Behind Malcolm Todd's Cover of Audrey Hobert's 'Phoebe' For Like A Version (Interview)
Why It Matters
The segment spotlights how reinterpretations can elevate lesser‑known songwriters, offering both exposure for Audrey Hobert and a platform for Malcolm Todd to reach broader audiences.
Key Takeaways
- •Malcolm cried listening to Audrey Hobert’s “Phoebe” on a plane.
- •He adds rock‑grunge energy, altering vocal range for his cover.
- •Todd praises Audrey’s confidence and unapologetic artistic authenticity.
- •He cites Dominic Fike and Clairo as cover inspirations.
- •Performing on “Like A Version” fulfills his long‑standing dream.
Summary
Australian indie‑rocker Malcolm Todd sits down to discuss his upcoming rendition of Audrey Hobert’s “Phoebe” for Triple J’s iconic “Like A Version” segment. He explains how the song first struck him during a flight with Hobert, turning the moment into a personal milestone.
Todd describes the cover’s sonic shift – injecting rock‑grunge distortion, lowering the vocal register, and improvising lyrics on the fly – while staying faithful to the original’s emotional core. He credits Hobert’s unapologetic confidence and lyrical honesty as the driving force behind his performance.
“I started crying on the airplane,” Todd recalls, adding that Hobert feels like “the best big sister” who binds their creative quartet. He also name‑drops fellow cover artists Dominic Fike and Clairo, noting how their fearless reinterpretations shaped his own approach.
The interview underscores how “Like A Version” serves as a launchpad for emerging talent, amplifying cross‑genre collaborations and reinforcing the cultural cachet of cover songs in the streaming era.
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