Fri Jul 25 04:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**5 Seconds of Summer’s Michael Clifford Embarks on ‘SIDEQUEST’ with Debut Solo Album**

**Los Angeles, CA – August 25, 2024** – Michael Clifford, renowned guitarist of the global pop-punk sensation 5 Seconds of Summer, has officially released his highly anticipated debut solo album, “SIDEQUEST,” today. The album marks a significant departure from the band’s signature sound, venturing into the realms of electronic music and digital innovation.

Clifford, the last member of 5SOS to explore a solo endeavor, revealed in a recent interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ that “SIDEQUEST” was born out of the creative energy of the COVID-19 lockdowns. While bandmates Luke Hemmings and Ashton Irwin pursued their solo projects, Clifford initially focused on producing. However, he soon found himself with a collection of songs he couldn’t keep to himself.

“It was the fear of having made all of this and it just not existing,” Clifford shared. “I was like, ‘Man, I’d be doing a shame to myself and anybody who would want to hear something from me.'”

Rejecting the easy route of nostalgia-driven pop-punk, Clifford sought to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. He drew inspiration from electronic music and digital creators, aiming to create something both familiar and forward-thinking.

“It would have been really easy for me to make something that was like a nostalgia album… I was really focused on what could push this sound and genre in a direction that feels a little bit unexpected and do something that feels nostalgic but also feels like it’s going forwards in time as well.”

While “SIDEQUEST” represents a new chapter for Clifford, he assures fans that this is not the end for 5 Seconds of Summer. He hinted at future projects for the band, stating, “It’s such a good time to be a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer because there’s just so much lore and depth.”

“SIDEQUEST” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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