Hozier and Untold Studios Examine Wartime Greed in ‘Nobody’s Soldier’

Riding a wave of surging popularity this summer, Irish musician Hozier dropped the hotly anticipated music video for his latest release, ‘Nobody’s Soldier’. Never one to shy away from a political statement, Hozier’s lyrics paired with visuals from Untold Studios director Daniel Ryan decried the hugely problematic state of global arms dealing – a state that mercilessly profits off violence and suffering, repulsing and implicating every bystander.

Regretfully, it’s a topic that arose from today’s war-torn climate; and yet – even more upsettingly – it’s timeless. Bold symbols emblazoned with concise words and phrases punchily get Hozier’s anti-war plea across in a manner that speaks to all of history and modernity: a military helmet embossed with ‘PROFIT’; a child’s shoe imprinted with ‘COLLATERAL’; a spinning globe juxtaposed with ‘REAL ESTATE’.

A powerful, unsettling scene plays throughout it all. Hozier, sat between two conveyor belts, selects dismembered baby doll parts to build two new figures: a soldier and a businessman. The scrap remainders roll away to be quietly disposed of, scattered amongst used bullets.

It’s clear that each piece of the ‘Nobody’s Soldier’ puzzle was placed with intention, with each watch revealing more symbols to unpack and interpret. To shed more light on the music video, and the collaborative filmmaking process behind it, LBB’s Zara Naseer spoke to Untold Studios director Daniel Ryan.

LBB> How did you first get involved with the project?

Daniel> After being contacted by Hozier’s music video commissioner, I created a pitch deck and had a call with Hozier to discuss the concept for the video. We hit it off immediately, and that sparked the collaboration that followed.

LBB> Tell us about the video concept, and how it came about. 

Daniel> I received insights into Hozier's vision for the song, including its meaning, lyrics, and key themes. We structured the video around three sections: performance, the factory setting, and typography paired with symbolic imagery. The result combines Hozier's performance with imagery of war and commerce, ultimately illustrating the cost of corporate greed.

LBB> The film has a distinct aesthetic style with the words emblazoned upon the props. Where did the inspiration for that come from? 

Daniel> Initially, Hozier expressed interest in incorporating dense text to highlight facts related to war profiteering. However, as we developed the video, I proposed simplifying the messaging for greater impact, which he agreed would enhance clarity and resonance. This approach allowed for nuanced interpretations and a timeless quality. The collaboration continued with a talented designer whose distinct visual language further elevated our concepts and enriched the overall messaging.

LBB> There’s plenty to unpack in the visuals, especially the doll conveyor belt. Can you explain the thinking behind it? Are there any other symbols that audiences may be yet to catch? 

Daniel> The set-up featuring the solitary factory worker immediately captivated us. Inspired by Hozier’s reference to a previous project of mine, we conceptualised this suggestive visual. While I prefer not to disclose too much about its meaning – allowing for personal interpretation – the act of crafting a soldier doll and two businessmen from spare parts carries significant implications. There are numerous layers to explore, but I encourage viewers to draw their own conclusions about the symbolism present.

LBB> What was Hozier like to work with on set? Was it a collaborative process?

Daniel> Working with Hozier was an exceptional experience from our initial call through the video's completion. His collaborative spirit and thoughtful approach ensured our visions aligned seamlessly, making the entire process not only enjoyable but also deeply rewarding.

LBB> The lighting throughout the video shifts between white, blue, orange, and red – is there a particular significance to those colours?

Daniel> There is significance to all of the colour choices in the video. While I prefer to keep some aspects undisclosed, I can assure you that each choice was made with deliberate thought and purpose.

LBB> Most shots contain single points of focus – what drew you to this minimalist approach, and how do you think it enhances the storytelling compared to more complex, busier alternatives?

Daniel> For this track, I aimed to craft a video that balances momentum with powerful messaging. By adopting a minimalist approach, I ensured that the visuals were accessible at a glance, allowing viewers to easily absorb the core themes. While deeper layers and details may emerge with repeated viewings, the simplicity of the design facilitates immediate understanding, even amid rapid editing.

LBB> How did you visualise the song’s anti-war and anti-capitalist messaging in a way that’s not specific to any one situation, but still feels extremely poignant when applied to several political conflicts both now and in future?

Daniel> To create a video that embodies these themes without tying itself to a specific conflict or era, I focused on crafting a message that resonates universally. This approach allows the imagery to evoke personal reflections, connecting with viewers on an individual level. By steering clear of specific political contexts, the video gains a timeless quality, enabling its poignant themes to apply broadly across history and into the future, ensuring its relevance and impact endure for all who engage with it.

LBB> What was the biggest challenge you faced in the process, and how did you overcome it? What aspects were most rewarding?

Daniel> The biggest challenge was executing multiple set-ups, and an ambitious shot list, in a single day with minimal prep time. This was made possible by an exceptional team of dedicated collaborators who prioritised the project’s success. Their commitment was crucial to achieving our goals. The most rewarding aspect was presenting ideas to a team that genuinely cared, resulting in enhancements across all departments and elevating the final outcome.

Above: Untold Studios director Daniel Ryan