Michael Clifford, best known as the guitarist of 5 Seconds of Summer, has officially launched his solo career with the release of SIDEQUEST.
The album marks a new creative chapter for Clifford and positions him as the final member of the band to explore solo work.
The project, released in July 2025, features a mix of genre influences including emo, alternative, and electronic sounds.
Clifford has described the album as deeply personal, reflecting his growth as a songwriter and father. He noted that the idea of letting years of music sit unreleased pushed him to take the leap into solo artistry.
SIDEQUEST includes previously released tracks like Cool, Give Me a Break! , featuring Waterparks, and Kill Me for Always featuring Porter Robinson.
The full album expands on themes of vulnerability, change, and experimentation.
Clifford credited his daughter and new experiences outside the band for inspiring a more joyful, spontaneous creative process.
While he expressed nervousness about stepping out on his own, he also called the album a long-overdue step in his artistic evolution.
To support the release, Clifford will perform his first ever solo shows in Los Angeles at the end of July.
These performances mark a significant moment for both the artist and his longtime fans, as he explores music beyond the 5SOS sound that first brought him global attention.
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