For the Love of Hozier

Hi. My name is Briana. And I’m a tune junky.

I listen to music from the minute I wake up until someone turns the stereo off just in time for the house to go to bed. I listen to everything from country to classical, Metallica to Enya, and Marc Broussard to Frank Sinatra to The Who. They’re all great. Some rev up my demons, others lull them. I’ve always been an eclectic person when it comes to music, books, and tea selections. I treat all equally. Love all equally. That was… until… I discovered Hozier.

I find I no longer treat music equally on my playlists… I’ve got favorites now.

It only took one song and that dude’s music set my soul free. Instantly I was addicted. Consumed. Changed forever. That was about a year and half ago. I’ve not been the same since.

We all strive to put our mark on this world. Create something. Move someone. Alter the universe somehow. Hozier did that for me. His songs fit so perfect for the moods I get in or when I get stuck in my head with all the lovely voices. The Mad Writer finally has some music to sing to.

I write in silence. I get too easily distracted with the beat if I play music while I write. But I blast that stuff till the windows shake when I’m contemplating plot lines, cleaning, cooking, playing with the kids, or reading. It’s only after I finish writing a book that I go back, pull out some scenes, and pair them with music I love. There’s quite a few of this man’s songs on my “Unofficial Playlists” and I encourage you to go to my website, look them up, and give a listen. He’s truly incredible.

The first song I ever heard him sing was “From Eden” and wouldn’t you know it, in my mind’s eye was the scene in SHINE where Xander was sitting in the bar quietly watching Willow work and Brinley was sucking back those desert sunrises. So perfect. “Arsonist’s Lullaby” made Rowan drop to her knees the first time it came on my Pandora station. And don’t even get me going on “It Will Come Back” as the best song ever to describe PASSION. I still get chills when I listen to it and think of that first chapter, knowing how that particular book ends. Hozier’s oh-so-popular song “Take Me to Church” was a given for BARGAINS. There was no way that was NOT going on the playlist. ‘Nuff said.

I love to pair music with my books. Hey, if movies can have soundtracks, why can’t books, right?

No, Hozier and I have never met. I hope he doesn’t mind how much I sing praises about him though. Truly, even my children sing all his songs – that’s how often I play his music in my house.

What can I say? He inspires me. Motivates me. His voice moves me in ways I seriously don’t think any other singer has ever done. Hell, I have characters coming your way that were born the second I heard the song “Like Real People Do.” It’s weird how something someone else does can spark another’s imagination. Fascinating, really, but there you have it, folks – I hear a song from him and I’m telling you people start popping into my head like mushrooms spring out of the ground.

Sadly, Hozier will probably never read my books. I’m not popular enough to catch his attention and I suspect he’s wayyyy to busy making a new album to have time for Faetales written by the likes of me. That’s okay. I’m going to play his songs every day and my characters and I will jive to his music while he’s on the other side of the world doing whatever tickles his musical muse.

It seems to me, when hearing his lyrics and watching his videos, that he’s trying his best to stand up and fight for things that more people need to pay attention to. He’s trying to better the world with his songs, his lyrics, and his hauntingly beautiful voice.

I’m going to do the same with my stories.

So I’ll end with saying that yes, I’m addicted. I have no hope of recovery here. No desire to be restored to my former self. May we all be so lucky to find that one song, that one artist, that one musician or author or painter or actor that moves us, shakes us, invigorates us.

Artists all over the globe are doing their best to bring you into a brighter world. I hope you find the one that speaks to your soul.

Oh, and Hozier? Keep writing your music, man. Sit in Ireland and let her stir your soul. Awaken the world one melody at a time. If I’m ever lucky enough to see you perform live, you’ll know me as the woman in the back who is drinking a pint and singing right along with you.