Elias hit play. Instead of the polished pop-punk or synth-pop he expected, he heard the sound of heavy rain and a rhythmic, metallic tapping. Then, a voice that sounded like Hayley’s, but layered and echoing, began to whisper lyrics he’d never heard.

Paramore's journey began when lead vocalist Hayley Williams and guitarist Josh Farro met while attending high school. They recruited bassist Jeremy Davis, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro to complete the lineup. The band's early sound was characterized by Williams' powerful vocals, catchy choruses, and a pop-punk influence.