Michael Clifford Sidequest album: A Bold Solo Music Journey Beyond 5SOS

Michael Clifford Sidequest – A New Chapter Begins

The music world is buzzing with the news of Michael Clifford Sidequest, the 5 Seconds of Summer guitarist’s first solo album. Set to drop on July 25th, Sidequest marks a major turning point in Clifford’s career as he ventures out with his own artistic identity. This project isn’t just a departure; it’s a creative exploration that offers fans a new dimension of his talent.

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The Lead Single – ‘Give Me a Break!’ Sets the Tone

Emotional Rawness with Awsten Knight

Kicking off the Michael Clifford Sidequest rollout, the first single “Give Me a Break!” instantly struck a chord with fans. Featuring Awsten Knight of Waterparks, the song deals with the emotional toll of burnout and losing yourself in a world full of expectations. It’s a powerful duet, with both voices pushing against the pressure to conform.

“Awsten became my person that I would vent to about different things in life and I think that that’s the kind of the energy that this song has. It’s very authentic to us,” Clifford explained.

This single embraces the high-energy pop-punk sound that first put 5SOS on the map. For listeners, it signals that Michael Clifford Sidequest will blend the nostalgic with the deeply personal.

A Shared Creative Process

Awsten Knight echoed those sentiments:

“When Michael asked me to be involved with his album I was beyond flattered; I’ve been a fan of his for so long… Writing with him was fun because we pushed every line to the limit.”

Their collaboration is more than a feature—it’s a creative synergy that drives home the theme of Michael Clifford Sidequest: confronting real life through an artistic lens.

The Visual Narrative – Paying Tribute to Anime and Fan Fiction

Anime-Inspired Aesthetic

The music video for “Give Me a Break!” adds another layer to the Michael Clifford Sidequest journey. Inspired by the cult classic anime Death Note, the visuals are not just stylistic—they’re a celebration of fandom itself.

A Tribute to Fan Creativity

“I wanted to make sure that we glorified fan fiction and how beautiful it is that people write these incredible farfetched stories about their favorite artists and publish them for the world to see,” Clifford said.

In doing so, Michael Clifford Sidequest acknowledges and celebrates the fans who’ve supported 5SOS for over a decade, recognizing their creativity and loyalty.

How Sidequest Fits into the 5SOS Solo Universe

Following the Footsteps of Bandmates

Michael Clifford Sidequest is the latest in a string of solo efforts from 5 Seconds of Summer’s members. Vocalist Luke Hemmings was first to break away with his solo debut When Facing the Things We Turn Away From in 2021, followed by Boy in 2024. Ashton Irwin released Superbloom in 2020 and returned with Blood on the Drums in 2024.

A Unified Yet Distinct Effort

Despite being solo, Michael Clifford Sidequest doesn’t abandon collaboration. Clifford’s fellow 5SOS bassist Calum Hood co-wrote the track “Cool.” This connection underlines how the group remains close-knit, even as members experiment individually.

Michael Clifford Sidequest – A Genre-Spanning Track List

The tracklist of Michael Clifford Sidequest reveals a wide range of sounds and emotions:

Sidequest Track List

“kill me for always” (feat. Porter Robinson)
“Cool”
“Give Me a Break!” (feat. Waterparks)
“Remember When”
“Enough”
“Fashion”
“Thirsty”
“Nosebleed”
“If I Had A Choice” (feat. Ryan Hall)
“Eclipse”

Collaborations That Push Boundaries

Each featured artist brings a different flavor to Michael Clifford Sidequest, whether it’s Porter Robinson’s electronic touch or Ryan Hall’s emotional depth. Clifford is clearly using this project to explore new territory while staying rooted in his musical DNA.

Michael Clifford Sidequest and Its Broader Meaning

Reclaiming Artistic Identity

Michael Clifford Sidequest is more than just a solo record—it’s a declaration of personal agency. It’s Clifford’s way of stepping outside the group dynamic to rediscover and reassert who he is as an individual artist.

A Reflection of Fan Relationships

The inclusion of fan fiction references in the Michael Clifford Sidequest campaign underscores the album’s connection to the community. Clifford’s recognition of the fans’ creativity highlights a mutual respect between artist and audience.

What to Expect from the Michael Clifford Sidequest Era

Live Shows and Possible Tours

Although no tour dates have been announced yet, fans are speculating that Michael Clifford Sidequest will come with intimate performances or pop-up events. Clifford has always excelled at creating immersive musical experiences, and his solo debut will likely be no different.

Evolution in Sound

Listeners can expect a mix of pop-punk, synth-rock, and indie elements. Michael Clifford Sidequest is shaping up to be a sonically diverse record that caters to longtime fans while welcoming new ones.

Final Thoughts on Michael Clifford Sidequest

Clifford’s debut album Michael Clifford Sidequest is a bold leap forward that combines nostalgia, introspection, and a desire to tell deeper stories. It highlights his maturity as a songwriter and his ability to innovate without losing the core elements that made 5SOS a global success.

By integrating his experiences and creative influences, Michael Clifford Sidequest becomes more than a solo record—it’s a full-bodied artistic statement.

FAQs About Michael Clifford Sidequest

When is Michael Clifford Sidequest being released?

Michael Clifford Sidequest is scheduled for release on July 25th.

Who are the featured artists on Michael Clifford Sidequest?

The album features collaborations with Porter Robinson, Awsten Knight (Waterparks), and Ryan Hall.

Is Michael Clifford the first 5SOS member to go solo?

No, Michael Clifford Sidequest follows solo projects from Luke Hemmings and Ashton Irwin.

What is the genre of Michael Clifford Sidequest?

The album draws from pop-punk, synth rock, indie, and electronic influences.

Will there be a tour for Michael Clifford Sidequest?

While no official tour dates have been announced, fans are hoping for live shows or exclusive events tied to the release of Michael Clifford Sidequest.