Gotye
Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter known for global hit 'Somebody That I Used to Know'.
Gotye emerged from Melbourne's indie scene, blending sampling techniques with alternative pop. His third album 'Making Mirrors' (2011) achieved international success, particularly with the chart-topping single 'Somebody That I Used to Know' featuring Kimbra, which won two Grammy Awards including Record of the Year.
- His stage name 'Gotye' derives from 'Gaultier', the French equivalent of his Dutch name Wouter.
- After global fame, he retreated from solo work to focus on collaborative projects and his band The Basics, stating discomfort with celebrity culture.
- 'Somebody That I Used to Know' became the first Australian-authored song to top Billboard's Hot 100 since 1988, selling over 20 million copies worldwide.
- A copyright lawsuit in 2018 alleged similarities between his hit and Luiz Bonfá's 1967 song 'Seville'. Courts ruled the overlap was unintentional and minimal.
- He co-founded independent label Spirit Level, donating all proceeds from his 2020 COVID-19 charity single to Australian bushfire relief.