Hayley Williams has unexpectedly removed her new album Ego from her website, just days after its launch. The album was released on July 28 and featured 17 tracks, including the single Mirtazapine, which made its debut on a Nashville radio station shortly before the album release.
Access to the album was exclusive, requiring fans to enter a 16-digit code received after purchasing from Williams’ hair dye company, Good Dye Young. However, in less than 48 hours post-release, Williams has taken it down. Upon visiting her site, fans are met with the message: “Hello, there. Thank you for listening.”
The rationale behind the album’s removal is unclear. It isn’t known if this means Ego will soon be available on major streaming platforms, or if it was intended as a limited-time experience for fans.
Reactions on social media have included shock and disappointment, with many expressing frustration at missing the chance to listen.
If Ego gets a formal release, it will mark the first album from the Paramore frontwoman after her transition to being an independent artist, following the end of her contract with Warner/Atlantic.
Williams is no stranger to unconventional album releases; her previous solo album, Flowers for Vases / descansos, appeared with only a day’s notice in February 2021.
Since then, Williams has released new music through collaborations and features, including a recent joint venture with David Byrne on his upcoming album, Everybody Laughs.
