Hozier performs a stunning set of songs on Oake and Riley in the Morning
by Jill Riley and Brian Oake
June 05, 2019
The first time Andrew Hozier-Byrne — best known by his professional moniker, Hozier — played in Minneapolis, he and his band performed at First Avenue. This past Sunday, Hozier and company returned to Minnesota, where they played to a packed house at the State Theatre. "We're absolutely delighted to be back," Hozier says, "and we played to an amazing audience last night."
With a couple days to get to their next tour stop, in Kansas City, Hozier and his band visited The Current studio to perform a set of songs and to talk to Brian Oake and Jill Riley on Oake & Riley in the Morning.
Hozier is touring in support of his second album, Wasteland, Baby!, which rocketed to No. 1 in both the United States and in Hozier's native Ireland. Of the songs on the album, Hozier says, "They all sat under the same sort of anxiety or the same kind of concerns. It was just 'the-worst-is-yet-to-come' kind of feeling."
Not that the spirit of Wasteland, Baby! is one of total resignation. "It's that exclamation mark, maybe, which has the right smile in it and adds that little bit of humor to it," Hozier says. "I think 'Nina Cried Power' was the most hopeful song because it speaks to action and direct action and what can be achieved."
Between songs in a set that includes "Nina Cried Power," "Almost (Sweet Music)" and "Movement," Hozier shares further insights into the songs, his songwriting process and his life in general. He also captivates the room with an impromptu, solo, a cappella performance of the Irish folk song, "The Humours of Whiskey." Use the audio player above to listen to the complete session with Hozier.
More Video
Personnel
Hozier - vocals; guitar on "Almost (Sweet Music)"
Alex Ryan - bass
Cormac Curran - organ
Jessica Berry - keyboards
Kristen Rogers - backing vocals, hand claps
Rachel Beauregard - backing vocals, hand claps
Rory Doyle - drums, percussion
Suzanne Santosuosso - violin, backing vocals
Songs Performed
"Nina Cried Power"
"Almost (Sweet Music)"
"The Humours of Whiskey" (Traditional)
"Movement"
All original songs from Hozier's 2019 album, Wasteland, Baby!, released on Rubyworks Records.
Hosted by Brian Oake and Jill Riley
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Corey Schreppel
Visuals by Nate Ryan and Minju Kim
Web feature by Luke Taylor
External Link
Hozier - official site
