Hozier on Take Me to Church and how the nine circles of hell inspired his new album

For his latest album, Unreal Unearth, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier looked to the nine circles of hell for inspiration. More specifically, “Dante’s Inferno.” Hozier sits down with Tom Power to talk about the new record and the resonance of his biggest hit, “Take Me to Church,” in 2023.
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[@anandasouthard7760]

Imagine a world where even half the population were as thoughtful and empathetic as this man and the other half valued and aspired to embodying those traits. We have so much potential for goodness. We could be that if we wanted to. I want that for us.

[@sunflowerpower321]

We don’t need to imagine it- it’s already here. I think people fall into the trap of putting artists on a pedestal and assuming they are some demi-god compared to the average person. Have you seen those interviewers that go on the streets and ask regular people to talk about their lives e.g Humans of New York? Most of the regular folk you see everyday are having the most profound thoughts in their head. Most people are thoughtful and kind and insightful. Not everyone has the gift of creating art to express this outwardly and not everyone has the honour of sharing themselves and being interviewed on a broadcast. The world is a beautiful place. Even the so called ‘villains’ have their role in the plot. Think about all the beautiful literature, poetry, visual art and music created out of sorrow, pain and grief? The full spectrum of humanity exists in a constant state of balance. If we go out everyday expecting the goodness in people- I guarantee you the world will reflect this back to you ✨🫶🏾

[@LoveAboveAll4]

We will get there ❤

[@coochie_monster_]

I'm so happy to exist at the same time as this incredibly passionate and talented man. His music means so much to me, truly. Really doubt he might read this but if by any chance you do, Andrew your work is so life affirming. Thank you, it makes me feel alive and human 💖🌿💫

[@karafogertey1764]

You speak my thoughts exactly and beautifully.

[@johnwandrisco3686]

@@karafogertey1764There is nothing I could’ve added, except to admit same here.

[@carlyhamdon1603]

This is a fantastic interview. I really appreciate how the interviewer gave Andrew space to really explain Unreal, Unearth and emphasized the power of Take me to Church not as a commodity but as a protest anthem. Also, he totally respected Andrew’s boundaries 👌🏻

[@crystalgriffin4635]

The depth of emotions one can see on Hozier’s face when they are talking about how Take Me to Church has been used around the world as people protest injustices is something special to see. I can’t imagine everything he is feeling in that moment. I enjoyed Tom interviewing him. Thank you.

[@lauraslade5308]

I honestly thought he was going to cry when the interviewer brought up Serena, it looked like a struggle for him

[@LoveAboveAll4]

Absolutely incredible. He knows what he's talking about

[@mead0wsgates]

His response to the question about Serena is so so measured. His self-awareness and respect is profound.

[@Gabby-vi2oq]

babe wake up new hozier content just dropped

[@rosecoloredgal]

10:37 imagine going through a hard time and hozier writing you a song to make you feel better 🥺

[@nicolebenigno8599]

Beautiful background on his music. Just to relate a little encounter. My daughter went his signing this summer in NYC. He was so kind , wrote the lyrics of a song for her. Admired her pen , she agreed it was nice. Offered it to him , he declined. Adorable man. Also she filmed him, filming his opening act at the MSG concert. He in turn filmed her . Truly was a fun part of the amazing concert. I wish him happiness and continued success.

[@valaeeria]

I might’ve stumbled across your daughter’s video on TikTok. It was such a cute exchange! Lovely, lovely lad.

[@moshanoustdavid]

@@valaeeriame too!!!

[@nicolebenigno8599]

@@valaeeria Yes, that is my Chloe. I appreciate you letting me know . ❤️❤️

[@nicolebenigno8599]

@@moshanoustdavid Thank you for mentioning you saw her. It made my day.❤️

[@valaeeria]

@@nicolebenigno8599 no problem 🥰

[@valaeeria]

Oh to travel back in time and to be lectured by Hozier about Dante in secondary school instead of my teacher who was very boring lol Very proud about the most iconic pillar of our national literature being the inspiration for the majestic oeuvre that “Unreal Unearth” is! Can’t stop listening to it. One of my favourite albums of the year.

[@taratapert8969]

Imagine going through a dark time and having him personally write a song for you. His music alone has been getting me through the past few months. The happiest day I had this year was when I was lucky enough to see him in concert. Adore this man and cannot wait to see how he continues to grow 🌻

[@andyzar1177]

Beautiful talk! The Irish always have a profound way of writing about the world.

[@fancynancy074]

This was a great interview. Well-researched and dug beneath the surface. Having watched a few of these interviews for this album cycle, it’s clear Hozier’s people or the record company footed the 10th anniversary of TMTC as a talking point, but his answer and specifically talking about Sarina was new and illuminating. Nice job.

[@florence2720]

This was a great interview. Well-researched and dug beneath the surface. Having watched a few of these interviews for this album cycle, it’s clear Hozier’s people or the record company footed the 10th anniversary of TMTC as a talking point, but his answer and specifically talking about Serena was new and illuminating. Nice job.

[@fancynancy074]

@@florence2720wtf is this?

[@paigemclachlan2189]

Tom is the best, I feel like him and Andrew really bounce off each others energy. Can’t even tell you how excited I was when I saw this

[@marinamerino1822]

I just wish they didnt always ask him the same questions. He kindly answers and repeats them but I think interviewers should check if Dante's inferno question about the album wasn't already questioned like 5 times before

[@sofiakarch3373]

I would love to hear bits of the orignal songs that he talked about which were "to heavily based on dantes inferno". I love the album so much and new nothing about dantes inferno before, but now that ive hyperfixated on the album i would love to hear some of the songs based directly on it!

[@LoveAboveAll4]

I just broke a bowl listening to this. Thanks guys

[@LoveAboveAll4]

Absolutely beautiful interview

[@formeitsmcchickenthebestfastfo]

What a wonderful interviewer! I truly enjoyed Tom's interview with Hozier here ❤

[@Aye.919]

His perspective on so many things are so deep and interesting that now just listening to his music is amazing but also just hear him talk becomes a great experience. Love Andrew.

[@masonfuller7848]

More songs next year you say👀👀👀

[@LindaRahaim]

Hozier....such a great responsibility. I love your music...and your heart. Stay true.

[@ashleykerman8482]

Great interview. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this. Saw or should say, I experienced the show in Raleigh last night and love continuing my education on this album and most incredible artist. ❤

[@mead0wsgates]

Incredible interview

[@tamyagriffin7617]

Such a good interview

[@LurdesPinto-yq5bs]

Excelente entrevista ❤

[@teresapattie2380]

Love this beautiful soul

[@karmalogically]

thank you

[@karmalogically]

I love you so much my chest hurts

[@user-sl4tm3cg9x]

Does anybody? Know if he has any CD's out.Because I really love his music from what I hear❤

[@calebrosson4260]

Thank you for speaking on behalf of our indelible LGBTQIA+ CIVIL RIGTHS

[@louiseharpth1267]

He reminds me of the priest who did my confirmation

[@LurdesPinto-yq5bs]

❤️🥹♥️❤️

[@vianeyabigailhernandezba-sr6cc]

florence ?

[@titanium_val]

It’s an town or city (I’m not sure) in Italy. It’s where Dante was from

[@michelabonzio]

@@titanium_valit’s a city

[@thefirstchampster]

Tom makes Zane Lowe look like it's his first day on the job.

[@tonijackson3421]

No he doesn’t. Both of them are just good at interviews in their own way. Why be dramatic and rude just to make a comment? 😅

[@newhampshirehomes]

This life is the closest to Hell you’ll ever experience if you believe in Jesus, as Lord and Savior. If you do not, then this earth is the closest you’ll ever get to heaven. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. John 3:16 Be sure to read 3:17-18 and you will understand even better.