David LaChapelle is, among many other things, an accomplished music video director. He's worked with Mariah Carey, Elton John and Amy Winehouse on videos, but it looks like Hozier is the visual artist's new muse. LaChapelle shot a four-minute clip of ballet dancer Sergei Polunin performing to the Irish singer's breakout hit "Take Me to Church."
LaChapelle hands the reigns off to Polunin for the video, capturing the dancer's passionate moves uninterrupted by special effects and distracting visuals. The dancer leaps and spins in what appears to be an empty church. Polunin's moves are mesmerizing, and there are brief moments of religious poses (kneeling, outstretched arms) that fit perfectly with the song's imagery. The only embellishment on LaChapelle's part is during the bridge before Hozier howls "amen" when light from the window increases and shimmers.
Check out the whole video via ELLE.
Hozier had a busy 2014. After promoting two EPs and garnering some attention on a smaller scale, the singer released his self-titled debut and took the pop world by storm. This year should be another big one for the musician since he just played his hit on national television at the Grammy Awards with Annie Lennox.
Unfortunately for the singer, Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" beat "Take Me to Church" in the Song of the Year category. Hozier, however, may have beaten Smith in the unofficial best Grammy performance. Maybe there needs to be a second awards show to determine those winners.
Hozier is on tour currently, and he won't be getting any rest from the road until July. Check out his website for dates and ticket info.
Sergei Polunin, dancing to Hozier's Take Me to Church https://t.co/2X2JkqHU38 #sergeipolunin #davidlachapelle #takemetochurch
— LaChapelle Studio (@LaChapelleland) February 9, 2015
