TN:166 Hayley Williams & Daniel James

Oct 14, 2025

Hayley Williams, Grammy-winning frontwoman of Paramore, shares insights into her solo album, discussing her unique songwriting journey and vocal choices. She's joined by longtime collaborator Daniel James, who elaborates on the innovative production techniques they employed. They explore how writing for her solo work contrasts with Paramore, the emotional layers added with a child’s voice memo, and the intention behind keeping songs immediate and authentic. Their conversation highlights creative risks and the power of honesty in connecting with fans.

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ANECDOTE

From Singles To An Album Moment

Hayley wrote many songs rapidly without intending an album and released 17 singles at once before deciding it was an album.
The title Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party came from a late song that helped shape the collection into an album.

INSIGHT

Keep First Takes To Preserve Energy

Daniel and Hayley deliberately avoided overproducing to retain initial song energy.
Moving quickly kept arrangements lean and preserved first-take instincts.

ANECDOTE

Phone Memo Became 'Kill Me'

"Kill Me" began from Hayley's phone melody nicknamed 'French detective melody' and simple home sketches.
They built the track rapidly using samples, loops, and a slide-guitar idea processed through Portal.

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