Hozier

I think it's very hard to write things about being joyful. I find that quite difficult. I think when you're happy, you don't want to write songs; you just want to enjoy being happy.

I try to face things without regret, or make sure that I'm happy with things and leave nothing unsaid if I can.

I am a politically motivated person, and that will come through in the music.

Someone had an eye on me as I was leaving high school. I had a chance to record demos, but they were kind of wanting to make a pop singer out of me, of the 'X Factor' variety. I didn't feel comfortable with it. I wanted to be a songwriter.

I have very strong feelings about a lot of things. I am sometimes reluctant to come straight to the forefront with it. You know, first and foremost, I'm a musician. I'm a songwriter.

I'm not quite used to being seen through the eyes of fans yet. Being met with squeals and screams - I haven't gotten used to that.

I hate nightclubs, and I get fed up very quickly in crowded rooms. I enjoy being around people I know.

If I don't think something's worth saying, I don't think it's quite there, I'd rather just not say it, to be honest. In that case, I'd rather wait 'till the thought is ready, 'till I feel like I'm happy with everything.

I try to be happy. I try to face things without regret or make sure that I'm happy with things and leave nothing unsaid if I can.

I'm quite tame as touring musicians go.

I always thought of myself as a very, very obscure artist.

There is no singer I can think of who can touch Ella Fitzgerald. And when Billie Holiday sings, she's merciless about it. Her voice has just this immaculate sadness - even in happy songs, there was something that was so broken about it.