Full Breakdown
The Linda Lindas Drop Third Album ‘Gotta Get Out’ – Hayley Williams Joins on New Single “Closer”
7/10/2026, 9:39:11 PM
Core Release and Collaboration
Los Angeles punk quartet The Linda Lindas released the studio single “Closer” on July 31, 2024, marking the first time vocalist Hayley Williams (Paramore) recorded with the band. “Closer” appears as the second track on the group’s third full-length album *Gotta Get Out*, slated for release on August 28, 2024 via Reprise/Warner. The collaboration emerged when Williams was in town while the band was tracking the album, and the members described the studio session as “super exciting” and “amazing.”
Background & Context
The four-piece first broke through in 2021 with a viral video of “Racist, Sexist Boy.” Since then they have toured with Paramore and Green Day, released the 2024 record *No Obligation*, and earned public endorsements from Olivia Rodrigo, Karen O and Bethany (Best Coast). Williams has long championed the group, covering “The News” for Paramore’s remix album and joining them onstage in London (summer 2023) and Los Angeles (May 2024).
Creation Process & Themes
Band members said the album’s writing process differed from earlier releases. Rather than each member bringing individual ideas, the group convened in a single room, drafted roughly 30 songs, and narrowed the pool to twelve final tracks. Themes revolve around feeling “stuck,” confronting political frustration, and embracing emotional honesty. The title track “Gotta Get Out” encapsulates the desire to break old habits, while “Closer” reflects the anxiety of aging and the end of childhood.
Timeline of Key Moments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Viral video of “Racist, Sexist Boy” performance |
| Summer 2023 | Hayley Williams joins the band onstage at London’s O2 Academy Islington |
| May 2024 | Guitarist Eloise Wong performs with Williams during the “Ego Death At A Bachelorette” tour in LA |
| July 31 2024 | “Closer” single released |
| August 28 2024 | *Gotta Get Out* album release (Reprise/Warner) |
| Later 2024 | Appearance at Tom Morello’s Power To The People Festival |
Data & Statistics
- Third studio album, following 2022’s *No Obligation*.
- Approximately 30 songs written; 12 selected for the final tracklist.
- Album released on August 28, 2024; pre-orders available worldwide.
Why It Matters / Impact
The collaboration bridges two generations of emo-inspired rock, highlighting Williams’s evolution from early-2000s pop-punk to a more nuanced solo career while amplifying the visibility of a young, all-female, multicultural band. The band stresses that live performance remains essential for community building, especially amid “doom-scrolling” and digital fatigue.
Official Statements & Responses
Band members emphasized the emotional honesty behind “Closer,” noting that the song captures the rapid passage of time and the pressure to suppress darker feelings. They described the album’s creation as a “more comfortable” environment that fostered artistic freedom and intentional decision-making. The group also framed the record as both personal and political, reflecting their lived experience as young artists navigating a turbulent world. Regarding live music, they reiterated its role as a “meaningful human connection” that cannot be replicated by AI or online platforms.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism was reported in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The collaboration has been a long time coming,” — Lucia de la Garza, vocalist
- “When she started singing, we all looked at each other because she sounded so amazing.” — Eloise Wong, guitarist
- “Life passing you by really quickly. I just felt like I was getting really old, and my childhood was ending.” — Bela Salazar, bassist
- “ Wong: “We’re taught to hold in and suppress a lot of darker emotions like sadness, anger and frustration, but it’s so important to be able to express those.” — Eloise Wong
- “Live shows provide such meaningful human connection, and they’re very reviving. AI can’t do that.” — Mila de la Garza, vocalist
What’s Next
The Linda Lindas will perform at Tom Morello’s Power To The People Festival later this year and continue touring in support of *Gotta Get Out*, aiming to translate the album’s themes of resilience and community into live-music experiences.
