Gotye is the stage name of Wouter "Wally" De Backer, a Belgian-Australian musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his hit song "Somebody That I Used to Know." Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
International Breakthrough: "Somebody That I Used to Know" became a massive international hit in 2011 and 2012, topping the charts in over 30 countries. It was the first Belgian-Australian artist to achieve such global success.
Collaboration: The song features New Zealand singer Kimbra. Her haunting vocals and chemistry with Gotye added depth and emotional resonance to the track. Kimbra's participation played a significant role in the song's success.
Sampling: Gotye is known for his innovative approach to music, and "Somebody That I Used to Know" includes a sample from the Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfá's song "Seville" from his 1967 album "Luiz Bonfá Plays Great Songs."
Artistic DIY Video: The music video for the song was created by Gotye himself and featured a unique artistic concept. It showcased Gotye and Kimbra's painted bodies blending in with the background, creating a visually striking effect. The video has over a billion views on YouTube.
Record-Breaking Success: "Somebody That I Used to Know" made history by being the first song to reach one billion plays on Spotify. It also won several awards, including two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2013.
Album Success: The song was part of Gotye's third studio album, "Making Mirrors," which received critical acclaim and also won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2013.
Sampling Controversy: Despite the song's success, Gotye faced a copyright dispute with the estate of Luiz Bonfá due to the unauthorized sample used in the song. Eventually, a settlement was reached.
One-Hit Wonder?: "Somebody That I Used to Know" was so enormous that Gotye is often labeled a one-hit wonder. However, he had a successful career before and after the song's release, with other notable tracks like "Eyes Wide Open" and "Heart's a Mess."
Artistic Evolution: After the immense success of "Somebody That I Used to Know," Gotye took a break from music, in part due to the pressure of following up such a massive hit. He later returned to music with a more experimental and indie-focused approach.
Visual Artistry: Gotye is not only a musician but also an artist. He studied illustration and animation and has created the artwork for many of his albums and singles.
Family Influence: His parents were both musicians, and they played a significant role in his early exposure to music. This familial influence contributed to his passion for music.
Global Roots: Gotye's Belgian-Australian heritage has influenced his musical style, blending elements of indie pop, electronica, and world music.
Stage Name Origin: The name "Gotye" is derived from the French pronunciation of his real name, "Gauthier." It's a common practice in the music industry to use pseudonyms or variations of one's name.
Multilingual Skills: Gotye is multilingual and can speak several languages, including English, French, and Dutch. This multilingualism has likely influenced the diversity of his musical style.
Environmental Activism: Gotye has shown a commitment to environmental causes, and he has used his music and public platform to raise awareness about issues like climate change.
These facts provide insight into Gotye's background, career, and the remarkable success of "Somebody That I Used to Know."