Paramore’s Haley Williams: “I hope no young woman experiences the same shit as me”
After six years, Paramore are back in 2023 with a new album.
Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Image, NBC. All rights reserved.
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Paramore have released their sixth album THIS IS WHY. After three releases with the opener of the same name, “The News” and “C’est comme ça”, the 10-song record now follows via Atlantic Records.
In the course of this, the three band members entered, among other things Interview in the “NME“.
In it they say: After the tour in 2018, which followed the previous album AFTER LAUGHTER, they needed a year’s break. That same year, singer Hayley Williams was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She’s talked about hers a lot in the past mental problems. “But when we took the break, more people discovered our band. The streaming numbers went up. I feel the pressure like never before,” said guitarist Taylor York. And although the recordings began during the corona pandemic, they are “in a healthier state” than ever before, he added.
Paramore was formed in 2004 and the band line-up has changed a few times since then. Nevertheless, the band members have known each other for 20 years and had few breaks after their high school years. The band has come a long way in the alternative scene, oscillating musically between pop punk and new wave. In “The News”, Paramore also strikes political tones. What may seem new to listeners, however, reflects what they have grappled with over the past few years.
“Anything that wasn’t masculine was treated like shit”
“When we were young, there were only certain ways to express yourself when you had something to say,” Williams says. “Either you did it subversively, like Rage Against The Machine, or diplomatically. I still don’t think we fit into either category, even though many of my ideals do go to extremes.” They recently announced that proceeds from their tour will benefit charities working to ensure safer access to abortion . While performing at the emo-rock festival When We Were Young, Williams addressed a letter to “young girls, queer kids,” which she captioned, “We’ve come a long way – and more to come.” , finished. When asked by NME where she hopes the scene will go next, she replied: “Oh my god. I hope no young woman experiences the same shit as I do.” And further: “Our whole scene contributed to shitty behavior towards women and everything that was not masculine”. They would try to support and encourage young musicians in particular. Their concerts should also be a safe place for everyone.
In March they will go on a world tour with their album, but no concerts are planned for Germany.
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