Live4MusiC

by Christopher Toh



I ADMIT, I wasn't a fan of Paramore until last year. I mean, I'd heard of them, but they didn't really strike a chord with me. Then I saw their show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in March last year. Hands down, they were the most exciting show of the year. And they're heading our way again, with a show on Aug 21.

So, naturally, I was excited to talk to lead singer Hayley Williams - even if they only gave us 10 minutes of talk time. Of course, a lot has happened to Paramore since the last time they were on our shores.

"We've been through a tonne ... Life has basically taken a few turns, but now, looking back on it, it's been very positive," said Williams over the phone.

One of the turns was, of course, the departure of the Farro brothers, guitarist Josh and drummer Zac, last December. The brothers had been with Paramore since the group was founded in 2004, and there was a hint of bitterness when they left, with Josh blogging that the band was just riding on the coattails of Williams.

Williams sounded tired at having to dredge the whole issue again.

"We were all best friends growing up and playing music together, and it's kind of hard," she said. "It's like when people you know who are married just get a divorce. You've known them that way for so long and now they separate.

"It wasn't a shock. We knew that it was sort of brewing, we knew that it was coming, but nothing can prepare you for something like that," she added. "It was definitely tough, but like I said, now looking back at it, I feel so positive and that it was meant to be. I'm one of those people who believe that everything happens for a reason no matter how tough it is, no matter how hard or challenging, and this has been a test for us. I think that so far, we're trying our best to ace. We'll see what happens from here on."

One bright thing that happened was the release of their latest single, Monster, last month. Recorded last December, the song was featured on the soundtrack for the blockbuster movie, Transformers 3: Dark Of The Moon. And like many Paramore songs, this one is a great blend of crunching guitars and singable choruses.

But of course, fans and netizens have already been commenting about the song, not for its musical content as such, but the implication that it's a "forget you" note to the Farro brothers.

Williams sighed: "I mean, I really think that everything that I needed to say about the situation is in the songs that we wrote - Monster or some of the others. Everything that I need to say is there, and it's up to the fans to interpret all of it, because honestly, there's been so much drama surrounding our band. Even though, yes, we did write songs that have to do with our situation, I'm just so over talking about it."

Williams said she didn't want to let the situation give the impression that being in a band wasn't fun at all. 

"Honestly, I want people - especially young people who are starting bands and playing music - I want them to know that being in a band is so much fun," she explained. "It's not miserable, no matter how busy you get. It's always going to be tough, but it's tough if you're a waiter at a restaurant too. Everything you do is going to get tough at some point, but being in a band is so much fun. You know, I just don't want to keep going on about: 'Oh this song is about this or that'. I think our fans know how to interpret it."

But as anyone who's ever been to a Paramore concert knows, fun is one thing that you're guaranteed of at their shows. At last year's gig, Williams' energy, combined with the bands pulling out all stops, gave fans a night they wouldn't forget so soon. And Williams said that this year's show was going to be even better.

"If that was fun last year, this year's show will - well, hopefully - blow people away," she laughed, adding that it was a little scary for the band when they toured South America earlier this year.

"It was our first time going on stage, with just the three of us, and we didn't know how people were going to take it," said Williams. "Then I turned around and saw Jeremy (Davis, bass) and Taylor (York, guitar), and I was going: 'Oh my god', they were more intense and unstoppable I think than they've ever been. It was as if someone fed them Pixy Stix (a powdered candy high in sugar) or something! They were absolutely out of their minds," she laughed.

"I'm excited, you know," she continued. "It's still new for us and I want to get out there, because we've been home for months now and I want to pull my hair out!"

The band has already performed on the Vans Warped Tour and Williams said they've been hitting their stride. 

"The first three shows coming back from being at home were really tough. If you looked closely at me, I was like choking for air. It really hurt! But I love it, and once I power through it - like about the fourth show on - my body gets used to it, and it's just like, here we go!"

Of course, if you're on tour with Paramore, you might just want to bring some fire retardant along. Because when you're on the road with Paramore, anything can happen, like, say, setting fire to a restaurant in Japan.

"This was in the middle of Tokyo," recalled Williams. "It was so rock 'n' roll ... We were at a restaurant like a Korean barbecue, where you know, you cook everything yourself. And for some reason, in this restaurant, above the grill, there were these hanging cloth lanterns.

"Anyway, the flame on the grill was too high and one of the guys tried to turn it down, but we actually turned it up! And the lantern caught on fire and there was smoke everywhere and the alarm was going off," she continued. 

"We were laughing because we thought it was hilarious at first, and the next thing we know, the building starts shaking and then no one was laughing any more, and we're like: 'Get out, get out of here', running and screaming out into the streets. We counted nine fire trucks out there. I'll never forget it."

Williams also said that she was looking forward to being back in Singapore, calling their last visit to our shores "exciting". 

"We're definitely coming back to Singapore a different band, a new band, and we're really excited. We can't wait to see you in Singapore!"

We can't wait to see you too, Hayley. Although I'll probably stand near the fire extinguisher, you know, just in case.

Paramore performs Aug 21, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets at S$80 to S$145 from Sistic.

by Christopher Toh

Just got off the blower with Hayley Williams of Paramore. She’s such a nice person to talk to, although I think she was a little tired of answering all the Farro brothers questions (and who wouldn’t be?). But she said she’s real excited to come back to Singapore. And I am too.

Paramore’s gig was probably the best show I’d seen in a very long time, and this is coming from someone who was not a fan. But I believe in the power to move and that show really moved me. And Hayley said that the new show is heaps better than that one. (“Well, I hope so!” she added, laughing.)

At any rate, their new single Monster, off the newTransformers movie, just dropped today. It sounds good.

Paramore is expected to roll into town in August. Watch this space for more deets!

Paramore will be back in the studio to record their next album in LA as soon as this week, according to a twitter message from singer Hayley Williams.

"Just got a call from @itstayloryall [guitarist Taylor York], He and @schzimmydeanie [bassist Jeremy Davis] just touched down in LA! We're recording a couple new songs this week!" she exclaimed on the micro-blogging service.

These will be the first songs recorded since a less-than-amicable split from founding members Josh and Zac Farro last December.

A blog post from the departing members suggested there had been discontent in the group for some time, and that the recording label’s financial interests lay with singer Hayley Williams. There was also concern that William’s lyrics had begun to contradict their biblical faith.

The current group currently features former Tait guitarist Justin York and veteran drummer Josh Freese. 

- Ultimate-Guitar 

Paramore have responded to ex-memberJosh Farro's blog post, in which he described how he and his brother Zac felt forced out of the band.

In an interview with MTV News, the remaining members spoke about their reaction to guitarist Josh's lengthy and angrily written post, describing the experience as "a drag".

Singer Hayley Williams said the reason the band felt compelled to respond was to put an end to rumours that the Farro brothers' departure would bring about the end of Paramore.

"There's been a lot of things said online and it sucks to know that responding online isn't really going to help," she said. "We really wanted the opportunity to show our fans that we're OK. The three of us are still here, we're not going anywhere… this is our way of showing that there's a future and we're stoked for it."

Williams said that the band had been hurt by the blog post as they felt as if they'd "been led on" by the Farro brothers, adding: "It hurts, because what we were told was that they weren't happy, they didn't want to do this. But then when it really became about all these other things, I was very surprised and kind of felt led on. We've been doing this for six, seven years now. I don't think any of this has been in vain, for any of us… and I don't think anyone should discredit it."

Guitarist Taylor York said he was not surprised Farro has published his blog. "Once we released our statement, we all knew they would probably release something," he said. "So I think we were all kind of bracing ourselves. Break-ups are hard and it was really hard to read, just because it seemed like a lot of the stuff was pretty irrelevant to what happened."

Paramore have announced that Justin York and Josh Freese will replace the Farro brothers for their forthcoming South American tour.

Thanks for the report to Nme.com.

Paramore have parted ways with guitarist Josh Farro and drummer Zac Farro.

The news was muted in a fake blog post a few days ago by someone not connected with the band, however Paramore officially confirmed the Farro brothers' departure themselves earlier tonight (Saturday, December 18) in an official statement.

The official statement from the band reads as follows:

"Over the past six years, our band has been through some of the most intense and incredible experiences of our lives. None of these things have been without trial. We've worked so hard to get to where we are and the fact that you are all still here with us says something about you that we will never be able to truly understand. You have stuck with us through thick and thin and we are so grateful. A couple of months ago, Josh and Zac let us know they would be leaving the band after our show in Orlando last Sunday. None of us were really shocked. For the last year it hasn't seemed as if they wanted to be around anymore. We want Josh and Zac to do something that makes them happy and if that isn't here with us, then we support them finding happiness elsewhere. But we never for a second thought about leaving any of this behind. We really hope that you can be encouraged by the fact that the three of us who are still here are ready to take on another chapter of our journey together. You have always been what keeps us going so why would we stop now? We want to stick by you. Knowing that we have a unified passion and a clear vision makes us feel stronger than ever.

"The 'blog' that was posted regarding everything that is going on with our band was a fake. We aren't sure who did it or why... And we aren't sure how they timed it this way. This is the first time that we have spoken out about what's going on and we wouldn't have released an official statement that important through a personal blog. So, we're sorry for any confusion and just to remain clear, this is the first time we have spoken out about this.

"We have some amazing things lined up for next year starting with our tour in South America. We are still coming to you and we are excited about who we are bringing with us! The tour is still on and we can't wait to see you all.

"As we look back, and now as we look with excitement to the future, in all of this what truly matters are the good times. The pictures of us with our arms around each other, the long van rides, your faces while you sing along as we play. Thank you for getting us right here to this very moment. We look forward to our best times. And we hope you will go there with us.

"Love, Hayley, Jeremy & Taylor"

As previously reported, Paramore are set to take most of 2011 off to work on the follow-up to their 2009 album, Brand New Eyes.

- Kerrang 

MADRID — Americans cleaned up at the MTV Europe Awards in Madrid, as Lady Gaga picked up three top prizes and awards crowned Katy Perry, Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber and half a dozen US outfits.

US megastar Lady Gaga received each of her trophies, best female artist, best pop act and best song for "Bad Romance", from a stage in the Hungarian capital Budapest where she was performing to a packed concert audience.

"This means so much to me -- Europe I love you," Lady Gaga, who switched between sets from a giant-shouldered purple jacket with spangled shades, to a leopard-skin bodice and last a see-thru nurse outfit, told fans via a live link.

The Canadian-born Bieber, who shot to stardom after his songs were spotted on YouTube, was named best male act at the awards ceremony, based on a vote of 46 million people and hosted live by "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria.

"It's a big achievement for me," said the 16-year-old, who was up against established rivals including Eminem and Kanye West. "All the other artists in this category are such an inspiration."

Katy Perry, who like Lady Gaga was nominated in five categories, picked up the best video award for her hit single "California Gurls".

Best rock went to US band Thirty Seconds to Mars, the best new act prize to the US singer Ke$ha and best alternative to the US pop-punk outfit Paramore.

The best hip hop award was for Eminem, who offered his thanks in a video beamed from Brazil, and best live went to the Americans "Linkin Park" -- who were performing in downtown Madrid at the same time.

Longoria presented US rockers Bon Jovi, who have sold over 125 million albums worldwide, with a Global Icon prize.

"Thanks for making us icons," frontman Jon Bon Jovi said upon receiving the award. "I want to thank you fans for this unbelievable ride over a quarter of a century."

And a "Free Your Mind Award" rewarding social responsibility went to Shakira for her campaigning for education for disadvantaged children -- most recently using the proceeds from the "Waka Waka" World Cup anthem.

The MTV Europe Awards are held each year in a different European city, with past hosts including Copenhagen in 2006, Liverpool in 2008, Lisbon in 2005, Rome in 2004, Paris in 1996 and Barcelona in 2002.

Despite the complaints about ticket pricing, the Twittersphere explosion about Y2K's 11th hour entry as the opening band, and the usual rumbling about a cancellation, Malaysia showed up as a 8000-strong crowd to witness Paramore's maiden concert in Kuala Lumpur, at the National Stadium nonetheless. Multiple Hayley lookalikes roamed the arena, car parks filled to the brim, audiences of all colors and music preference appeared in anticipation of the show. Heck, there was even a fake merch booth outside, for those who were unwilling to shell out RM90 for the original tour shirts sold inside the arena. We watched all bemused and in awe as the throngs pressed towards the gates, eager to nab the best place to stand and witness Paramore swing out a setlist that spanned all three of their critically acclaimed albums.

Paramore may soon need to share some of their financial success with a fairly unknown band. The band Tenspoke Indies claims that parts of their song, Starlighter was taken and used by Paramore, in hit their song The Only Exception.

The suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania, asserts that in 2006, Tenspoke sent a copy of the song to Defendants’ record label, Fueled By Ramen. They had already performed Starlighter in concert, and on their album, Blinded By Sound.

Tenspoke never heard from the Paramore or FMB about their song. In 2009, Paramore released their album Brand New Eyes, which included The Only Exception. Tenspoke claims that there is substantial similarity between Starlighter and The Only Exception “including but not limited to, similarities in the introductions, arrangements, the chord progression, the key, the melody, the lyrical theme, the rhythm and tempo of both songs.”

Because of the similarities in the songs, and because Paramore has failed to credit Tenspoke, they are suing for copyright infringement. Tenspoke wants at least $75,000 for their work.

Both songs are beautiful. The best line from Starlighter is, “If you get lost on the way, and all your friends gave you away, then just reach for the stars up above. They’ll guide you when times get rough.”

Link (also includes links to the images of the legal documents)- misstilaomg.com/2010/10/11/paramore-sued-for-ripping-off-bands-song/

And there’s a clearer studio version of Starlighter up on that band’s myspace page if you want to compare them better www.myspace.com/tenspokeindies

So my site Paramore@SG is giving away an NME Mag with Paramore on the cover! For more info go to http://paramoresg.tumblr.com/post/1191563980/paramore-nme-magazine-giveaway for rules on how to enter! Winner will be choose randomly! GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ENTER!!

While the Red Hot Chili Peppers might have a downer on Glee, Paramore certainly don't.

In fact the band's frontwoman Hayley Williams was positively over the moon when she heard the cast's version of her band's hit The Only Exception when the latest episode of the hit TV show aired in the US last night (Wednesday, September 28).

"[I'm] seriously on cloud nine after hearing our song on Glee," she gushed via her Twitter account. "[I'm] so humbled by all of this. Everyone on Glee - you rocked our song! Lea Michele [who plays Rachel Berry in the show] your voice was sick! I love your version more haha!"

The episode is set to air on Channel 4 in the UK over the next few weeks. If you can't wait to hear the track, log on to iTunes where it's currently sitting at number four on the US iTunes singles chart.

- Kerrang!