Interview: Hayley Williams from Paramore talks new album and tour
By: Markos Papadatos
On Aug. 7, Hayley Williams, the lead singer from the acclaimed rock band Paramore, chatted with Greek-American journalist Markos Papadatos about their latest studio album and forthcoming headlining tour.
On the album’s song selection process, Hayley remarked, “We wrote more for this album than we’ve written for any other one prior to it. The crazy part was we were completely in love with all of the songs. So we had to go about it like, ‘what could we maybe live without’ versus ‘which songs are good enough.’ I think it was a good sort of problem to have. In the end, we left two off the album and released those as B-sides and then there are still a couple other demos floating around somewhere.”
Hayley noted that prior to this record, she wrote with former lead guitarist Josh Farro, but after he quit the group, she was incredibly nervous since they had to start over from scratch with Taylor York as their primary music writer. “Taylor had written with us on a couple of songs for previous albums but now it was just him and me. We were scared to death that nothing would turn out the right way. We both realized really quickly that there is no ‘right’ way. I was most inspired by the tracks he built and his guitar melodies, which were so different than anything I had ever written to before. It all forced me out of my comfort zone which excited me and gave me a new perspective. Lyrically, I am always inspired by real life. I am drawn to the monotony of daily life, the sadness and all the tensions and then, those moments where all that goes away and we actually experience real happiness for a little while,” she said.
Although Hayley does not have a personal favorite song on the album, since she enjoys them all, she shared that “Daydreaming” is a special tune on there since it has a lot of meaning and she finds it relatable. The song is just about dreaming up a different reality. Everyone has their Disney princess moments, even dudes, where they have one life that really is good and comfortable but their heart is reaching for something else so they bust out in song about it.”
Regarding their headlining “Self-titled Tour,” Hayley revealed, “It will be the biggest tour that we have ever put together. We are striving to up the ante all around.”
She further added that their upcoming tour will consist of a “new set-list,” as well as “bigger production elements,” and hopefully, “bigger crowds” for the group.
One of their upcoming concerts on this tour will be at Madison Square Garden and Hayley noted her excitement to perform there.
On Paramore’s plans for the future, Hayley acknowledge that they will be “on tour for the rest of forever.” “We are going to have a new single out for those folks living across the pond and a new video with it. As far as goals go, I could say that it would be rad to win a Grammy but I shouldn’t since I don’t want to jinx it.”
For more information on Paramore, their new album and tour, visit their official website:
Photo Credit: Pamela Littky
