Intro duction

This rumination sits at the center of Paramore’s 2013 self-titled album. In “Last Hope,” a song dearly loved by fans, Paramore comes to the conclusion that you’ve got to embrace life and let it happen. Above all else, Paramore is about change. The album opens with a reflection of what’s in the rearview mirror, a plea for the future to come now, and the proclamation that some of us have to grow up sometimes. Paramore documents growing up, the very act of becoming a new person. The full spectrum of human emotion is put on display: love, heartbreak, grief, joy. It celebrates and bemoans in equal measure the pain and euphoria of picking yourself up and moving on.

A decade later, the album serves as a mirror and a comforting shawl. Questions and selfdoubt are accompanied with assurances that the pain reminds you “hearts can heal.” Maybe you’ve blasted “Still Into You” after a first kiss, listened to “I’m Not Angry Anymore” until a kernel of resentment dislodged itself from your heart, or let “Part II” wash over you in waves. Maybe, ten years later, the lovers are different, the daydreams have changed, or you’re still in that car, driving as fast as you can. Does living in the real world ever become fun? Is it okay to be happy now? A decade later, are you still learning the same lesson again and again? As the album closes, the past is out of sight with all eyes on what is to come: think of the future, think of a new life. Paramore encourages you to fall in love with yourself, to embrace the messiness and exuberance that comes with growing up. Maybe we’re on our own in the real world, but that doesn’t mean other people haven’t experienced the same pain.

Writing the Future celebrates the ten year anniversary of Paramore, an album beloved and dear to so many people. Divided in two sections — past & future — the zine checks the reflection in the rearview mirror and contemplates the words yet to be written on the page. Thank you to all the contributors for sharing your time and talents.

Here’s to the people we used to be, the people we’re becoming, and the music that soundtracks our journey. Here’s to Paramore.

PAST

ART BY K

ART

BY LUCIE

ART BY THE-PUNK-PANTHER

ART BY LOVEFORTAYLEY

ART BY ALEX

ART BY SIMONE PARKER