Rising shoegaze talent Wisp has stepped into the spotlight with a memorable debut on Australia’s beloved radio segment Like A Version. In a performance that instantly caught listeners’ attention, Wisp delivers a fresh take on Green Day’s “Last Night on Earth” for triple j’s Like A Version, transforming the beloved ballad into a shimmering, atmospheric experience.
A Simple Yet Heartfelt Song Choice
For Wisp, choosing the track was anything but complicated. Speaking candidly in the studio, she shared that her connection to the song was refreshingly genuine. She described it as sweet, easy to sing along to, and something she had already grown attached to over time.
Originally released by Green Day in 2009, “Last Night on Earth” appeared on their album 21st Century Breakdown. Unlike many of the band’s high-energy anthems, the song stood out for its stripped-down vulnerability and emotional intimacy — qualities that made it a favorite among longtime fans.
Reimagining a Fan-Favorite Ballad
Rather than replicating the original’s polished rock production, Wisp leaned fully into her signature shoegaze aesthetic. Layers of hazy distortion, soft yet powerful vocals, and a dreamy atmosphere replaced the crisp instrumentation of the original version. The result was a cover that felt both nostalgic and entirely new.
Her interpretation maintained the song’s emotional core while wrapping it in a gauzy, reverb-soaked soundscape — a style that has quickly become her hallmark. It was less about dramatic reinvention and more about subtle transformation, allowing listeners to experience the lyrics in a fresh emotional light.
Inspiration for What’s Next
Wisp also revealed that the song played a meaningful role in shaping her upcoming album. As she prepares new material, she has been curating playlists filled with tracks that spark creative ideas. “Last Night on Earth” was one of the songs that stood out during that process.
Known for carefully crafting playlists for both herself and her audience, Wisp treats music discovery as part of her artistic workflow. The track lived on a personal moodboard playlist that has influenced the tone and direction of her next project, offering insight into the emotional palette she’s exploring.
Showcasing Original Work
In addition to the cover, Wisp performed her own song, “Black Swan,” during the session. The track further demonstrated her ability to build immersive sonic worlds, blending vulnerability with expansive, layered production.
Her appearance continues the strong tradition of bold reinterpretations that triple j has cultivated through Like A Version. Over the years, the segment has become a proving ground for artists willing to take creative risks with familiar material.
With this performance, Wisp not only honored a beloved Green Day track but also carved out her own space within that legacy. By fusing heartfelt simplicity with lush shoegaze textures, she delivered a version that felt intimate, modern, and distinctly her own.
You can watch Wisp’s full ‘Like A Version’ session via triple j’s official channels and below.
