5 Seconds of Summer guitarist Michael Clifford has officially entered the spotlight with the new single “cool.” The result is one of those perfect crossovers between personal introspection and pure energy that makes a statement about where this new chapter in his musical life will lead.
“cool” is a launching point for a new chapter in the artist’s life. The track now previews his solo debut, “Sidequest,” due later this year through Hopeless Records, previewing a bold, new direction ahead. Co-written with collaborators Andrew Maxwell Goldstein, Callum Hood, Elijah Noll, Marcus Lomax, and Clifford himself, “cool” features catchy melodies and emotional lyrics you can expect to hit deep with fans who are both new and old.
Produced by JT Daly, Goldstein, and Clifford, “cool” embodies the fabric of Michael’s overall creative vision, mirroring his experience and evolution in life. It’s the kind of song that you find yourself humming, but at the same time, you dive deeper into the lyrics. This song speaks for itself, adding that it is his way for fans to connect to his music and garner an understanding of him as an artist.
The single is a harmonious blend of pop-rock allure with a modern flare. Michael’s signature guitar work intertwines with electronic elements to produce an anthemic sound ideal for introspection and celebration. By going at it alone, Michael Clifford can pilot his creative ship, and it’s evident that this solo expedition gives him a greater latitude of sound and opens up new territory.
With “cool,” Clifford is leaning into his status as a fully fledged solo artist, ready to follow through on that potential. With the impending release of “Sidequest,” fans have a collection of deeper cuts that further explore his artistry and personal story. And this is only the start of what is set to be an exhilarating new chapter for Michael Clifford.
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