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Talking Blues With Hozier, A One-Man Irish Invasion The 24-year-old singer is poised to be the next big music export from across the Atlantic. Hear Hozier speak with NPR's Melissa Block and perform a few songs live in the studio.

Music Interviews

Talking Blues With Hozier, A One-Man Irish Invasion

Heard on All Things Considered

By 

NPR Staff

Talking Blues With Hozier, A One-Man Irish Invasion

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Hozier performs live in Studio 1 at NPR's Washington, D.C. headquarters. Olivia Merrion/NPR hide caption

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Olivia Merrion/NPR

Hozier performs live in Studio 1 at NPR's Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Olivia Merrion/NPR

With a big, soulful voice rooted in American blues and gospel, Hozier has spent 2014 on a clear path to stardom. His breakthrough song, "Take Me to Church," has racked up millions of views online, and his U.S. tour is sold out. He's been favorably compared to Lorde and Adele. But to the 24-year-old from Ireland, big stages and big crowds are still a bit intimidating.

The singer born Andrew Hozier-Byrne recently spoke with NPR's Melissa Block about his music roots, his love of the blues and his fast rise to fame — and brought along his band to play a few songs live in the studio. Hear their conversation and the music at the audio link, and check out a hand-picked playlist of Hozier's favorite songs on Spotify.