Hayley Williams really said “surprise!” and dropped 17 brand new songs straight on her website – and fans are losing it.
The Paramore frontwoman pulled off the lowkey release without any prior hype, but left a serious impact. The only way fans could access the tracks was through a special code tied to her Good Dye Young hair dye brand. Once entered, that code unlocked a private webpage filled with never-before-heard songs and a few other hidden gems.
Among the 17 tracks are titles like “True Believer,” “Mirtazapine,” “Hard,” “Negative Self Talk,” “Discovery Channel,” and “Zissou.” And yes, “True Believer” pops up more than once. It’s unclear if these are just random drops or if they make up a complete, unofficial album, but there’s definitely a vibe of raw, personal experimentation here.
In addition to the songs, there’s a “Misc” folder tucked into the site that’s got its own surprises. Inside, fans found a performance video that looks like it was shot in Phoenix back in 2017, an image of a handwritten lyric book, and a cheeky piece of merch that reads “Hayley Williams is my favorite band.” Classic Hayley energy – mysterious, authentic, and oddly comforting.
This unexpected release comes hot on the heels of Paramore’s own big moment. The band just reissued a deluxe digital edition of their debut album “All We Know Is Falling” to celebrate its 20th anniversary. That re-release is especially big because it includes the first-ever digital version of the fan-favorite “The Summer Tic” EP – which had only ever been released on CD before. For longtime Paramore fans, that’s a major throwback.
It’s worth noting that Paramore parted ways with Atlantic Records last December. So between the band’s new indie direction and Hayley’s solo drop, it’s clear they’re entering a bold, unfiltered chapter of their careers. Hayley has always marched to her own beat, but this surprise batch of songs feels particularly free and unbothered by any traditional release format.
This isn’t her first solo venture either. She previously released two full-length solo albums: “Petals for Armor” in 2020 and “Flowers for Vases / Descansos” in 2021. She also teamed up with Moses Sumney earlier this year on the single “I Like It I Like It,” so she’s clearly been cooking up more music than anyone realized.
What’s refreshing about this new drop is that it isn’t tied to a press tour, a streaming push, or any algorithm game. It’s just pure music, hidden behind a little scavenger hunt. And fans? They’re here for it. There’s something special about stumbling into new Hayley Williams songs unexpectedly, especially when the vibe is intimate and DIY.
Whether these songs eventually make it onto a larger project or just stay as lowkey treasures for those who found the link, it’s yet another example of Hayley’s unmatched connection with her audience. She doesn’t need flashy promos – just a clever rollout and some deeply personal art.
Between Paramore’s nostalgic reissue and this new, mysterious solo content, 2025 is shaping up to be a major year for Hayley Williams. If this is what independence looks like, we’re all in.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
