Paramore 2018 Hiatus Needed? Hayley Williams Details Reason Why

Paramore has returned to music after a hiatus in 2018, following the release of their album, "After Laughter," in 2017.

The pop rock band has introduced their new album, "This is Why," released last Feb. 10, 2023.

In a Big Read cover interview, Hayley Williams, the band's vocalist, explained how the hiatus that took place back then was actually vital for the entire band.

At the time, Williams decided to focus on her own musical career, and so did their drummer Zac Farro.

Williams released two albums, "Petals For Armor" and "Flowers for Vases/descansos," while Farro pumped out "Motif" and "Natural Disguise".

According to Williams, the hiatus was actually a "necessary detour."

"It was necessary not to be so hung up on being Paramore: it's all it's ever been. We were in junior high when we met, and by the time we had gotten out of high school, everyone knew who we were and the way we related to each other naturally changed," she confessed.

For her, the band was a huge part of their friendship - but what's most important is what is underneath.

The band was formed in 2002 when Williams moved to Tennessee, where she met the Farro brothers - Zac and Josh.

Josh, however, left in 2010 following a controversial exit. He cited differing beliefs with Hayley Williams during their stint together.

"It's the fact that we bond over artistic and creative activity and the compulsion to make things. It was time to give it a rest, and if we needed to make something, to challenge ourselves to find new outlets for it," she continued.

Williams also furthered that the Paramore hiatus was actually important in their pursuit of creative perspectives - something that they have visibly exhibited on their new album, "This is Why."

"Going on a mission to find new creative perspectives, no matter what you do, is important to a creative mind. When you force yourself to look from different vantage points, what you end up making is so much deeper and more complex," she said. "What we're coming back with is a deeper feeling about why we do what we do."

"This is Why" received critical acclaim from various publications. NME gave it a five out of five, noting that it was the band's "most fearless songwriting to date." The Guardian, Kerrang, and The Evening Standard gave it four out of five stars, while Pitchfork graded the album a 6.3 out of 10.

Tags

Hayley Williams, Paramore