Since the beginning of 2020, we’ve all been excited about Paramore’s Hayley Williams going solo. She’s been quite cryptic about her first release in her websites and cryptic posters scattered across America. 

Now, her first single is here—and it’s an F.U. to repressing emotions.

‘Simmer’ dropped yesterday with a music video to boot. As first impressions go, it reels the listener deep into the woods, shrouded with doubt. Think Lykke Li’s “Wounded Rhymes” era. Its dark synths, clean, yet warm guitar riffs interspersed with live and electronic drums set the perfect backdrop for her haunting lyrics.

Williams describes her solo album’s theme on BBC Radio as vulnerability being painful, grotesque, and necessary. “I think, for me, it’s somewhat of a mantra to try and stay soft in a really, really hard world and feel pain and let all of it come to you and try and put out something that can redeem it all, even if it’s ugly at first,” she explained. 

“Petals for Armor” is more than just a Hayley Williams’ solo project. It’s a solo project supported by the Paramore family—touring Paramore member Joey Howard even co-wrote some tracks with her. So if you’re paranoid about the band breaking up, take that as a sign that they’re far from doing so. They’ve been going strong for 16 years. 

Expect Williams’ full-length album “Petals for Armor” dropping this May 8. If you haven’t seen the MV for ‘Simmer’ yet, give it a watch below:

Still from Hayley Williams’ “Simmer”