"Somebody That I Used to Know" is a song by Belgian-Australian musician Gotye featuring New Zealand singer Kimbra. Here are some interesting facts about the song and Gotye:
Global Success: "Somebody That I Used to Know" was a massive international hit. It topped the charts in multiple countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many others.
Grammy Awards: The song won two Grammy Awards in 2013. It was awarded Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Gotye and Kimbra performed the song at the Grammy Awards ceremony.
YouTube Milestone: The music video for "Somebody That I Used to Know" became a viral sensation on YouTube. It was one of the first videos to reach a billion views on the platform, achieving this milestone in 2013.
Making of the Song: Gotye, whose real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer, wrote, produced, and recorded the song in his home studio. He played various instruments on the track, including drums, percussion, and the distinctive xylophone-like xylo-marimba.
Sampled Artwork: The single's cover art, featuring Gotye and Kimbra naked and painted, was inspired by Belgian surrealist René Magritte's painting "The Lovers." The artwork sparked some controversy and was censored in certain places.
Musical Style: Gotye's music often blends various genres, including indie pop, alternative rock, and electronica. "Somebody That I Used to Know" showcases his ability to create a unique sound that resonates with a broad audience.
Collaboration with Kimbra: Kimbra, the featured artist on the song, is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand. The collaboration brought her international recognition, and she went on to have a successful solo career.
Cultural Impact: The song's success and distinctive sound have made it a cultural phenomenon. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials.
One-Hit Wonder?: While "Somebody That I Used to Know" was Gotye's breakout hit, he had been active in the music industry for many years before its release. He has released other albums and has a diverse body of work beyond this one song.
Hiatus: After the success of "Somebody That I Used to Know," Gotye took a hiatus from music. He expressed a desire to step back from the spotlight and focus on other aspects of his life.