Hayley Williams announces debut solo album, shares new song

Paramore's Hayley Williams has released a new single, 'Simmer,' off her upcoming debut solo album PETALS FOR ARMOR.

The new album will be released on May 8 via Atlantic Records. It's her first full solo record, though she has shared solo songs in the past, like 'Teenagers' on the soundtrack for Jennifer's Body. She has also been featured on a number of songs, including American Football's 'Uncomfortably Numb' and B.o.B.'s 'Airplanes.'

'Simmer,' produced by fellow Paramore member Taylor York, is accompanied by a dark music video that feels like a horror film. Williams runs through a misty forest and explores a dark house, running away from something.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac, Williams explained the meaning behind the new album's title, PETALS FOR ARMOR. "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. The lyric is "wrap yourself in petals for armour," 'cause I kept feeling like the way for me to protect myself best is to be vulnerable and be okay with having a lot of pain at certain times and also feeling a lot of joy at certain times.

Paramore announced in September that they would be taking a hiatus. "Thank you for understanding that we are taking a really nice break after grinding away for nearly 15 years. It's so good to have a moment to just 'be'," the statement read. The pop-punk icons made it clear that they weren't breaking up, just relaxing after over a decade of non-stop music and touring.

Check out 'Simmer' and the accompanying music video below.