Gotye, whose real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer, is a Belgian-Australian musician and singer-songwriter. Here are some interesting facts about him and his hit song "Somebody That I Used to Know":
International Breakthrough: "Somebody That I Used to Know" became a global phenomenon and a massive hit. It topped the charts in numerous countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many European nations.
Grammy Success: The song won two Grammy Awards in 2013. It was awarded Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Gotye also received nominations for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Making of the Song: Gotye wrote, produced, and recorded "Somebody That I Used to Know" in his home studio. He collaborated with New Zealand singer Kimbra for the female vocals on the track.
YouTube Sensation: The song's music video, featuring the distinctive artwork of Australian artist Emma Hack, went viral on YouTube. It became one of the most-watched videos on the platform and played a significant role in the song's global success.
Sampled Artwork: The music video features a unique style of body painting that creates the illusion of both Gotye and Kimbra being part of a painted artwork. The visuals were inspired by the work of Belgian surrealist René Magritte.
Inspiration for the Song: Gotye has mentioned in interviews that the song was inspired by a failed relationship. The lyrics capture the emotions and complexities of a breakup, exploring both sides of the story.
Gotye's Musical Background: Gotye's musical style is eclectic, drawing from various genres, including indie pop, alternative rock, and electronic music. He is known for experimenting with different sounds and textures in his music.
Album Success: "Somebody That I Used to Know" is part of Gotye's third studio album, "Making Mirrors," which was released in 2011. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Gotye's versatility as a musician and producer.
Hiatus from Music: After the success of "Somebody That I Used to Know," Gotye took a break from the music industry. He expressed a desire to step back from the spotlight and focus on other creative pursuits.
Artistic Ventures: Apart from his music career, Gotye has shown interest in visual arts and has been involved in various artistic projects. His multidisciplinary approach reflects his diverse creative talents.
While "Somebody That I Used to Know" remains Gotye's most prominent and commercially successful song, his broader body of work reflects his artistic depth and exploration of different musical styles.