 The recording sessions for "V" saw the band's keyboardist Jesse Carmichael return to the band after a two-year hiatus, which saw him absent during the recording and promotion for "Overexposed".The album also features a collaboration with Gwen Stefani called "My Heart Is Open", co-written with Australian singer Sia Furler.Guitarist James Valentine, stated that the band has known Furler for a long time and working with her was "really cool".