Hayley Williams Launches New Band Power Snatch, Releases ‘EP1’

Hayley Williams, the renowned frontwoman of the rock band Paramore, has introduced a new musical project called Power Snatch. The initiative debuted with the unexpected release of its first collection, "EP1," on the Bandcamp platform through the Untitled imprint. Williams revealed the project last week while co-hosting a program on Apple Music with her creative partner, producer Daniel James. James, who contributed to Williams's third solo effort "Ego Death at the Bachelorette Party," brings significant credentials; that album received four Grammy nominations, one being for Best Alternative Music Album.

The pair's initial offering, the single "DMs," first appeared quietly on Bandcamp in December. This was followed by an Apple Music preview of another track, "Assignment." The newly available "EP1" comprises three songs: "DMs," "Duh," and "Hole in the Ceiling." This release comes shortly after the latest Grammy ceremony, where "Ego Death" was among the nominees. Although she did not win in her categories, a message from Williams's official Instagram account was notably gracious: "We’d like to thank the academy. (And it’s an honor to lose to The Cure anytime ????)." Such public displays of humility, as noted by industry analysts, often strengthen the bond between an artist and their audience, emphasizing values beyond commercial or critical success.

The launch strategy for Power Snatch mirrors the unconventional approach Williams used for "Ego Death." That album was first surprise-dropped as a 17-song digital collection on her personal website for approximately 24 hours last July. Access initially required a code from a product release for Good Dye Young, her thriving hair dye brand launched in 2016, which underscores her savvy as a creative entrepreneur beyond music. After the file was taken down, the album saw an official digital release as individual tracks, inviting fans to create their own listening sequence. A later physical edition expanded the album to 18 songs, adding "Parachute" and two bonus tracks.

Featuring work from collaborators such as Jim-E Stack and James Harmon, "Ego Death" became Williams's most successful solo chart performance, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. This milestone underscores her enduring relevance apart from Paramore, the acclaimed group she has led since its inception in Franklin, Tennessee, two decades ago. The band itself has evolved significantly from its pop-punk roots, winning a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2015 and exploring new wave and post-punk influences on their latest album, "This Is Why." With Power Snatch, Williams further diversifies her artistic endeavors, entering a phase of creative exploration that engages her audience between major band cycles. This model of pursuing side projects allows veteran artists to test new sonic territories and collaborative dynamics, free from the immense pressure often associated with their flagship acts.