5 Seconds of Summer’s Michael Clifford has unveiled his latest solo offering, “Give Me A Break!” featuring Waterparks—a high-energy collaboration that showcases the artist’s sharpened creative vision. The track arrives alongside news of his debut solo album, SIDEQUEST, set for release on July 25 via Hopeless Records.
A Dynamic Collaboration
Clifford teamed up with Waterparks frontman Awsten Knight for the track, which blends their signature wit with punchy production. “Awsten became my person to vent to about life,” Clifford shared. “That raw, unfiltered energy is exactly what this song captures.” Knight echoed the sentiment, praising Clifford’s solo work as “something I’ve been excited to see come together.”
A Nod to Fan Culture
The accompanying music video, directed by Luke Orlando, playfully reimagines the dark intrigue of Death Note through the lens of fan fiction. In a series of exaggerated scenarios, Clifford meets increasingly absurd fates at Knight’s hands—a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the creativity of devoted fans. “It’s about celebrating how far their dedication can go,” Clifford explained.
What’s Next
“Give Me A Break!” follows Clifford’s debut solo single “cool,” further building anticipation for SIDEQUEST. With its mix of self-deprecating humor and polished pop-rock, the project promises to reveal new dimensions of the 5SOS guitarist’s artistry.
Release Details:
- “Give Me A Break!” out now
- Debut album SIDEQUEST arrives July 25
- Video directed by Luke Orlando
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.