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Hozier named Spotify’s Spotlight Breakout Star


Hozier has been named as Spotify’s Spotlight Breakout Star of 2014.

The 24-year-old performer piqued the interest of the streaming service in 2013 when he was featured in their list of Spotlight on 2014 artists, and has now been picked as their favourite emerging talent of the past 12 months.

On hearing the news, the singer said: "Spotify have shown their support for my music from very early on in my career.

"It’s been a big part of the success of my music this past year and I’m very grateful to them for that support.”

Hozier was recently exposed to a worldwide audience when he performed his hit ‘Take Me To Church’ at London’s Victoria’s Secret Show alongside Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Ed Sheeran, with the track since topping Spotify’s global chart.

Alongside the announcement about the singer-songwriter, Spotify have revealed the acts they are tipping for success in the next year in their Spotlight on 2015 list.

Compiled by the service’s in-house music experts using data from Spotify’s Viral Charts, ‘The Voice’ alumnus Becky Hill and Brits’ Critics Choice 2015 award winner James Bay are among musicians on the shortlist.

The remaining 10 promising acts include Juce, Coasts, Ibeyi, SOAK, All We Are, Raury, Laura Doggett, Nothing But Thieves, Lapsley and Seinabo Sey.

Previous Spotlight artists include Mercury Prize nominees Jungle and FKA Twigs as well as Banks and ‘Riptide’ hitmaker, Vance Joy.