Hayley Williams has delivered an unexpected treat for her devoted fanbase with the surprise release of 17 new songs — but there’s a slight catch.
The new songs are accessible exclusively through a cryptic audio player on her official website. The Paramore frontwoman’s latest musical offering requires fans to obtain a special access code, which comes bundled with the purchase of her haircare company Good Dye Young’s limited-edition “Ego” semi-permanent dye in marigold yellow.
The unconventional release method recalls the era of desktop downloads and scattered MP3 files, with the webpage adorned in a yellow backdrop featuring repeating images of Williams’ goldendoodle, Alf. Only 2,000 cartons of the hair dye have been produced, each personally signed by Williams and co-founder Brian O’Connor.
Among the 17 tracks sits “Mirtazapine”, which Williams recently premiered on Nashville radio station WNXP. The station shared footage of a CD listing both “Mirtazapine” and “Glum”, with the latter also appearing amongst the website’s randomly arranged audio files. The deliberate lack of organisation mirrors authentic file-sharing culture, allowing listeners to discover tracks organically rather than following a predetermined sequence.
Fan reactions across social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with early listeners already identifying standout moments. “Kill Me” has earned recognition as an “eldest daughter anthem” for its bold declaration: “Go ahead and kill me / Can’t get much stronger / Find another solider.” Additional favourites include “Blood Bros”, “Hard”, “Dream Girl in Shibuya”, “Love Me Different”, and “True Believer” (as per Rolling Stone).
This marks Williams’ first lead solo release since Flowers for Vases/Descansos arrived in 2021. Her recent collaborative efforts include lending vocals to Turnstile’s “Seein’ Stars” from Never Enough and working with Moses Sumney on “I Like It I Like It” in May.
Paramore, meanwhile, returned in 2023 with their sixth album This Is Why, which Williams described as an uncomfortable but ultimately growth-inducing creative process.
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