Rising American shoegaze artist Wisp delivered a captivating reimagining of Green Day’s 2009 ballad ‘Last Night on Earth’ as part of Australia’s renowned triple j ‘Like A Version’ segment. The performance, which debuted on , showcases Wisp’s signature ethereal sound and ability to transform familiar tracks into something uniquely her own.
Wisp, known for her reverb-drenched instrumentation and atmospheric textures, described her choice of song as stemming from a simple appreciation. “I chose this cover, it’s a very simple reason, I just think it’s a cute song,” she explained in a studio interview. “It’s easy, it’s fun and I had it on a playlist for a long time, so I knew all the words already.” This seemingly casual selection belies a deeper connection, as the track also served as inspiration for her forthcoming album.
The original ‘Last Night on Earth,’ featured on Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown, has resonated with fans for its raw emotionality and stripped-down arrangement. Wisp’s interpretation doesn’t abandon that sentiment, but rather refracts it through a distinctly shoegaze lens. She layers shimmering guitar effects and ambient textures over the core melody, creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere that feels both familiar and entirely new. The result is a track that feels at home in a moody, introspective playlist, a testament to Wisp’s skill in reshaping sonic landscapes.
Beyond the aesthetic transformation, Wisp revealed the song’s unexpected role in her creative process. “I was curating a bunch of songs that I wanted to find inspiration in for the next album that I’m writing,” she said, explaining that ‘Last Night on Earth’ was among those selected. She frequently utilizes playlists as a tool for both personal inspiration and to share musical discoveries with her audience, and this particular track found a place on a moodboard playlist influencing her next project.
The ‘Like A Version’ segment has a long history of showcasing artists’ reinterpretations of popular songs, often resulting in unexpected and critically acclaimed performances. Wisp’s contribution continues that tradition, demonstrating a willingness to engage with established material while simultaneously asserting her own artistic identity. The shift from Green Day’s polished rock production to Wisp’s shimmering distortion and dreamlike haze exemplifies this approach.
Wisp’s ‘Like A Version’ appearance wasn’t limited to the Green Day cover. She also performed her original track ‘Black Swan,’ offering listeners a glimpse into her own musical world. This pairing allowed audiences to appreciate both her interpretive abilities and her original songwriting talent.
The process of reworking ‘Last Night on Earth’ wasn’t without its challenges. Wisp noted that her initial demo felt “stagnant,” lacking the dynamic flow and textural richness she typically incorporates into her music. “There wasn’t much flow or texture that I felt like a Wisp song would have,” she explained. To address this, she focused on building a more expansive and layered soundscape, particularly in the final chorus. “I thought that the last chorus should be bigger and I could play with different guitar tones that I have,” she said. “So just experimenting with my pedal board and seeing what fun ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ I can do in the song to make it more Wisp-y, I guess.”
This dedication to sonic experimentation is a hallmark of Wisp’s work. Her ability to take a well-known song and imbue it with her own unique aesthetic demonstrates a deep understanding of both musical structure and emotional resonance. The resulting cover isn’t simply a replication of the original. it’s a reimagining that honors the song’s core sentiment while simultaneously pushing its boundaries.
Wisp’s ‘Like A Version’ session is available for viewing on triple j’s official channels, offering fans a chance to experience her captivating performance firsthand. The release of this cover, alongside her original material, signals an exciting period for the artist as she continues to develop her sound and prepare for her next album. The performance is already generating buzz, solidifying Wisp’s position as a rising force in the shoegaze scene and a compelling voice in contemporary music.
