Hozier, Allison Russell
The lineup at Breese so far has leaned toward acts for Boomers and X-ers; now Millennials are getting a slice of the action. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier’s bluesy, folky delivery is not so far off from a Ray LaMontagne, but a '20s pop sensibility does sneak in. Soulful singing with more of a beat comes from opener Allison Russell, formerly of Po' Girl and Birds of Chicago.
media release: Award-winning, RIAA-Diamond certified singer/songwriter Hozier's mos
Singer-songwriter, poet, activist and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell is supporting Hozier on tour.
Hozier has continued to hook audiences worldwide with his provocative, energetic, and organic live performances that span his extensive decade-long catalog of hits. He has stayed true to his ethos as his shows have grown into larger venues, continuing to draw inspiration from performing entirely live with his expanding band. Hozier’s unique connection with his audience has grown more apparent over the years and stems from the enduring intimate nature of his shows. His dedicated following of die-hard fans quickly showed their enthusiasm for his third studio album, Unreal Unearth, learning the lyrics to the songs through his live performances and singing along to every word prior to the release. Released August 18 via Columbia Records, the 16-track LP debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and follows a captivating thematic arc informed by the turbulence of the world and the fight for a better and brighter tomorrow.
Hozier finds harmony and melody in the midst of chaos. The GRAMMY® Award-nominated Diamond-certified Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist tunes into raw blues spirit, unrestrained soul, rock energy, and folk eloquence. At 22, he delivered a generational anthem in the form of “Take Me To Church.” It reached 13x-Platinum status and earned a rare Diamond certification from the RIAA, climbed to the #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, became one of the Top 30 “Most-Streamed Songs on Spotify,” and notched a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Song of the Year.” It paved the way for his 2014 full-length debut, Hozier, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and went double-Platinum. The 2019 Gold-certified follow-up, Wasteland, Baby!, bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Platinum single “Almost (Sweet Music).”
With over 14 billion streams worldwide and countless late-night television performances, Hozier landed on President Barack Obama’s annual “Favorite Songs” list with “Nina Cried Power” featuring Mavis Staples, performed at The Kennedy Center Honors, and served up original compositions for everything from the blockbuster Legend of Tarzan to Sony Playstation juggernaut God of War: Ragnarök in collaboration with composer Bear McCreary. He’s collaborated with Mavis Staples, Annie Lennox, Tori Kelly, Maren Morris and MEDUZA. Additionally, Hozier has impressively sold over 1 million tickets globally – selling out legendary venues such as The Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden, to name a few. This dyed-in-the-wool troubadour has never shied away from social commentary, addressing injustices suffered by the LGBTQ+ community, women’s rights, domestic violence, climate change, and the endless fight for social justice. However, he plunges into his most ambitious vision thus far on his third full-length LP, Unreal Unearth [Columbia Records], which debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200.
Allison Russell won a Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for "Eve Was Black" from her critically acclaimed album The Returner. The record also racked up nominations for Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song and Best Americana Performance for the album title track - “The Returner."
The Returner follows her debut solo LP, Outside Child and is a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of liberation, love, and self-respect that serves as a fierce declaration of joy for all survivors that have made it to the other side. It was written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay).
“Allison Russell’s second solo album brings to mind a verse from the Bible: ‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’ After reflecting on her escape from abuse on her 2021 breakout, Outside Child, Russell is celebrating her freedom on The Returner. The album has its heavy moments, but it’s largely brighter — and funkier.” - Vulture
"it takes a village to make deep, meaningful change in the world around you, and Russell is ready to build that village from the ground up" - Billboard
"Her 2021 solo debut Outside Child was a harrowing listen, and also one of the year's best albums. Now, on her highly anticipated second album, Russell delves into a new chapter, with equally stunning results." - Garden & Gun
"Allison Russell's 'The Returner' is a 5-star triumph in the face of pain."
- American Songwriter
"The Returner is a welcome arrival, and once again Russell opens her heart, inviting listeners to travel with her, body and soul, through travails and triumphs. The community gathered on this record reflects the unity we all strive for in the face of anguish and pain. It’s comforting and empowering to walk beside Russell as a fellow traveler."
- No Depression