Calum Hood, a member of 5 Seconds of Summer, shares insights on vulnerability, creative rediscovery, and embracing his individuality with his debut solo album, ‘ORDER chaos ORDER,’ which is both introspective and cinematic.
“I had to learn to let go and accept both chaos and calm, allowing them to coexist and support each other throughout the journey. They became neutral forces, neither good nor bad, simply essential.”
Calum Hood is familiar with fame. As a founding member of 5 Seconds of Summer and now an exciting solo artist, Hood is set to release his highly anticipated album, ORDER chaos ORDER, on June 13th through Capitol Records. This album explores Hood's musical interests and marks a return to his original passion for music creation.
The album features the track “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” expressing deep emotional struggles and reflecting his journey.
ORDER chaos ORDER is a ten-track album that radiates hope amidst pain. Hood’s songwriting reveals his introspective storytelling. Following his departure from the band, the album rejuvenates his artistic approach.
For Hood, this record signifies both a rebirth and a return to form. Writing and recording ORDER chaos ORDER reignited his passion for music. After over ten years with 5 Seconds of Summer, he believes the album has permanently influenced his relationship with the band, ultimately making him a better member.
Hood describes the album's creation as a tumultuous mix of clarity and confusion, where he learned to balance the two forces. He conveys, “There are personal topics I never addressed in the band—my upbringing, family, and life’s journey. This album allows listeners to connect with those themes in their own way.”
In a recent interview, Hood discussed the creative process behind his album, the unique collaborations that shaped its sound, and his reflections as both a solo artist and band member.
ORDER chaos ORDER will officially release on June 13th via Capitol Records.
**A CONVERSATION WITH CALUM HOOD**
**Atwood Magazine:** Congrats on the new album, Calum! How are you feeling as the release date approaches?
**Calum Hood:** I’m feeling really good! It’s been a long time coming—29 years, to be precise—so there’s a mix of anticipation, excitement, and nerves.
Can you elaborate on the album's title, ORDER chaos ORDER? What does it signify for you?
**Calum Hood:** It reflects the cycles in my life, both personally and artistically. Initially, I viewed chaos as negative, but over time it became more like a friend. I learned to embrace both chaos and calm, allowing them to coexist throughout the process. They became neutral forces—necessary, neither good nor bad. When I considered names, these ideas felt most relevant—they guided the journey.
You mentioned that collaboration played a crucial role in the album's development. Can you elaborate on that?
**Calum Hood:** Absolutely! The project benefited from strong creative partnerships. It was collaborative, which I appreciated—especially coming from a band where that back-and-forth is common. Initially, I feared doing it all alone, but as I dove deeper into the album, I realized I had support, which made all the difference. I built new creative partnerships and renewed old ones, with many collaborators becoming friends. Their patience allowed me to discover my identity as a solo artist.
What made this the right time for your debut solo album?
**Calum Hood:** I wanted to ensure I was truly ready. I wanted to create music for the right reasons, aiming to grow as a songwriter. I needed time to articulate the stories I wanted to tell genuinely.
I heard you employed a technique similar to what David Bowie and Brian Eno did by writing separately. What was that experience like?
**Calum Hood:** It was incredibly enjoyable. I had the opportunity to explore new processes. For “Endless Ways,” Jackson worked on his part independently, while Elijah and I wrote our parts separately. When we combined them, they just clicked. I loved how the lyrics led the session.
It feels like the album allowed you to reconnect with your inner child. Would you agree?
**Calum Hood:** Yes, that's a fair observation. With some perspective, I felt like I was looking back at moments from a distance. I could reconnect with parts of myself I had ignored, allowing me to let go of past burdens.
After making music for so long, what does this record represent for your career?
**Calum Hood:** The hardest part was committing to sharing it. I could write forever but sharing is when vulnerability and significance arise. This journey was essential for me to grow individually and return as a better version of myself for the band, which has always been my home.
How has your experience with the band influenced this album and altered your perspective on it?
**Calum Hood:** Definitely. Being the last band member to release a solo
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Calum Hood (from 5 Seconds of Summer) shares his thoughts on vulnerability, creative rediscovery, and finding his own path with ‘ORDER chaos ORDER,’ his reflective and cinematic debut solo album.