Michael Clifford’s Solo Debut: A New Chapter for 5 Seconds of Summer

A New Era for Michael Clifford

Singer-songwriter Michael Clifford of 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) releases his debut solo single "Cool", along with an accompanying official video via Hopeless Records. The release coincides with the announcement of his debut solo album Sidequest, coming soon.

Co-Creation and Inspiration

Co-produced by Michael alongside JT Daly (Demi Lovato, Benson Boone, Alex Warren) and Andrew Goldstein (Tate McRae, Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker) as well as co-written with his 5SOS bandmate and best man Calum Hood, "Cool" marks the beginning of Clifford’s solo career as he steps out on his own and reintroduces himself to the world as an artiste with his own unique sound and perspective.

Exploring Self-Doubt and Insecurity

"Cool explores self-doubt and the often uncomfortable process of navigating insecurity, capturing the uncertainty of trying to fit in, questioning whether you belong and feeling out of place in unfamiliar spaces."

Michael’s Take on the Song

Clifford shared: “This song speaks for itself and my hope is that when fans hear the lyrics, they will understand me and hopefully themselves a little better. I have been deliberating on this music long enough, so I cannot wait for everybody to hear it and ‘cool’ is just the beginning of what is to come. I want this project to make people smile. I am just out here doing a bunch of sidequests. Now that I am a dad, everything other than that feels like a sidequest!”

The Music Video

The music video, directed by Bobby Hanaford, brings this sentiment to life.

Hanaford said: “It is rare you get to work with an artiste who is willing to play a bit of the fool and turn a mirror on themselves. The moment I heard ‘cool’, I realised Michael was already there and really letting his guard down. He was using the critic in his head to take us on this journey of insecurity that every person can relate to.

A Breath of Fresh Air

"It was a quick process seeing a video that matched it and it was a good collaboration with Michael going deeper into that idea and bringing it to life. The whole project is a breath of fresh air, especially in an industry that is often more concerned with looking ‘cool’ than being authentic.”

A New Sound

With its playful pop-punk energy, Cool highlights Clifford’s fresh new sound, marking an exciting evolution in his music.

Conclusion

Michael Clifford’s debut solo single "Cool" marks the beginning of a new chapter in his music career. With its authentic and relatable themes, this song is sure to resonate with fans and critics alike. As Clifford continues to explore his solo journey, one thing is certain – he is ready to make his mark on the music industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the title of Michael Clifford’s debut solo single?

A: The title of Michael Clifford’s debut solo single is "Cool".

Q: Who co-produced "Cool"?

A: "Cool" was co-produced by Michael Clifford alongside JT Daly, Andrew Goldstein, and co-written with his 5SOS bandmate Calum Hood.

Q: What is the theme of "Cool"?

A: The song explores self-doubt and the often uncomfortable process of navigating insecurity.

Q: Who directed the music video for "Cool"?

A: The music video for "Cool" was directed by Bobby Hanaford.