dirty fiddle and electric guitar pairing, manages to rattle the church pews enough to help anchor the back half. In spite of its extra padding and occasional foibles, it's a strong debut and Hozier is far more commanding and convincing than so many other blues-inspired young turks lurking conspicuously in the alleyways of indiedom.

[K.]

Possible album of the year contender for me.

[A2Townie]

This is a phenomenal album. After his SNL performance Saturday, I think he will definitely have the attention and acclaim to be considered a top contender for album of the year. The album's current metacritic score is 82 and rising as more reviews come in...

[SHOOTER]

Projected to debut with 50-55k.

[Juan Carlos]

Debuts at #5 in the UK, while "Take Me to Church" reached at #26 a week ago there.

[SHOOTER]

He performed TMTC and Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene on SNL last night.

[Mike]

I loved both of the songs he performed last night, but his stage presence felt a little flat to me. Excited for the album though.

[Hurricane Lee]

Oh dear. Another new artist I have to support. I heard a couple clips on ITUNES this morning and was very pleasantly surprised.

Edit: I am only on From Eden but...what kind of flawless artist is he? Songwriting, vocals, production, atmosphere, heart. Dude has it all. I am VERY impressed.

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[bigb0882]

Wow, this album is good and that is just from the clips! I have to buy it, like now...

[YourFaveIsAFlop]

Best album of 2014 IMO. I am blown away at how amazing this album is from start to finish. I really hope to get it on vinyl for Christmas. Every song is perfection.

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In other news, he will be performing at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which will air December 9 on CBS.

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"Take Me to Church" is nominated for Song of the Year at the 2015 Grammys.

[Nick]

MAXWELL @_MAXWELL_ · 30m 30 minutes ago

your voice.. @hozier very inspirational

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"Work Song" live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
"From Eden" on The Today Show
"Take Me to Church" on The Today Show

[areyoureadytojump]

This album has been certified Gold with the RIAA!

RIAA.com:

HOZIER HOZIER October 07, 2014 February 27, 2015 COLUMBIA Standard GOLD ALBUM None

[Snowbeast]

He's fucking hot. Will be buying his album tomorrow.

[blue in moonlight]

I caught one of his three shows at the Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville. This guy is a strong live performer and I'm a bit surprised he hasn't received even more attention because his album is also impressive. I cannot wait to catch him again at Bonnaroo this summer.

[popbox]

Work Song sounds AMAZING in the trailer for that Longest Ride movie. I would push that as the next US single.