Sidequest

As the colourful-haired guitarist and vocalist of the record-breaking Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, Michael Clifford is ready to reintroduce himself with a monumental solo debut album, Sidequest. It is an ode to human connection – for his dedicated fans and anyone else who needs to hear it. Michael delivers his career-best vocal performances on Sidequest. “I’m 12 years into my career, and people still haven’t heard my voice properly,” he says. Now, he can finally let it all out. Sidequest defies categorization – moving from the playful pop-punk and alternative sounds of his youth to forward-looking peppy synths, glimmery electronic rhythms, and asymmetrical arrangements. There are no precise reference points, no unimaginative plays for nostalgia here. Michael has created a sound all his own, where working through self-doubt feels like euphoria and soul-bearing revelations are revealed atop power chords, enticing the listener