Forty-two year old Australian Wouter de Backer, better known as Gotye, singer of the miraculous hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” released his album Making Mirrors on August 19, 2011, but it has not been until now that he has really received international recognition for his music. With his single at the Number 1 spot on the iTunes Top 100 and his album at the Number 2 spot in total album sales, Gotye is living it up in a well-earned spotlight.
In 2001, Gotye put together his first public musical offering, a sparse, four-track disc entitled Boardface, to be wide-released in 2003. Three years later, he released his second album, called Like Drawing Blood, which received greater recognition than his previous album, but did not spread internationally. He was awarded several Australian Awards for his album, but, like other independent, international artists, he continued to aspire to reach global fame.
After the success of Like Drawing Blood, Gotye spent five years compiling his third album, which has emerged as a worldwide blockbuster. The title track of Making Mirrors, at only a minute long, mixes gospel-style whispered vocals with a uniquely synthesized track to create an eerie, silent sound.
With twelve songs on the album, “Somebody That I Used to Know” clearly draws in an audience for the remaining tracks. Its upbeat, reggae-style instrumental catalyzes with clear vocal talent, provides the basic materials for a chart-topping hit. After a few weeks of popular exposure, “Somebody” had already been performed by contestants on reality juggernauts American Idol and The Voice, and the track was covered on the hit television dramedy Glee.
Gotye’s success can without doubt be attributed to his uncommon, uptempo songs that mix cultures together. His Aussie origins provide an interesting character with which audiences may fascinate themselves, and his equally exotic musical tones attract all types of listeners.
