AceShowbiz - Michael Clifford, the lead guitarist of 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS), has taken a bold step into solo artistry. His debut single "Cool" marks the beginning of this exciting venture.

The song offers fans a fresh yet familiar polished rock sound enriched with introspective songwriting. Released under the pop-punk label Hopeless Records, "Cool" is a compelling taster of Clifford's forthcoming album, "SIDEQUEST".

"This song speaks for itself, and my hope is that when fans hear the lyrics, they'll understand me and hopefully themselves a little better," Clifford expressed. He added, "I want this project to make people smile. I'm just out here doing a bunch of sidequests. Now that I'm a dad, everything other than that feels like a sidequest!"

The track, co-written with bandmate Calum Hood and produced by JT Daly and Andrew Goldstein, combines Clifford's signature guitar prowess with magnetic charm and brightly effervescent vocals. It also arrives with a vibrant music video directed by Bobby Hanaford.

The lyrics delve into themes of self-perception and belonging, with Clifford singing, "Everybody knows that I'm out of place, am I cool enough?" Fans will undoubtedly resonate with the relatable subject matter laid over an engaging pop-punk backdrop.

Fans may recall Clifford's previous brush with danger when he was burned by pyrotechnics at a 2015 concert. This and other contemplations from the whirlwind years of 5SOS serve as significant inspirations for "SIDEQUEST".

Clifford reflects on past experiences with a seasoned perspective, illustrated in lyrics like, "Confidence doesn't come so easily when you're the guy who caught fire with the colored hair from the band with the song about underwear."

5 Seconds of Summer, which formed in 2011, has enjoyed immense success, with their albums frequently topping the Australian ARIA charts and earning international acclaim. However, following the release of their album "Calm," members began pursuing solo projects.

Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings have already released solo albums, with Hemmings endorsing the bandmates' exploration of individual artistic pursuits as a means to perpetuate the band's legacy.

As Clifford embarks on his solo journey, fans of 5SOS can look forward to more personal and creative explorations from all band members, each venturing into their sidequests. With "Cool," Clifford not only delivers a nostalgic nod to the band's roots but also confidently steps into a new lane of musical storytelling.