Courtesy photo

One can't get much higher on the list of “it bands” for 2008 than Paramore.

The pop-rock quartet, which opens for Jimmy Eat World on Tuesday, April 1 at Freeman Coliseum, has seen its latest album, Riot!, sell like crazy, thanks in part to some radio hits. The band has also become mainstream mainstays because of lead singer Hayley Williams, who thanks to her catchy songwriting and girl-next-door presence, has become a role model for other aspiring female rockers.

210SA recently participated in an email exchange with Williams, touching on everything from opening for Jimmy Eat World, the benefits of success and the hype that surrounds Paramore.

210: What have you learned over the last year or so, since Paramore hit it big on the scene?

HW: I've learned how important it is to do things for yourself – music, specifically. If we aren't creating something that we love and we're just doing all this to please the world, then we'll never get anywhere, no matter how many records we're selling.

210: What was the first thought that entered your head when you learned you would be opening for Jimmy Eat World?

HW: All of us grew up listening to those dudes and I really believe that if it weren't for them, there would be no Paramore. When we found out the tour was really happening, we felt honored. And then, I pissed myself.

210: What's been the best part of your newfound success?

HW: The best part about all of this is that is just creates more opportunities for us to play our music for people.

210: What about the worst part of your newfound success?

HW: Sometimes, the hype can really confuse a person. Inside we are still 17, 19, 20 and 22-year-old kids, but this business expects you to have everything figured out. The worst part, which actually turns out to be the best part, is realizing how much you don't know.

210: Breakup rumors swirled around the band not too long ago. Where did those rumors come from, and how did the band react to them?

HW: We needed to catch our breath for a minute, and we couldn't do that out on the road. When we made the decision to come home from our UK/Europe tour, we knew that people would have their opinions, but in the end, we did what we thought was best for the band, and hopefully, now can go back out stronger than ever.

210: Have you started thinking about the pressure that will accompany a follow-up to Riot!?

HW: There's always an underlying pressure, I believe, if you are concerned with growing as a band. But it's more about not letting ourselves down than anyone else.

210: Rock stars aren't usually considered great role models, but Paramore seems different in that respect. Would you consider yourself a role model to young music listeners?

HW: It's not always the most comforting thing to know people consider you a role model because no one is perfect, but it's definitely flattering and even humbling. It is the greatest feeling to know that people see our music as a positive thing.

210: With bands like Paramore, Flyleaf and others hitting big recently, is there a definite “girl power” movement brewing in mainstream rock music? If so, to what do you attribute that?

HW: I don't usually pay much attention to all the girl power hype, but I'm honored to feel accepted and respected in a world that is sort of run by dudes. The girl power stuff can be a bit overwhelming, so I guess if there's anything I do for the cause, it's just (to) let our band be our band. It's not about proving that girls can rock. If someone can rock, people will see it, no matter what sex you are.

210: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

HW: I'd love to be touring and making records with Paramore. I just love music, so I'll be around one way or another.

CLINT HALE | 210SA