On April 19, pop-punk trio Paramore kicked-off their comeback by releasing a new single, Hard Times, while simultaneously announcing their fifth studio album, After Laughter - which is set to drop on May 12 through Fueled By Ramen - and tour dates. Today (April 20) Beats 1 have unveiled the first part of a candid interview with the band, conducted by Zane Lowe, in which they discuss making of the album.
In the chat, Paramore speak about the bold new direction they have taken with the ‘80s-leaning pop of Hard Times and how its lyrics of endurance come from a very real place for singer Hayley Williams.
“I know Taylor [York, Paramore guitarist] on the road, we both have had such difficult times even verbalizing how we feel about life,” Williams told Lowe. “The roller coaster of touring and being in a band in general and being public, it gave me a lot of compassion that I didn't have before. Before I was very much like one of those people that was just like ‘everything’s fine, we’re good right? Everything’s great!’”
Part of the discussion also involves their decision to carry on as a band after parting ways with their bassist Jeremy Davis.
“I was kind of flatlined and I think that if it weren't for Taylor the band would be over,” says Williams. “That is just kind of the truth. Yeah, I had enough. I’m tired of losing friends or I’m tired of doubting myself, and maybe if I’m just not doing it all then I won’t have anything to doubt. I can see what else I can do.”
You can watch the first part of the interview and the video for Hard Times below:
Paramore tour the UK in June on the following dates:
June 15 - Dublin Olympia
June 16 - Belfast Waterfront
June 18 - Manchester Apollo
June 19 - London Royal Albert Hall
June 21 - Bristol Colston Hall
June 22 - Edinburgh Usher Hall
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