There’s something about surprise drops that always hit harder, especially when they arrive quietly, without build up, algorithms, or hype cycles attached. That’s exactly how Michael Clifford chose to close out 2025, gifting fans a demo he’s been holding onto for a while, and doing it purely as a thank you.
The 5 Seconds of Summer guitarist and songwriter released carry you away (demo) on the final day of the year, framing it as a small but meaningful send off to what’s been a massive chapter in his life. No big rollout. No over explanation. Just a song, shared directly with the people who’ve been along for the ride.
If 2025 felt like a milestone year for Michael, that’s because it genuinely was. Alongside releasing his debut solo album SIDEQUEST back in July via Hopeless Records, he also balanced a sixth album with 5SOS and welcomed his second daughter. That context makes this release land differently. This isn’t a single chasing momentum, it’s a snapshot of a moment that nearly made it onto the album but instead found its own space.
Michael described the track as a demo of a song that “almost made it,” which somehow makes it even more special. There’s something refreshing about hearing music in a less polished state, especially from an artist who’s spent most of his career operating at stadium level. It feels like being let behind the curtain for a second, hearing something that wasn’t necessarily meant to be centre stage, but mattered enough to share anyway.
SIDEQUEST itself was already a statement. The record showed a different side of Michael, pulling influences from electronic pop, alternative, and emotional songwriting, while still keeping that unmistakable melodic touch. Collaborations with Porter Robinson, Waterparks, and Ryan Hall helped frame the project as playful but intentional, proving this wasn’t a side project done for the sake of it. It was a genuine creative outlet.
That’s what makes carry you away (demo) such a fitting capstone. It doesn’t try to outshine the album or compete with it. Instead, it feels like an exhale. A moment of reflection at the end of a year where a lot happened, both publicly and privately.
There’s also something quietly powerful about the timing. Dropping a song on December 31st isn’t about chart positions or streaming milestones. It’s about closing a chapter and acknowledging the people who made it possible. Michael’s message to fans made that clear, thanking them for being there through every step of a year that clearly changed his life.
For longtime 5 Seconds of Summer fans, this era has been fascinating to watch unfold. Michael has always been a key creative force within the band, but seeing him step fully into his own lane this year added a new layer to his artistry. This demo feels like a reminder that even with sold out tours and platinum records, some of the most meaningful moments still come from sharing something simple and honest.
As 2026 edges closer, carry you away (demo) stands as a small but thoughtful bookmark. Not a goodbye, not a grand statement, just a quiet thank you from an artist who had a lot to celebrate and chose to share it through music.