Paramore’s Hayley Williams Announces “Really Special” Solo Project
This is a news post we never thought we’d write. For the first time in her career, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams announces that she’ll be releasing a solo album in 2020. Despite years of denying any interest in pursuing a solo career or leaving Paramore, Hayley seems to have changed her mind, and has a “really special” project of her own awaiting us in the new year.
Hayley shared the unexpected announcement in response to birthday wishes. She turns 31 today, and thanked fans for their hopes of a happy birthday.
See her announcement below:
Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes. 30 was a very important year. 31 will be too.
I’m putting out some music next year. With the help of some of my closest friends, I made something I’m going to call my own. It’s a really special project and you’ll get a taste of it in January.
Happy New Year, friends.
Hayley Williams
As unexpected as the announcement seems, perhaps it’s related to Hayley’s sneaky post of “lovely things” last June?
Really Special New Sound?
On Paramore’s first three albums, the band landed firmly in the punk rock and alternative rock genres. Their guitar-driven sound, big vocals, catchy hooks, and undeniable energy earned them a loyal fanbase that stayed with them even as the band’s lineup changed. On their self-titled fourth album, Paramore started to experiment with new sounds, incorporating new wave and folk on a genre-spanning album. With the arrival of After Laughter in 2017, though, Paramore largely left their rock roots behind, opting for a more overtly pop record. It took inspiration from 1980s new wave and had funky undertones. But while the music was breezy and light, the lyrics were Hayley’s darkest yet.
Until now, Hayley Williams has only released music outside of Paramore a handful of times. She’s collaborated with other bands, mostly within the the punk rock scene, including ex-husband Chad Gilbert’s group, New Found Glory. In the early 2010s, Hayley also appeared alongside rapper B.o.B. on the hit single “Airplanes” and alongside Zedd on their EDM single “Stay The Night.” Her lone solo song was “Teenagers,” appearing on the 2009 soundtrack for Jennifer’s Body.
How will Hayley’s “really special” new solo music sound? She could go in any number of directions. Hayley could make a pop rock record in the vein of early Paramore; she has been mostly loyal to the genre and scene. However, she could follow her band’s recent trend and move further into pop territory. Or, Hayley could try out a more intimate, folk-styled sound; think “Hate To See Your Heart Break.”
Hayley gave no clues into her solo record’s sound, so these are only guesses based on her past work. How do YOU think her new music will sound? What do you hope it will sound like? Let us know in the comments below!
Paramore’s Future?
With all this talk of Hayley Williams going solo, many of you may be wondering if Paramore’s future is in jeopardy. Although Hayley doesn’t know the future of Paramore, she and the band have repeatedly assured fans that they are not breaking up. They are on a “really nice break,” but they’re still a band and will make music together again in the future.
In all likelihood, following Hayley’s solo project in 2020, the band will be back at it come 2021 or 2022. Patience, Paramore fans.
Get ready to learn more about Hayley’s upcoming “really special” solo project in the new year! She promises a taste of the new music in January, so stay tuned. As always, keep checking back here for all the latest music news.
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