Hozier doesn't like ''rubbing shoulders'' with chart artists.

The 24-year-old singer - whose track 'Take Me To Church' became a fixture in Top 10s worldwide and was nominated in the Song of the Year category at the Grammy Awards last month - is thrilled with the hit's success but doesn't like being compared to singers whose sole aim is to make it to number one.

He said: ''A lot of people complain about current music, about the Top 10 and the values reflected in it, but Take Me To Church found room there, and that had to be good. Then again, you're rubbing shoulders with artists who make music that is 'designed' to chart, and that's not something I've ever aimed for.

''The danger is that, once you're there, it can be difficult to come back; you feel like you have to do it again. I'm very conscious of that, very watchful of myself. Songwriting can't be about that. It means so much more. It's mortal combat.''

Hozier added he is shocked that his music has become a mainstream success and hopes he can inspire other artists to follow in his footsteps.

He told The Sunday Times newspaper's Culture magazine: ''I never, ever, ever imagined having mainstream success, and it still amazes me. But it also makes me think that, if I can do it, there are so many other musicians who could as well.''