The Veronicas on the Backstory of ‘Untouched’ & Covering Sombr for Like A Version (Interview)

Why It Matters

The story illustrates how artistic risk and cross‑genre collaboration can turn label resistance into cultural milestones, reinforcing the Veronicas’ role in shaping modern pop and inspiring emerging Australian talent.

Key Takeaways

• Veronicas praised Sombar’s production and songwriting on ‘12 to 12’.
• ‘Untouched’ emerged from label pushback, embracing queer LA electro influences.
• They view fierce vocal battles as sign of a strong song.
• Reworking ‘Untouched’ into a trap‑rap version energized festival crowds.
• Covering Sombar on ‘Like a Version’ highlighted their songwriting roots.

Summary

The Veronicas sat down to discuss two pivotal moments in their career: covering Sombar’s “12 to 12” for Triple J’s “Like a Version” and the creation of their breakout hit “Untouched.” The conversation blends nostalgia with insight, revealing how a collaborative cover and a rebellious original track shaped their artistic identity.

The twins explain that “Untouched” was born from a clash with their label, which balked at the song’s electro‑leaning, queer‑underground LA influences. Determined to push beyond the guitar‑driven pop of the era, they embraced risk‑taking, writing the track themselves and framing it as a liberation statement. Their admiration for Sombar’s meticulous production also shines through, as they dissect his melodic choices and note that fighting over vocal parts signals a song’s strength.

Memorable moments include a festival performance where they reimagined “Untouched” with All Day at Splender in the Grass, turning it into a trap‑rap hybrid that electrified the crowd. They also recount Sombar’s surprise at their arrival, the instant recognition from the audience, and his praise for their twin harmonies. “If we fight over parts, it’s a good sign,” they quip, underscoring their collaborative spirit.

The interview underscores the Veronicas’ evolution from songwriters to genre‑defying pop icons, highlighting how artistic autonomy can overturn industry hesitancy. Their willingness to remix their own catalog and honor peers like Sombar reinforces their influence on Australian music and signals a broader shift toward inclusive, experimental pop.

Original Description

The Veronicas take you behind their cover of sombr’s ‘12 to 12’ for triple j's Like A Version.

Subscribe: http://bit.ly/triplejsubscribe

Like A Version Interviews: http://bit.ly/BehindLAV

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: Nick Findlay

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

#LikeAVersion