Range: Bb2 – A5 – A6
Vocal Type: Light Lyric Soprano (4 octaves)
Vocal Rating: B
Recommended Listenings: All I Wanted, Decode, Ignorance
Exploring Paramore: The Undeniable Chemistry of Hayley Williams and Taylor York
Hayley Williams’s voice is a powerful instrument, masterfully controlled across all vocal registers. Her sharp, dynamic tone cuts through the roaring instrumentation of Paramore, allowing her voice to soar. One of her greatest assets is her vibrato, capable of making notes resonate with a raw power or imparting a mystical quality, as seen in the haunting chorus of “Decode.” Hayley’s stamina and breath control are nothing short of impressive; she can headbang with the best of them, maintaining pitch and never sounding out of breath. She also expertly uses voice cracks to convey emotion, a skill beautifully displayed in “Still Into You.”
Paramore’s core today is Hayley Williams and Taylor York, supported by a rotating ensemble of top-notch musicians. As of 2021, these two are the heartbeat of the band. Hayley Williams’s talent is undeniable—her vocal control, range, creative vocal techniques, and infectious stage energy set her apart. Watching Hayley perform is a captivating experience, as her vibrant creativity and charisma light up every stage she graces.
Taylor York, Paramore’s guitarist, joined the band in 2007 after Hunter Lamb’s departure. Despite the trials, member changes, and internal drama that could have easily derailed the group, Taylor’s decision to stay with Hayley has kept Paramore’s spirit alive. His contributions go beyond rhythm guitar; Taylor also plays lead guitar, xylophone, drums, and keyboard. Born on December 17, 1989, in Nashville, Tennessee, Taylor is a talented songwriter and producer, integral to Paramore’s evolving sound.
Hayley Williams hails from Meridian, Mississippi, a city with a population of around 36,000. As Paramore’s frontwoman, her roots add a unique dimension to the band’s music, infusing it with a blend of Southern grit and powerful emotion.
The Heart of the Band
While many bands have revolving doors when it comes to members, the essence often boils down to one or two key figures. In Paramore’s case, that essence is unmistakably Hayley Williams and Taylor York. They are the driving force, the ones who have kept the band’s energy and identity intact over the years. If you want to delve into the backgrounds of the other rotating members of Paramore, you might have to look elsewhere. Here, we focus on the key players who define the band’s sound and spirit. It’s a pattern seen across the music world—like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards with the Rolling Stones. And yes, even though George Harrison’s contributions to The Beatles were significant, his presence remains distinct from the central dynamic of Paramore.
Paramore’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of musical chemistry. As long as Hayley Williams and Taylor York are at the helm, Paramore will continue to thrive, evolve, and captivate audiences worldwide.
Hayley was born in Meridian, Mississippi. Meridian is the seventh-largest city in the U.S. state of Mississippi, with a population of 41,148 at the 2010 census and an estimated population in 2018 of 36,347. It is the county seat of Lauderdale County and the principal city of Meridian, Mississippi.
Hayley Williams’ solo work marked a departure from her well-established identity as the fiery frontwoman of Paramore, but it also illuminated a more introspective and nuanced side of her artistry. Her solo efforts began in earnest with the release of Petals for Armor I (2020) and Petals for Armor II (2020), both parts of a bold and innovative EP series that later coalesced into a full-length album, Petals for Armor. In these works, Williams invites listeners into a world that feels deeply personal and at times raw, exploring themes of vulnerability, trauma, and healing with a maturity and grace that signal her evolution as a songwriter.
The title Petals for Armor suggests a delicate juxtaposition between fragility and strength—an apt metaphor for the layers of self-protection Williams navigates through her music. With its jagged rhythms, swirling synths, and atmospheric production, this collection of songs showcases Williams’ willingness to push the boundaries of her sonic landscape. Songs like “Simmer” and “Dead Horse” reveal her grappling with internal conflicts and repressed emotions, yet there’s a sense of catharsis that runs through them, as though in baring her soul, she is finding a path toward empowerment.
Williams’ second solo effort, Flowers for Vases / Descansos (2021), takes a more stripped-down approach, leaning into acoustic and folk influences while offering a hauntingly intimate portrait of loss and grief. The album feels like a companion piece to Petals for Armor but exists in its own sphere—quieter, more meditative, and perhaps more willing to sit in the discomfort of unresolved pain. There’s a purity in the way Williams approaches these songs, laying bare her heart with nothing but a guitar and her aching voice. Tracks like “First Thing to Go” and “Wait On” reveal the artist in her most unadorned form, vulnerable yet resilient, still searching for the equilibrium between chaos and calm.
Through her solo work, Williams has emerged not just as a dynamic performer, but as a storyteller who embraces complexity, inviting us into the messy, beautiful process of growth. It’s an evolution that feels as essential as it is inevitable.
Do you want more information about the other changing members of Paramore? Well, you came to the wrong website since we know that all great bands of many members eventually come down to 1 or 2 members standing in the end. If you want more evidence to this well-established fact visit our recent article about the Lumineers. Please tell me what Paramore band is without Hayley or the Rolling stones sans Mick Jagger and Keith? The Beatles without George Harrison? Got you with the last one which does not belong to the others. But, we must insist George’s contribution was significant and his solo discography remains the best of the rest.
Hayley Williams: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
SETLIST “Pure Love” “Taken” “Dead Horse” MUSICIANS Hayley Williams: vocals, keys, guitar Aaron Steele: drums Joey Howard: bass Becca Mancari: synth, vocals Julien Baker: guitar
CREDITS Video: Mike Kluge, Jonny Kingsbury, Derec Dunn, Violeta Boix Audio: Travis Bing Miniature Art Director: Natalie Hosselton TINY DESK TEAM Producer: Lars Gotrich Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin Associate Producer: Bobby Carter Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
This NPR Mini desk home concert is a great example of Hayle’s creative diversity. Listen to the first and second tracks. Notice the expected vocal acrobatics and something only the best vocalists have, the alchemy to channel any voice, sound, Genre riffing, or fluid skipping from the creative ether. Hayley at times vibes like Sneaking sally thru the alley Robert Palmer other times scatting like Ella. All the time sounding like Hayley Williams.
PARAMORE – THIS IS WHY – JIMMY FALLON – GRAMMY WIN PERFORMANCE
PARAMORE – THIS IS WHY – JIMMY FALLON – GRAMMY WIN PERFORMANCE
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON
03-11-2022
Paramore – C’est Comme Ça (Official Lyric Video)
Premiered Jan 12, 2023
“C’est Comme Ça” out now.
Producer: Zac Farro
Editor: AJ Gibboney
Additional Art Direction: FISK
Lyrics:
In a single year
I’ve aged one hundred
My social life
A chiropractic appointment
Sit still long enough to listen to yourself
Or maybe just long enough for you to atrophy to hell
C’est comme ça
C’est comme ça
NANANANANA!
I’m off caffeine
On doctor’s orders
Said it was gonna help to level out my hormones
Lucky for me I run on spite and sweet revenge
It’s my dependence on the friction
That really hinders my progression
I know that regression is rarely rewarded
I still need a certain degree of disorder
C’est comme ça
C’est comme ça
NANANANANA!
I know that regression is rarely rewarded
I still need a certain degree of disorder
I hate to admit getting better is boring
But the high cost of chaos?
Who can afford it?
C’est comme ça
C’est comme ça
NANANANANA!
Music
SONG
C’est Comme Ça
ARTIST
Paramore
ALBUM
C’est Comme Ça
LICENSES
WMG (on behalf of Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic)
Despite Paramore’s shifting lineups and disparate stylings across their discography, their influence on music writ large is palpable thanks to their multifarious approach to art. This Is Why it captures that interdisciplinary spirit with cohesion and flair. The title track kicks things off on a stunning note, and “The News” harnesses the punchy verve. “Running out of Time” strikes a balance between atmospheric textures and syncopated buoyancy that is, put really fucking fun. As its first three tracks show, This Is Why accomplishes a feat that connects the band’s diverging sonic pathways without succumbing to whiplash. Throughout each of its ten tracks, Williams navigates fatalism and a world where war, disease, and climate change run amok. Whether she’s hiding from the public eye on “This Is Why,” lamenting the pervasiveness of a 24-hour news cycle on “The News,” or roasting chauvinists on “Big Man, Little Dignity,” Williams once again proves herself a formidable writer, and York and Farro are there to lend their craftsmanship to yet another captivating record. After the seemingly endless volatility this band has weathered, it’s a miracle they exist, still making incredible music. Here, they sound self-assured and steady, like a group that understands what they have and makes the most of it. On This Is Why, Paramore has found land after a years-long trip at sea, grounding their ship and claiming all the accolades they’ve accrued in their time away. They deserve them all.
Hayley Williams: Mind-Body Breakthroughs, Weird Weddings, & Intensive Therapy
Hayley Williams, the Grammy Award-winning singer and founder of Paramore, shares her experience of ‘getting out of a traumatic relationship and the mind-body connection she uncovered during the process. Mayim and Hayley connect over their shared choice of combat boots and disconnected enthusiasm from their previous weddings. Hayley opens up on her recent journey through intensive therapy and how an integrated health approach has positively impacted her life. The conversation turns esoteric and mystical near the end, discussing intergenerational trauma and the family system.
Paramore: After Laughter Tour Three: Live from Paris
Created in 2018 with no publishing intention, I’ve finally re-edited this concert film in 2022 to share it. After attending this concert back in the day, I wanted to have a memory of it. So here is “Paramore: After Laughter Tour Three: Live from Paris”!
Twitter: @hetenbern
00:00 – Intro
01:40 – Hard Times
05:02 – Ignorance
09:20 – Still Into You
12:53 – Forgiveness
16:40 – Fake Happy
19:58 – talking
21:01 – That’s What You Get
24:53 – I Caught Myself
28:54 – Pool
32:42 – talking
34:26 – Hate To See You Heart Break
39:56 – Caught In The Middle
43:28 – Told You So
46:52 – Idle Worship
50:10 – No Friend with Aaron Weiss
53:48 – Paris retrospective
58:48 – Misery Business
1:06:10 – Ain’t It Fun
1:11:25 – Grow Up
1:14:24 – French Class
1:18:35 – band presentation
1:20:29 – Rose-Colored Boy
1:24:16 – CREDITS
CREDITS:
Nowayfarer Guitarist / Unjouruneenvie / Recee338 / cho7kipu / MllesParrow / Stephane Rocknlive / VI0 / abenn / Galinette01 / Thomas A. / Raphaël C / TheLeaDD8 / Prescillia porrtelli / Justine D / TheHalfCentury / Laureen / Slashtwobaz / Morgane Williams / Sana ben-salah / Sébastien Decleir / bibout182 / Marion Gence / Lauubill / NFLS92 / Florian Gilbon / Charlène Revidon / Hannais / Paramore
THANK YOU!
FOR ENTERTAINMENT USE ONLY
All rights belong to Paramore and Fueled By Ramen.
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use.”
Paramore: This Is Why [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
Music
PARAMORE – 26 LIVE (Hayley cries mid-song)
Paramore – 26 live at the forum 7/18/18 Hayley talking about after laughter before singing 26 and crying mid-song when she looks at us center barricade If you use my videos please credit me. My Twitter and Instagram handles are both the same as my YouTube name @britanysaurus
Tina Turner approved this cover!
Why this video in the midst of a Hayley Williams article (you can hear it can’t you)?
Walk off the Earth cover the Tina Turner classic “What’s Love Got To Do With It”.
Performed by:
Gianni Luminati
Adam Michael
Sarah Blackwood
Joel Cassady
CJ Hinds
Tokyo Speirs
Directed by Paul Maxwell
Recorded By Tokyo Speirs
Produced By Golden Carrot Productions 🥇🥕
Hayley Williams – Hayley Williams and Zane Lowe “Petals for Armor I” Apple Music Interview
Apple Music’s Zane Lowe speaks with Hayley about her debut solo project, ‘Petals For Armor’ – Part I coming Feb 6 on Apple Music: https://apple.co/hayleywilliams The Petals For Armor Tour is coming to North America, Europe & the UK this May-June. Get tickets now at http://petalsforarmor.com.
Paramore: ‘After Laughter’ Full Interview | Apple Music
Hayley Williams – Dead Horse [Official Music Video]
Produced by Whitney Jackson
Director of Photography – Thomas Banks
Creative Director – Lindsey Byrnes
Music Written by Hayley Williams, Taylor York & Joey Howard
Music Produced By: Taylor York
Local Producer (Tennessee) – Loren Hughes & DREAMBEAR
Executive Producer – Sara Nix
Production Company – Partizan Entertainment
Costume Designer – Steph Thorpe
Hair & Makeup – Brian O’Connor
Special Effects Makeup – Ben Rittenhouse
Production Designer – Marcus Cooley
Story by – Warren Fu, Hayley Williams & Lindsey Byrnes
Editors – Warren Fu & Wes Sanchez
Color – Kaitlyn Battistelli @ Ethos
Sound Design – Brandon Kim @ Therapy Studios
VFX – Eric Epstein
VFX – Max Colt @ Frender
Song
Artist
Album
Licensed to YouTube by
Hayley Williams – Simmer [Official Music Video]
Hayley Williams – Simmer in the Live Lounge
Hayley Williams performs Simmer in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge
Recommended Consumer Reports highest score 82
CR’s Take
This iPod/iPad/cellphone-centric model from 1MORE delivers excellent sound quality and is a decent choice for the listener who will not be satisfied with anything less than top-notch music and movie soundtrack playback. These earphones have an isolating design; they will both muffle some external noise and limit the amount of sound that escapes from the earpieces. These highly portable earphones are best for those who want some isolation from outside noises or don’t want the sound from the earpieces to disturb others.
Detailed Test Results
Design and features: These earphones have medium-high sensitivity so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with home audio equipment and even lower-powered portable audio devices. The Quad Driver has an integrated microphone and volume, music player function, and call connect/disconnect controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones, and some other cellphones. The call connects/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and some other cell phones. These earphones may not operate properly with some non-Apple/non-Android mobile devices or other audio equipment. This model comes with nine pairs of earpieces in various sizes and types, a mini-plug-to-1/4-inch-plug adapter, a mini-plug-to-airplane-jack adapter, a removable shirt clip, and a carrying case.
Sound quality: We found the Quad Driver delivers sound quality that falls in the excellent range; while no earphone is perfect, the sonic shortcomings of this model are minor. The overall sound can best be summarized as fairly clear and evenly balanced. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has a good impact and goes deep. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is fairly even but a touch hazy and grainy. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended and fairly even, but the upper treble is a bit sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound a bit reminiscent of bacon frying). The sound has a decent sense of liveliness and is somewhat open — sound-wise it almost seems like you don’t have anything plugging up your ears. The sound is very similar to that of the 1MORE E1001 Triple Driver, but the bass and treble are more even.
Comfort: We found that these earphones fit and stay in place with no problem, but as typical of in-ear models they produce a sense of pressure in the ear opening that might be uncomfortable for some.
Simmer (lyrics)
Rage is a quiet thing
You think that you’ve tamed it
But it’s just lying in wait
Oh
Rage
Is it in our veins?
Feel it in my face when I least expect it
Give in
Control
There’s so many ways to give in
Eyes close
Another way to make it to 10
Oh, how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Simmer simmer simmer simmer simmer down
Control
There’s so many ways to give in
Eyes close
Another way to make it to 10
Oh, how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Simmer simmer simmer simmer simmer down
If I had seen my reflection
As something more precious
He would’ve never
Mmm and if my child needed protection
From a fucker like that man
I’d sooner gut him
Cause nothing cuts like a mother
Give in
Control
There’s so many ways to give in
Eyes close
Another way to make it to 10
Oh how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Simmer simmer simmer simmer simmer down
Control
There’s so many ways to give in
Eyes close
Another way to make it to 10
Oh how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Simmer simmer simmer simmer simmer down
Wrap yourself in petals
Wrap yourself in petals
Wrap yourself in petals for armor
Petals for armor
Give In
Control
There’s so many ways to give in
Eyes close
Another way to make it to 10
Oh, how to draw the line between wrath and mercy?
Simmer simmer simmer simmer simmer down
Hayley Williams – Simmer (Acoustic) |Extended|
Hayley Williams – Don’t Start Now (Dua Lipa cover) in the Live Lounge
Hayley Williams – Simmer (acoustic)
Hayley Williams – Why We Ever [Official Lyric Video]
Written by Hayley Williams and Micah Tawlks Produced by Taylor York Additional Production by Micah Tawlks Aaron Steele – Drums Joey Howard – Bass Hayley Williams – Vocals, Keys Taylor York – Additional Instrumentation
Artist
Album
Licensed to YouTube by
Get Studio Quality Recording with the RIFF Audio Interface at PositiveGrid.com! Limited Time Offer!
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Your new home rig is supercharged.
Hayley Williams – “Why We Ever” Sunday Sessions ft Joey Howard
Song
Why We Ever
Artist
Hayley Williams
Album
Why We Ever
Licensed to YouTube by
WMG (on behalf of Atlantic Records); LatinAutor – Warner Chappell, PEDL, ASCAP, Polaris Hub AB, Warner Chappell, LatinAutorPerf, CMRRA, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA – UBEM, and 7 Music Rights Societies
Hayley Williams – ‘Leave It Alone’ Sunday Session ft. Joey Howard
‘Leave It Alone’ Sunday Session ft. Joey Howard by Hayley Williams
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Paramore: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Paramore – Hard Times in the Live Lounge
Paramore: Last Hope (LIVE)
Paramore’s live video for ‘Last Hope’ from the MONUMENTOUR in Chicago, Illinois on July 11, 2014. The song originally appears on the self-titled album – available now on Fueled By Ramen at http://smarturl.it/paramore-itunes
★ PARAMORE – 2014 READING&LEEDS FESTIVAL (FULL SHOW)★
★A different video but this is Paramore! This is Paramore at the 2014 Reading and Leeds Festival full show! ENJOY!!!★ CLICK TO VIEW TIME MARKS 0:48 Still Into You 4:41 That’s What You Get 8:24 For a Pessimistic, I’m Pretty Optimistic 12:23 Ignorance 16:12 Pressure 19:20 Decode 23:30 Misery Business 30:28 Ain’t It Fun 37:32 The Only Exception
Leeds United Football Club Colors
100 Anniversary Gold Leeds United Football Club
Live Performance of Paramore’s Misery Business | GRAMMYs
On April 10, 2013, Paramore celebrated the release of their new album by performing on the rooftop at the Hollywood Towers as part of the GRAMMY.com/98.7 Penthouse Concert series. Here is a live, acoustic version of their new single, “Still Into You.
Paramore: Decode [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
Paramore – Decode (Acoustic)
How can I decide what’s right?
When you’re clouding up my mind
I can’t win your losing fight all the time
How can I ever own what’s mine
When you’re always taking sides
But you won’t take away my pride
No not this time
Not this time
How did we get here?
Well I used to know you so well
How did we get here?
Well I think I know
The truth is hiding in your eyes
And its hanging on your tongue
Just boiling in my blood
But you think that I can’t see
What kind of man that you are
If you’re a man at all
Well I will figure this one out
On my own
I’m screaming, I love you so
On my own
My thoughts you can’t decode
How did we get here?
Well I used to know you so well, yeah
How did we get here?
Well I think I know
Do you see what we’ve done?
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves
Do you see what we’ve done?
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves
Yeah
How did we get here?
Well I used to know you so well, yeah yeah
How did we get here?
Well I used to know you so well
I think I know
I think I know
Ooh, there is something
I see in you
It might kill me
I want it to be true
Source videos
View attributions
Music in this video
Song
Decode (Twilight Soundtrack Version)
Artist
Paramore
Album
Decode
Licensed to YouTube by
WMG (on behalf of Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic); CMRRA, UMPI, LatinAutor – UMPG, ASCAP, LatinAutor – Warner Chappell, Warner Chappell, Adorando Brazil, UNIAO BRASILEIRA DE EDITORAS DE MUSICA – UBEM, Polaris Hub AB, LatinAutorPerf, Capitol CMG Publishing, PEDL, and 17 Music Rights Societies
Paramore – The Only Exception – NRK
Song
Artist
Album
Licensed to YouTube by
Paramore: The Only Exception [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
LYRICS
When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
And curse at the wind
He broke his own heart and I watched
As he tried to reassemble it
And my momma swore
That she would never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised
I’d never sing of love if it does not exist
But darling,
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
Maybe I know somewhere
Deep in my soul
That love never lasts
And we’ve got to find other ways
To make it alone
Or keep a straight face
And I’ve always lived like this
Keeping a comfortable distance
And up until now, I’ve sworn to myself
That I’m content with loneliness
Because none of it was ever worth the risk
Well you are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
I’ve got a tight grip on reality
But I can’t let go of what’s in front of me here
I know you’re leaving in the morning
When you wake up
Leave me with some kind of proof it’s not a dream
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
And I’m on my way to believing
Oh, and I’m on my way to believing
Is the BMPCC 4K still worth it in 2021? | STOP ASKING
There seems to be an influx of videos on YouTube asking if “the BMPCC4K is still worth it.” It’s time to stop asking. In this video, we cover why it’s still worth it in 2021 and for the next 5 years. What do you think?
BMPCC4K 2022 | Best budget cinema camera for filmmakers
Should you buy the Black magic pocket cinema camera 4k in 2022? Well, it depends. This is my journey and process on how I came to decide that is was the best camera for me and my budget. I’ve been using the BMPCC4K for over 6 months now so here are my thoughts.
A budding filmmaker like you needs the Blackmagic Pocket 4k VS Hollywood Movie Camera | Red Dragon
BMPCC 4K Review – I spent one year with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, am I still in love?
BMPCC 4K Review – I spent one year with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K, am I still in love? Another BMPCC 4K Review?! I didn’t just buy the Pocket 4K and use it for a week. I used the BMPCC 4K for a full year before producing this in-depth camera review on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K to provide my fellow filmmakers with the knowledge they need before you purchase the Pocket 4K. Find out why in 2020, I think the BMPCC 4K is the best value cinema camera for filmmakers like you. Learn how I put this entry-level cinema camera to the test when it comes to filmmaking and videography work in the field. In this 1-year review, I also show you some BMPCC4K Footage that I’ve shot, as well as show you some low-light footage from the BMPCC 4K.