Porter Robinson Performs Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Favourite’ for ‘Like a Version’

Porter Robinson has brought a touch of romance, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day.

The American producer has unveiled his lively, pop-tinged interpretation of Irish band Fontaines D.C.’s upcoming single “Favourite” from 2024 during his recent performance on Like a Version, a long-standing cover segment aired by Australian radio station triple j.

The cover, recorded while Robinson was on tour in Australia earlier this month and broadcast on the morning of Friday, Feb. 14 (Australian time), was perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day, especially since the original song wraps up Fontaines D.C.’s Romance album released last year.

The cover exemplifies Robinson’s latest stylistic evolution, with the upcoming album Smile! 😀 showing his departure from his electronic origins, infusing elements that resonate more with the pop-punk and hyperpop styles. This change in musical direction was a daring step for Robinson, and although the album marked his first not to land on the Billboard 200, it did reach No. 10 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

On the other hand, Fontaines D.C. also underwent a transformation in sound with their album Romance. While their earlier works had a stronger post-punk influence, their fourth LP exhibits a more refined sound aligned with the alternative rock genre.

This sonic transition proved to be commercially viable. It became the band’s first album to enter the Billboard 200 (peaking at No. 97), earning them two Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Album and Best Alternative Music performance for the lead single “Starburster.”

“‘Favourite’ was, pun intended, one of my favorite tracks from the past year,” Robinson mentioned in a post-performance interview with triple j. “It was the track that turned me into a fan of Fontaines D.C. I adore it. I love major-key music. Music that’s incredibly catchy and super hooky resonates with me. And I appreciate how this song feels like it’s always in motion.”

Robinson’s Like a Version session also included an original version of “Cheerleader”, contributing to a rich history of memorable performances on the series. 

Commencing in 2004, the series has evolved from a casual acoustic setup into a platform featuring elaborate studio productions. Many artists have participated over the last twenty years, including Billie Eilish, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, among others, each reinterpreting classic tunes in the process. As Robinson stated, he was well aware of the history and significance of the segment.

“I felt incredibly anxious about this [performance] because I genuinely view it as an institution,” he shared. “Like a Version holds a significant place in music, and I wanted to ensure I presented my best effort, honoring the format and providing something worthwhile for listeners.”

“This isn’t merely a video that exists online; it gets broadcasted and played,” he continued. “I aimed to pay respect to the audience, thinking, ‘Let’s create the best possible experience.’”

• Source: NEWHD MEDIA