Paramore's Hayley Williams debuted a solo album earlier this year in a very unusual way. It first became available online through a website linked to her hair dye brand. Then, in August, the Tennessee native released all 17 tracks as individual singles on streaming services.
Videos by Wide Open Country
While all the tracks are pretty solid, the one that probably caught the most attention was "Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party."
Why? As we previously reported, the first line in the song mentions a "racist country singer." Here's the verse:
"I'll be the biggest star at this racist country singer's bar
No use shootin' for the moon, no use chasing waterfalls
I'm the biggest star at this racist country singer's bar
No use shootin' for the moon, no use chasing waterfalls."
Everyone assumed that it was Morgan Wallen, though we did some research and threw Jason Aldean's name into the ring. But on a recent episode of The New York Times' Popcast podcast, Williams revealed the name of whom she was referring to.
Yes, It's Exactly Who You Think It Is
When asked if she wanted to reveal the name of the singer in the song, Hayley Williams said that "it could be a couple" of people.
"I'm always talking about Morgan Wallen," she declared proudly. "I don't give a s***!"
"Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don't care," she added with a laugh.
What Did Morgan Wallen Do Again?
The "I'm the Problem" singer opened Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen in downtown Nashville last year. But it probably didn't go as smoothly as he would have liked.
The company that runs the bar asked Nashville's city council for permission to use a neon sign. It denied the request, citing Wallen's previous behavior of using racial slurs and throwing chairs as the reason. The council eventually reversed its decision after Wallen apologized for his inappropriate comments. He also cooperated with authorities after pleading guilty to the misdemeanor charges stemming from the chair-throwing incident.
Why Did Williams Call Out Wallen?
The podcast hosts, Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, then discussed Hayley Williams' need to address Wallen's behavior and the diversity of Paramore's fan base, particularly around the time the song "Ain't It Fun" came out.
"[The song] let different people who hadn't been privy to what we were doing or what we were about feel a little more welcome to come out to the show," says Williams.
"The music gives them a space," she said later. "It makes them feel a part of something, and that's the only feeling I've ever wanted since I was a kid in Mississippi."
You can watch Williams on the podcast below.
