Gotye is a Belgian-Australian musician and singer-songwriter best known for his hit song "Somebody That I Used to Know." Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Real Name: Gotye's real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer. He was born in Bruges, Belgium, on May 21, 1980, and moved to Australia with his family at a young age.
International Breakthrough: "Somebody That I Used to Know" was a massive international success. It reached number one on the charts in more than 25 countries and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
Collaboration with Kimbra: The song features New Zealand singer Kimbra, who provides the female vocals. Her contribution to the song added depth and complexity to the lyrics and helped make it a hit.
Grammy Awards: "Somebody That I Used to Know" won two Grammy Awards in 2013: Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Sampling: Gotye used a unique technique in the song by sampling a guitar riff from the 1967 song "Seville" by Luiz Bonfá. This distinctive guitar sound is a significant part of the song's character.
Homemade Video: The music video for "Somebody That I Used to Know" became iconic for its simplicity and creativity. Gotye and Kimbra appear as body-painted figures against a white backdrop, creating a visually striking effect. The video was shot in a single take and went viral on YouTube.
Success in Australia: Gotye had been a well-known artist in Australia before "Somebody That I Used to Know," with several successful albums and singles. However, this song propelled him to global fame.
Cover Versions: The song has been covered and parodied by numerous artists and YouTube creators, further solidifying its cultural impact.
Gotye's Break from Music: After the success of the song, Gotye took a break from making music and performing. He cited the pressure and expectations that came with the song's success as reasons for his hiatus.
Artistic Diversity: Gotye is known for his eclectic musical style and willingness to experiment with different genres and sounds. His music often blends elements of indie pop, electronic, and alternative rock.
Visual Artistry: In addition to his music career, Gotye is also involved in visual art. He has created animated videos for some of his songs and is interested in the intersection of music and visual art.
Eclectic Influences: Gotye has cited a wide range of musical influences, from The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Björk and Serge Gainsbourg, which is reflected in the diversity of his music.
While "Somebody That I Used to Know" remains Gotye's most well-known song, he continues to be an influential and creative force in the music industry, exploring new avenues of artistic expression.