One of the coolest things about Hayley Williams, 24, rock band Paramore's lead singer, is how she has so much street cred in a music genre mostly dominated by men. Maybe that's because she's one of those people who always seems to be genuinely herself, whether you like it or not. "For me, embracing my own power is about embracing my right to be an individual," Williams says. "I learn every day what it means to love myself, and I'm constantly figuring out what makes me feel empowered." Yet her band's new eponymous album, debuting four years after their last record, is all about rediscovering the group as musicians and friends. How exactly do you do that—reinvent yourself while staying true to your core? "I believe in a constant state of change," she says. "Whether I'm being influenced by new music that I'm listening to, books I've read, my friends, or my faith, I'm learning all the time. The past two years of my life, I've become quite a different person. Being open to that growth was what gave me the chance to rediscover myself and my friendships. If the least I can do is have an open mind, then I think I'll take a chance on growing up." Her advice for anyone, whether you're a rock star or working in a cubicle farm: "The truth is, no matter what your lifestyle or occupation, nothing can really stop you when you're allowing yourself to be exactly who you want to be."
Hayley Williams' Top Tips for Being a Legit Rock Chick
1. Get tons of tattoos.
2. Dye your hair like 10 different colors.
3. Start partying so hard that your liver physically hurts.
4. Stop reading these tips because these ideals are what's wrong with the whole genre anyway.
5. Be yourself and be unashamed because that's what punk rock is about. If anyone tells you different, they aren't punk, they are politicians!
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Eugenie Welcomes Second Baby
This name!
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Finally, Stylish Summer Jewelry You Can Sweat, Swim, and Shower in
Waterproof pieces you can keep on all summer long.
By Emma Childs
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger