The Best Triple J Like A Version Performances of 2025
Every year, triple j’s Like A Version program feeds us incredible live content from some of our favorite artists. This year in particular has been especially satisfying, with the Australian radio station showcasing a wide variety of performances from artists like Wallows and Florence Road covering songs by musicians like the Marias and Phoebe Bridgers. Here are some of the standout triple j Like A Version performances from 2025.
Inhaler - “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” & “Nightcall” (Kavinsky)
Their electro-pop hit “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” brought an energy into the studio that juxtaposes their usual punk rock atmosphere. However, a good bit of their edge is still present through a gritty texture added to the song’s normally clear, bouncing guitar riffs. All in all, the effortlessly lush melody this track brings to the table was a perfect pick for this performance.
Inhaler was also able to create their own unique masterpiece with Kavinsky’s “Nightcall.” Taking a more stripped-back approach to the song's composition, their version staggers instrumental introductions and builds up to a punchy ending.
The thoughtful song choices, strong vocal control displayed by lead singer Elijah Hewson, purposeful instrumental decisions, and stunningly clear backup vocals from bassist Bobby Skeetz make it one of their best performances.
Djo - “Basic Being Basic” & “Gasoline” (HAIM)
Off of his 2025 album The Crux, Djo’s Like A Version performance of the track “Basic Being Basic” sounds exactly like the studio version. Bringing a groovy vibe to the studio, the song blends distinctive drums, almost monotone chanting, and vibrant synths.
Djo’s cover of HAIM’s “Gasoline” transports you to a jazzy dreamscape full of smooth sensuality and tension. While the first part of the performance reflects Djo’s normal alt-pop style with a moody baseline, the last third of the cover incorporates more of HAIM’s original rhythm and harmonic style.
Role Model - “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” & “Nothing New” (Taylor Swift & Phoebe Bridgers)
Role Model’s “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” is certain to capture the attention of listeners, whether they’re already a fan of his or not. The song is filled with vivid storytelling and has an upbeat energy that’s bound to get you moving. This performance shows just how much his vocals have improved since the start of his career.
Artists who know their audience are guaranteed to hit it out of the park every time. Role Model’s choice to cover “Nothing New” by Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers perfectly showcases his understanding of who his listener base is. With smooth, emotional vocals and a slight country twang, this cover has only strengthened the connection he has with his fans.
Florence Road - “Miss” & “Georgia” (Phoebe Bridgers)
Florence Road’s single “Miss” delivers raw and volatile emotions. The track is filled with delicate yet strong vocals and heavy, gritty guitar. With a sharp edge and layered complexity, Florence Road is creating something powerful.
Their cover of Phoebe Bridgers’ “Georgia” takes a turn from “Miss.” Its haunting melody is tender and wrapped in something so raw and honest that you can’t help but feel it deeply in your bones.
Wallows - “Your New Favorite Song” & “No One Noticed” (The Marias)
“Your New Favorite Song” is a refreshing indie-rock earworm. Showcasing Wallows’ signature sound, the lush melody and thoughtful lyrics are familiar and comforting, making the track seem like it belongs in an indie short film.
Wallows covering a song by the Marias was something I never knew I needed until now. Lead singer Dylan Minnette's vocals are begging on “No One Noticed” and mirror the original yearning found on this track from the Marias’ lead singer, María Zardoya.
Suki Waterhouse - “On This Love” & “Look At That Woman” (Role Model)
Suki Waterhouse’s sultry single “On This Love” starts off dreamy before transforming into a moody soundscape full of sensual electric guitar and addictive, breathy vocals. The track brings an ethereal and hazy atmosphere full of intense emotion to the studio.
Describing the track as a “sneaky heartbreak song,” Waterhouse chooses to flip Role Model’s “Look At That Woman” around and portray the song from a celebratory female perspective. Her vocals float freely through the song’s upbeat atmosphere with a slight resemblance to Fleetwood Mac coming through.
Del Water Gap - “How To Live” & “Sailor Song” (Gigi Perez)
Del Water Gap is no stranger to feeling and experiencing life very deeply. His songs are a testament to how much the experience of being alive affects him. “How To Live” is an anxious anthem about adulthood. Filled with meaningful rambles and artfully shaky vocals, the track is a purposeful expression of spiritual confusion.
Del Water Gap covering Gigi Perez’s “Sailor Song" makes perfect sense. The emotionally raw yearning and feeling that floats through this song match his artistry in such an exact way.
Olivia Dean - “Dive” & “Sexy to Someone” (Clairo)
Dressed in a chic all-white ensemble, Olivia Dean’s voice in the triple j studio smooths over her lyrics as they flow from her mouth. As always, her performances display her effortless vocal talent and passionate soul.
“Dive” provides a deliciously sweet taste of Dean’s classic sunny and optimistic melodies, while her cover of Clairo’s “Sexy to Someone” is a bit more cheeky. As she let her accent slip through on some words, you could also hear the infectious smile her face held peek through her vocals.
Fontaines D.C. - “Starburster” & “Can You Feel My Heart” (Bring Me the Horizon)
Fontaines D.C. brings authenticity to a new level. The incredibly raw lyrics and themes they weave into their songs never fail to make me fall deeper in love with their music. Their performance of “Starburster” pulls you in while lead singer Grian Chatten's ever-present accent forces you to hold onto every word.
Their cover of “Can You Feel My Heart” changed the game completely. Deviating from Bring Me the Horizon’s original production, Fontaines D.C. managed to make “Can You Feel My Heart” sound like it was meant to be on one of their own albums. Opening it up with a darker atmosphere, they let the lyrics be the star of the show.
