Gotye is a Belgian-Australian musician and singer-songwriter who gained international fame with his hit song "Somebody That I Used to Know." Here are some interesting facts about him:
Real Name: Gotye's real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer. He adopted the stage name "Gotye" as a pronunciation of "Gauthier," the French equivalent of his Flemish given name, Wouter.
Multi-Instrumentalist: Gotye is known for his multi-instrumental talents. He plays a variety of instruments, including drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards. He often records and produces his music, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
"Somebody That I Used to Know": The song "Somebody That I Used to Know" was a massive hit. It topped the charts in multiple countries and won two Grammy Awards in 2013 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Album Success: The song was part of Gotye's third studio album, "Making Mirrors," which received critical acclaim. The album explored various musical styles, including indie pop, and showcased his songwriting and production skills.
Artistic Background: Gotye has a strong artistic background. He studied illustration and animation at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, which contributed to his distinctive approach to music videos and visual elements of his music.
Collaboration: The female vocalist featured in "Somebody That I Used to Know" is Kimbra, a New Zealand singer-songwriter. Her contribution to the song played a significant role in its success.
Video Artistry: The music video for "Somebody That I Used to Know" is notable for its unique visual style. It features both Gotye and Kimbra painted in a way that makes them blend into the background, creating a striking and memorable effect.
Chart Records: "Somebody That I Used to Know" was not only a chart-topper but also set records. It was the best-selling digital single worldwide in 2012 and one of the most-watched music videos on YouTube at the time.
Hiatus: After the success of "Making Mirrors" and the worldwide fame it brought him, Gotye took a hiatus from making music to focus on other creative endeavors and to avoid feeling pressured to follow up the massive success of his hit song.
Environmental Activism: Gotye is passionate about environmental issues and has been involved in various sustainability projects. He's used his platform to raise awareness about climate change and other environmental concerns.
These facts give you a glimpse into the multifaceted career and talents of Gotye, particularly his breakthrough with "Somebody That I Used to Know."