Behind Kevin Abstract’s Cover of Q Lazzarus' ‘Goodbye Horses’ for Like A Version (Interview)

Why It Matters

Kevin Abstract’s reinterpretation bridges nostalgic cult hits with contemporary pop, expanding his audience and proving legacy songs can fuel modern artistic growth.

Key Takeaways

• Kevin Abstract chose “Goodbye Horses” for personal connection
• He reimagined the track with new emotional palette
• Collaboration with Noah reshaped song structure for pop accessibility
• He introduced original song “The Feeling” alongside the cover
• Touring with Lorde highlighted his excitement and artistic growth

Summary

Kevin Abstract sat down to explain his decision to cover Q Lazzarus’s 1988 cult classic “Goodbye Horses” on Triple J’s Like A Version, a move that dovetails with his upcoming original track “The Feeling.” The interview reveals how the song’s haunting vibe has long resonated with him, prompting a desire to reinterpret it through a fresh emotional and sonic lens.

The artist and his longtime collaborator Noah deconstructed the original arrangement, borrowing a film‑soundtrack version that spaced out verses and choruses for a more pop‑friendly flow. This structural tweak, combined with a deliberately lo‑fi phone‑read lyric cue, gave the performance a playful, character‑driven edge while preserving the song’s unsettling core.

Kevin highlighted moments that felt personal—quoting that the track “makes me feel so sick” yet “great”—and even referenced a cameo by Timothée Chalamet as a visual gag. He also used the platform to debut “The Feeling,” a self‑reflective anthem about uncertainty, noting its sonic kinship with the cover. The conversation wrapped with his enthusiasm for touring with Lorde, calling her shows “the best I’ve seen live in a very long time.”

The cover underscores how emerging indie‑pop artists can revitalize legacy tracks, attracting new listeners while showcasing artistic versatility. By pairing a nostalgic hit with original material and high‑profile touring, Abstract positions himself for broader mainstream exposure and reinforces the enduring relevance of 80s underground anthems.

Original Description

Behind Kevin Abstract’s cover of Q Lazzarus' ‘Goodbye Horses’ for triple j's Like A Version.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/triplejsubscribe

Like A Version Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFqO_oqoHHMwiKuAKLuAS2Vm_iQ7zk0KT

Like A Version on Music Streaming: http://abcmusic.lnk.to/LAVplaylist

Like A Version is a segment on Australian radio station triple j. Every week a musician or band performs one of their own songs and cover a song they love.

Watch Like A Version ad-free: http://triplej.net.au​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Production Credits

Senior Producer, Video: Brandon Lung

Senior Producer, Live Music: Greg Wales

Senior Producer, triple j: Max Lavergne

Video Producers: Oliver Quirk, Jed Nielsen, Claudine Ocampo, Katelyn Clark

Assistant Video Producer: Alexandra Sutcliffe

Live Music Producer: Eileen McDonald Sparks

Audio Engineer: Kieran Bowdidge

Assistant Audio Engineer: Ben Northmore

Executive Producer, Video: Jess Hallay

Executive Producer, Live Music: Cameron McCauley

Executive Producer, Digital: Amelia Rounds

Senior Legal Advisor: Sun Hoon

Business Affairs: Julia Kosky

Digital Manager, triple j: Emma Gibbs

Music Director, triple j: Claire Mooney

Manager, Music Programming: Nick Findlay

Head of triple j, Double J and Country: Lachlan Macara

#LikeAVersion