In “Somebody That I Used To Know” the Ashton Kutcher approved lead single from Gotye’s soon-to-be-released third album Making Mirrors, the impending terribleness of “being in a relationship” (hey, we’re realists!) is contrasted with the immeasurable thrill of starting one as Gotye (real name: Wally De Backer) charts how romance can devolve from “so happy you could die” to “somebody that I used to know” in four taut minutes of typically transformative power pop. Wally’s on some Blue Valentine ish right here. But did you know the song almost never happened? What a disservice to Hottest 100’s and breakup mixtapes everywhere. Below, Pedestrian speaks to Wally about his hookup with Melbourne songstress Kimbra, the song’s writing origins, why he resigned it to the “too hard to finish” box and why he thinks heartbreak is so appealing. Take it away Wally.
GOTYE – “SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW” (FEAT. KIMBRA)
GOTYE TOURS ‘MAKING MIRRORS’ NATIONALLY LATER THIS YEAR
Saturday 20th August – Graphic Festival, Sydney Opera House – Album Preview
Friday 30th September – The Forum, Melbourne
Thursday 6th October – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
Saturday 8th October – Valley Fiesta presents: Gotye at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
Saturday 26th November – Foreshore Festival Canberra
Saturday, 3rd December – Homebake Festival, The Domain, Sydney
