Michael Clifford
News5 Seconds of Summer

Michael Clifford Drops First Solo Song ‘Cool’, Announces Solo Album

Eva van den Bosch
Eva van den Bosch
April 3, 2025 One Min Read

Michael Clifford, guitarist from 5 Seconds of Summer, just released his first solo single called cool. It’s the first song from his upcoming album, SIDEQUEST, which will come out via Hopeless Records.

He worked on the song with his bandmate Calum Hood, along with producers JT Daly and Andrew Goldstein. The lyrics talk about not feeling like you fit in and trying to figure out who you really are. It has a fun pop-punk sound that brings back memories of early 2000s bands like Avril Lavigne and The All-American Rejects.

The music video, directed by Bobby Hanaford, shows Michael going from studio to studio, trying to find the right sound.

Michael says this new music is really personal. He wants fans to smile when they hear it and feel a little more understood. Now that he’s a dad, he says everything else feels like a “sidequest” — just like the album title.

This solo release follows other 5SOS members who’ve also explored their own music, like Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings.

Check out the song and music video below and let us know what you think!

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Eva van den Bosch
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Eva van den Bosch

Eva van den Bosch is a dynamic professional who seamlessly combines her expertise in photography with a prominent editorial role at Strife Mag., alongside her day-to-day responsibilities as a recruiter and branding specialist. At Strife Mag., Eva holds the position of Head Editor, where she oversees the creation and curation of content that resonates with audiences passionate about the alternative music scene. Her photographic portfolio is impressive, featuring live performances of internationally acclaimed bands such as Rammstein, KISS, Slipknot, Linkin Park, and Bring Me The Horizon, to name a few. Eva's ability to capture the raw energy and emotion of live music events has made her a respected figure in the music industry. In her editorial capacity, Eva spearheads the news content production, ensuring that Strife Mag. remains at the forefront of breaking news in the alternative music world. She possesses a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the genre, which enables her to craft engaging and insightful interviews with artists from bands like Five Finger Death Punch, Sum 41, Simple Plan, and Bullet For My Valentine, among others. Balancing her passion for music with her professional role in recruitment and branding, Eva showcases her versatile skill set by enhancing her employer's brand presence through strategic initiatives. Her multifaceted career highlights her dedication to excellence and her ability to thrive in diverse environments. Eva van den Bosch is not only a talented photographer and editor but also a strategic thinker and brand ambassador, making her a valuable asset to any organization.

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