In a powerful interview in the new issue of Hot Press, cover star Hozier has opened up about a remarkably wide range of pressing issues, from the music world to global politics.

Reflecting on his own identity as an Irish person, he notes that his sense of 'Irishness' directly informs his "understanding of Irish history and world politics and geopolitics and how power is used and abused."

In the interview, Hot Press' Stuart Clark goes on to ask the Co. Wicklow musician if there is a case to be made for a referendum on Irish neutrality.

“It’s a debate that needs to be had, sure, but you need only look at the realities of NATO action and how western imperialism has operated over the last twenty, thirty years and the innocent lives that have been lost as a result,” Hozier insists. “The serious question is whether you want to be part of that. I think President Higgins made some really, really valid points about the drift towards NATO, and was right to describe it as ‘playing with fire.’”

Hozier. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Later in the conversation, Hozier shares his thoughts on the actions of Vladimir Putin.

“It's a war of aggression and it’s disgusting,” he states. "It’s disgusting and my heart breaks. I have a very close friend whose father, up until recently, was on the frontlines in Ukraine doing camerawork. The loss is staggering, the terror is real. It’s a horrifying reality.”

The full interview includes Hozier's reflections on Deadly Sins, Circles of Hell, LGBTQI+ rights, fatherhood, Joni Mitchell, his acclaimed new album Unreal Unearth, and much more...

Pick up a copy of the new issue of Hot Press - featuring cover star Hozier - in shops now, or order online below: