How 1 Viral Song Ruined Gotye's Life

In July 2011, Gotye released "Somebody That I Used To Know" expecting a successful yet normal release. Instead, he accidentally created one of the most successful songs ever posted to KZbin. But with over 2 billion views attributed to a previously unknown artist, such fame and success was bound to come with a range of frustrating downsides.
This is, How "Somebody That I Used To Know" Ruined Gotye's Life.
Thank you guys for watching, like and sub if you enjoyed, SunnyV2
Also, the idea for this video was inspired by "Middle 8" who posted a video on a similar topic in June 2020 titled "How GOTYE Created A Song We Used To Know" You can watch their version here - • How GOTYE Created A So...

[@Rembreiker_lychec9257]

This is the kind of a song 15 year olds in 2053 are going to listen to and say "I was born in the wrong generation..."

[@weird_dude124]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter your nott going to heaven but hell.. what the fuck is the purpose of uttp?

[@VaticalliX]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter who the fuck are you lmao

[@invaderjaymz]

I think this will be the exception. This song was total ear poo.

[@alanmacdonald1457]

ew

[@Orthosaur7532]

Oh sh*t 💀

[@OpoumConsumer]

I admire the fact, that guy who could carry on his entire life with one song, decided to stay humble

[@paintdvd]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter I ASKED + MY CONTENT IS BETTER THAN YOURS

[@Kokorocodon]

@@paintdvd It's a bot, don't waste your time.

[@paintdvd]

@@Kokorocodon You wasted your time to reply to me

[@funfinity69420]

​@@paintdvd29 seconds ago

[@Kokorocodon]

@@paintdvd Are you a bot or simply someone who people automatically waste their time by giving the minimum attention?

[@aldovalerio1067]

That song did not ruin his life, it just shows that he is a great and talented artist, Goyte is a good and humble person, he just wants to live in peace and the opinions of others are irrelevant. He has another vision in his life and it's wonderful that he doesn't depend on public scrutiny, he's going to do whatever he wants and it's fantastic.

[@tdrduarte]

Sampled without permission from Luiz Bonfá's song tho

[@luiss.2203]

He moved to the other end of the world so people dont talk to him all the time. He apologized for making this song. Like didnt you watch the video?

[@tdrduarte]

Like always, would never apologize if not caught tho, the story would be another one and Luiz Bonfá would be forgotten since was already dead and it was his family taking care of his intelectual property. Thank god we're not in the 80's anymore or it would go unpunished.

[@I_Eat_Lemons]

​@@tdrduarteWhy is this so personal to you? Go cry a river elsewhere. I don't care if it was four days ago, you shouldn't expect anything from anybody.

[@bbot00]

​@@luiss.2203can't bring myself to watch mid sorry

[@WatchMeWakeU111111]

Okay didn't expect to cry watching this but the fact that he freely mentors other musicians it hit me in the heart. Someone with such a understanding of the joy of making music and wanting to share that joy with others is just beautiful.

[@vibrationoftheone]

It's more than classy

[@Ironmaninfinite]

Dam your skin must be thin

[@vibrationoftheone]

Because if you know the joy of creating music you don’t want to keep it to yourself. If we didn’t have music teachers or people that shared what they know we’d maybe have less music in the world

[@kartaiss]

Other musicians: leave bands to become more popular as solo acts Gotye: leaves solo career to become less popular with a band

[@chamuuemura5314]

I was looking for this comment. It reminds me of the parable of the Mexican fisherman and the NY investment banker. He broke the system and realized he was better off living his dream than chasing it.

[@felixguerra4447]

Fame is not for everyone.

[@animedxst1105]

This reminds me of youtuber, corpse husband if u know u know...

[@YoureRightIThink]

Brendon Urie vs. Gotye

[@ferrisbueller9991]

Freddie Mercury left Queen to do a solo album or two... it was not as popular as he was expected, it sold but not like Queen albums. He came back, I'm sure he would have even if his solo stuff did better, it just might have been a longer hiatus. In their discography they eventually stopped individually crediting themselves on tracks, lyrics and music used to have 1 or 2 of their names attached each. In the end it was just "by Queen." And if you listen to the last album it is pretty depressing because it is a family helping a guy up out of a wheelchair to sing. Halfway through the process he dies and they are left with finishing what it a memorial. Last song he recorded was 3 days before death, pretty wild how good he could continue to sound so good. The lyrics are sad as hell: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKO2e5Whj7SppZI&ab_channel=QueenForever Sometimes solo ventures aren't always asshole moves when they come back. I remember Fergie going solo as a kid who listened to the Black Eyed Peas (back when it was listenable) but she came back to create like 2 crappy albums unlike their first 2 good albums until she had the peeing her pants on stage and Meth problem. But she bounced back sober and did like 15 cartwheels (which is methhead energy) on a NYE show.

[@nuqi]

It's interesting to see the contrast between artists who strive for success and fame, vs those who receive it and then choose to step away. Gotye's decision to focus on creativity rather than commercial success is commendable.

[@EffluxMc]

hi

[@YoutubeMaxxing]

🤓

[@thatstubidman]

Blud couldn't even make a good vid💀

[@pigreatlor]

he just couldnt handle the pressure (not that it's easy). there are still artists that live their creative pursuit while still very successful.

[@sh_iba]

bot

[@pjoazure]

I like how human he seems. Other stars are usually polished by the industry or are just numb to everything. He still communicates insecurities and what-not. Likeable guy.

[@85ddrummer]

I was at that coachella performance. It wasn’t just noticeable when the crowd left it was the majority of the crowd. I could literally walk up to the barrier after it. As an Aussie knowing his previous work it was good to get up close and hear those songs when the crowd would’ve been much bigger in Australia even after the track was played

[@BrianKoppe]

I saw him in Chicago early during his rise and then again after the peak. The first concert was great, both Gotye and Kimbra. The audience was genuinely interested in the whole show. The second concert was a much larger venue where he did his best to deal with an obviously uninterested and disrespectful audience. Tons left after Somebody That I Used To Know and he was clearly upset. He tried to spin it as appreciation for those of us who stayed, but I don't blame him for being upset by so many people clearly disrespecting the work he put in to create a great show.

[@85ddrummer]

@@BrianKoppe unfortunately for him that’s going to come with having such a juggernaut of a track. Especially with a “singles” generation who don’t bother listening to full albums

[@BlackDoveNYC]

@@85ddrummer This is really true and it’s unfortunate both for artists and audiences. They will never know what they’re missing.

[@zenlandzipline]

@@85ddrummeryeah, but this is something he should expect, and use it as bait to get people to listen to his other songs. Nobody is obligated to like every song an artist writes. He should be happy in the fact that he wrote 1 that millions of people loved. If you want them to love more of your material, then you have to write more material that they love. If the Somebody song attracts 5000 people to a venue, he gets paid for the tickets they bought. The song is getting him the audience, plus it’s getting him money (even though he demonetized the song, he still gets paid for live performances). If he wants the people to stay for his other songs, he needs to write more songs people like.

[@MrThatGuyYouForgot]

​@@zenlandziplineI'm going to guess you know next to nothing about how all these kinds of things work. Breakthrough massive hits from previously unknown artists like this rarely result in long term success. That's true of all kinds of art. It's true of songs, stand alone books, movies, etc. If you were largely unknown before and suddenly jumped up to incredible popularity it's almost impossible to maintain that. Why? Everyone just compares whatever your hit was to the rest of your work. Almost nothing can live up to that hype again. You become overly associated with that one piece because that's how everyone knows you. If you had an audience prior to that, had already been signed, etc. It's easier to maintain. If you were successful but not massively successful then it's much easier. You either have devoted fans to fall back on or you don't have to have the very next thing you do be massive as well. Goyte is just experiencing what a lot of people do. He just experienced an extreme version of it because of how popular that one song is. He's under a ton of pressure. You seem to think it's effortless to follow something that big. It's a nearly sisyphean task. He'd have to make another one-in-a-million song. That's why he went back to a fairly unknown band. It's way less pressure and it's way easier to maintain.

[@Iron.Historian]

>enters the music industry >makes one of the most iconic masterpieces that society as a whole has ever seen >refuses to elaborate > leaves

[@PernilleEasterbrook]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHapn-cma-Xeq8 Part 2

[@numbersonly12345]

He's in a band too if you didn't know

[@jorge9199]

Bro did NOT watch the video

[@CODA96]

But he did elaborate. And you better do a video about Markus Rühl or else your channel isnt a bodybuilding documentary channel.

[@invaderjaymz]

No. It was ear caca.

[@colibri224]

It's always "that one song", "that one book", "that one video", "that one piece of art" that suddenly turn you from anonymous into a celebrity for seemingly inexplicable reasons.

[@kenfresno2125]

Totally inexplicable... or because the entire video is a zoomed in shot of his own face. One of those two...

[@colibri224]

​@@kenfresno2125 Many other clips do that and don't get 2 billions views. The video clip is amazing but the song IS what made it stand out.

[@kenfresno2125]

@@colibri224 The point is, if the video didn't feature his face you would have no idea what he looked like (read: he wouldn't be famous).

[@dafulegend5905]

The bot isn’t here yet. Well, i’ll be in here in advance just so I can tell it to GET OFF

[@ahstiasummers5583]

And for most artists, they let that sudden fame get to their head

[@MsAdlerHolmes]

Heart's a Mess is such a perfect song. Between the lyrics, the harmonies, his emotional voice and the overall tone, it nearly makes me cry every time I hear it. Also brilliant: Coming Back, Out Here In the Cold. All beautiful songs. The fact that radios wouldn't play his music as far back as Boardface is nothing short of criminal.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

*commercial radio, not all radio. He was huge on Triple J.

[@smartytarty101]

literally tho! the music video for that and Eyes wide open are so fun and good. I also love that the song introduced me to Kimbra, who I think is so widely talented with her songs and videos.

[@bluewren65]

To the people calling him a "one hit wonder": Gottye wrote an achingly beautiful song and embellished it with an outstandingly artistic video. That is more than the vast majority do in an entire lifetime. How many works of art that spoke so deeply to so much of humanity have you created?

[@markcarey67]

Here in Australia he was extremely well known especially among musicians but also among the public for his previous album "Like Drawing Blood" which got heavy airplay on JJJ - That's still my favourite album of his

[@bluewren65]

@@markcarey67 Yes, there are so few musicians of this ilk left. I was lucky enough to be in my teens during the great era of Australian music in the 70s and 80s. So many incredible bands playing in Melbourne on any given weekend. I haven't looked into other Gottye material, but have no doubt that there is a treasure trove to be found. I guess my point was that even if he only ever wrote that one song, it is an outstanding achievement. The sneering masses who like to crucify artists as being "one hit wonders" belong to the talentless cesspool of humanity.

[@ballista300]

One.

[@karenhicks8664]

Well said.

[@bluewren65]

@@ballista300 Great! What did you create?

[@davidvanvlerah7825]

I don't think the man is taking it all quite as seriously as everyone else. He mostly seems like a normal guy who just wants to make music. Lots of respect.

[@billhicks8]

I think he took it seriously, he just thought all the fanfare was kinda gross and stupid. And it was. He dipped because he is a sensible bloke.

[@Lianpe98]

That's what musicians are, just normal people that simply like to create music. Fame or commercial succes are not directly related.

[@davidvanvlerah7825]

@@Lianpe98 I politely disagree. Most performers who achieve that level of success are narcissistic geniuses who can barely live without the validation, which is why they strive so single-mindedly to attain and sustain that fame. I think the sudden fame, being a normal person, astonished and frightened him. Then it became a source of regret. All because he just wanted to share his music. But he was like, "Wow, that was stupid! I'm not trying to do that again!" I'd be extremely intimidated too.

[@BTVenderman]

@@billhicks8bc

[@kuzuthunder1964]

⁠​⁠@@Lianpe98That’s what real musicians are. It is sad that one has to dig deep these days to find such people.

[@desktopfan8870]

On the point that Gotye made about feeling sorry for his song being overplayed, it happens all of the time. I remember when nickelback had "How you remind me" on the radio all of the time in the early 2000s and after 2 months everybody hated it and wanted to stop listening to it.

[@goncalo33]

I still love it, despite it being played a lot back then. Great song.

[@rontheauraknight9606]

Unfortunately radio overplay can very much hurt an song, however some of the best songs feel immune to such overplay, for example this song, or Uptown Funk Overplay can turn an great song into one you just don’t want to hear after a while

[@sweeneytodd011]

Tbf I never liked that nickleback song which is fine but the overplay made me detest it and nickleback.

[@ShanyeSoT]

Yeah 100%. Most people actually liked Nickelback until they became overplayed. Then they were left with this weird stigma of being “mainstream” or “basic” when they were the complete opposite before they blew up.

[@bo-bx5hn]

I don't think How You Remind Me was the Nickelback song that caused their hate, I think it was Rockstar. It was really cool to like Nickelback before that album came out and had like 5 absolutely massive hits. Then Rockstar was also used in every commercial ever.

[@datpotat3945]

Dude. His song Brontë still tears me up to this day. The lyrics, the melody, the way his songs feel like its speaking your innermost thoughts or catching up with a childhood friend is just so unique, so different. There's something almost pure in its innocence in it just simply telling its story. I hope he's happy continuing to make music the way he wants.

[@lifecrisis88]

pretty gay

[@AdrienneLloren]

Bronte is of my favourite songs of his as well!

[@iletjonker3805]

I played this song on repeat during my breakup.. It actually helped me dive deep into my pain and really REALLY face it and feel it. @gotye, instead of feeling bad that its such am "angsty" song that people are "celebrating", it's actually deeply healing... And you should feel proud about that..

[@bongocat6902]

finally found someone who genuinely deserves their recognition. Not for looks, not for drama, just for having some honest, well earned skill. a nice guy too! its a shame the fame is turning his life over though

[@nihilismistheonlyway4680]

Ironic if u think about it. Ppl like Beyonce, jlo, Taylor swift are all industry manufactured fakes who are just soulless shills for others who are already rich to make millions more... yet they're worshiped.

[@whydoiexist6520]

69th like

[@travis8180]

Lots of artists like this, just go look at metal.

[@Ienteredmynamecorrectly-lt3nu]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. Well earned talent is an oxymoron. For some reason talent has become synonymous with skill.

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

​@@Ienteredmynamecorrectly-lt3nu Same way i see it, there is no such thing as talent, it takes years to truly master any creative skill, love and passion are the only things keeping an artist on that path in getting better and honing their skill, nobody just hops in the booth and delivers an amazing performance without any practice or months and months of training.

[@charisoliviaallen]

It’s always pissed me off that the whole album didn’t get the credit it deserved. Gotye is really a musical genius in my eyes.

[@fligigigigigig222]

I'm one of those who listen to more than one song from a one-hit wonder and Gotye should get credit for his two albums. they're great.

[@everythingpony]

Album?

[@fligigigigigig222]

@@everythingpony ya

[@lunarsann5499]

his life ruined because he didn't get his 10 mil.

[@SKIDSnSTUFF]

that album is amazing. Eyes wide open is a very important song. His previous album is Great too.

[@CHIKAADEE]

@gotyemusic He's not a one hit wonder, he's a one hit teacher!! He taught us all that fame and money aren't everything!! His humility is admirable and I'm sure his genuine love of music will prevail and we will get more great songs from him. Some artists have dropped dozens of albums and still havent reached the level of success he did with just one song. I'm a Gotye Fan!! You Rock Bro!! You are not someone that we used to know (lame joke by the way), you are someone that will FOREVER be known and remembered. #LegendStatus!!

[@philipmanassa9970]

This song helped me cope with a heartbreak I had . so thank you I hope you make more songs you are inspiring.

[@Mushroom321-]

Same !!, i felt it was made for me as i went through the pain of divorce & it wss extremely therapeutic !! 🎉🎉👏🏼👏🏼😼

[@Ninjaja858]

When Prince says that he loves your song at an awards show, you know you’ve done good.

[@Werewolf.with.Internet.Access]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter Take a breath, then your meds, then shut up. If what you said is true we’d watch you instead.

[@ShaunInce123]

A good endorsement

[@daakrolb]

Well. done well.

[@MetalizedButt]

And we all know how hard it is to please Prince lmao

[@Vel_0000]

@@MetalizedButt so real

[@NynZhan]

He's a genuine guy that doesn't take life too seriously, saw no point in monopolizing on it. Respect.

[@NynZhan]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter ratio

[@nadinedelle8090]

​@@MyContentIsWayBetterYou poor spammer... 😂

[@d_all_in]

Monopolizing is not being used correctly here

[@zayanislam6497]

Reported the bot for spam

[@Lifesgood598]

Okay but he should've at least took the 10 million

[@isotopiary]

A true artist. He couldn’t be more likeable.

[@gwengwen4535]

So we have an artist that hasn’t been to the party, got dosed, saw the back room, and was forced to never speak about it and be awarded unimaginable wealth and popularity for being silent and following their orders. Now I love this man!

[@zylanderr]

Gotye is like the smaller, music artist version of Keanu Reeves

[@baxoutthebox5682]

Keanu plays bass in a touring band

[@cheristratton]

That is absolutely perfect!

[@nekhumonta]

​@@baxoutthebox5682 In that case, they should give Gotye a role in the next Matrix movie.

[@noevulpes6802]

I had the same thought! I love both so much

[@talex1625]

​@@noevulpes6802 same! They both seem to be really nice guys who know what they want from life. I wish them both happiness.

[@mengl29]

First dude I've heard of that actively didn't want to be famous

[@PernilleEasterbrook]

Hi

[@numbersonly12345]

When you have fame it comes with a cost.

[@mengl29]

@@numbersonly12345 Yeah, it is quite unfortunate. Suffering with success

[@numbersonly12345]

Fame comes with fake Friends, people want money from you so fame comes with a cost.

[@brunolima7402]

You should check Kurt Cobain.

[@ritasjourney]

Fame is overrated. Glad he’s just doing what feels right to him. Having a song do so will gives him that freedom.

[@flyingfishdesign62]

Very friendly and professional, you used a bit of a video I shot of him years ago (4:30) I really got into his music when I was researching for the interview, it was the day before he went to the US

[@Jonathan_Collins]

This song was so fresh when it came out. All of the kids and adults in my area were singing this in the summer of 2012. Kimbra is still making music and she’s super underrated.

[@_AD_7_]

@MyContentIsWayBetter 1. Your mom asked 2. Who asked and said your content is better? 3. No one's cares

[@lawrencetalbot8346]

Ironic how Gotye became famous whereas Kimbra is somebody we used to know purely for this one song

[@cocomo3141]

She is a very underrated artist 🎨

[@Iroduckling]

​@@_AD_7_ it's a bot

[@literallykevin]

Kimbra's additions literally made this track. She's got some great stuff. There's just so much out there, she kinda gets buried.

[@christophermccutcheon2143]

He didn't get rejected by the public, but rather music labels. He was too humble. Music labels don't want a sensible rich guy who saves his money and buys a small house for himself and another one for his mum then keeps the rest. There's a consumer message that needs to be spread that the economy thrives on.

[@serijas737]

100% It's like thinking about doing something as a hobby and doing something as a job. When you do music as a job you become a person of the public and get contractually bent over.

[@TENEBRAELGAMING]

This is soooo true. That is why so many of these popular artists are technically all in Debt, and that's why they are slaves to people in the Labels

[@ShashBells]

This comment is speaking *truth*

[@civil_leuthie]

Deep. But it's more along the lines that they don't want a guy who isn't interested in selling a lot of albums. Since that's what they're in business to do.

[@ac_pejk3113]

That's west in a nutshell. Broken society

[@heideveldje]

I love all your songs… 👍🏻 and that you are such a modest and lovable person.

[@Accuaro]

The fact he didn't run ads on his song that has over 2 billion views is insane, major props to him.

[@zombievikinggaming4258]

He's an idiot. If he doesn't want money he could've donated it to a good cause.

[@LittyJonez]

Props for not making tens of millions of dollars is wild……

[@Vincent_Beers]

It's not that big a sacrifice, he heavily sampled the song Seville to make his, he actually has to share 50% of any profits made with Luiz Bonfa who created the original any time he would make money on Somebody I Used to Know; he doesn't monetize the song because KZbin would take 30%, Bonfa would get 50% and he would only make 20% left over (and then pay taxes out of that) anyway on top of all the extra paperwork that would need to be filed. Instead he gets good PR out of not monetizing it, while really he's just preventing KZbin and Luiz (who he sampled) from making more profits than he would be left with.

[@Mirak-el]

@@LittyJonez You wouldn't get it. It's not about the money...

[@KrakenPlayPiano]

@@LittyJonez have you ever heard about making art because you feel like it?

[@jdchy6181]

i always found it amusing how other artists would HATE to be a ‘one hit wonder’ , but gotye actually opted to be one

you have to cut me off

[@NotBlazerMC]

But you didn't have to cut me off

[@HyphyJuice916]

Yeah I imagine the bands or singers that are chasing that one hit go through it pretty hard. Chasing that one hit wonder can be easy. I'm sure being humble and letting that go is not easy either but definitely much better on your well-being.

[@greed2547]

He didn't opted. He pretty much quit after noticing nothing he could do would ever get close to be as much of a hit

[@xynged]

If you're interested in the stories behind one hit wonders, LEN's Steal My Sunshine ranks among my favorites

[@rioskevin07]

my sister showed me this song when it came out and, ironically, now she is somebody that I used to know.

[@jessagarcia9334]

When we lose someone we love, whether through a breakup, distance, or death, it can feel like a piece of ourselves has been taken away. The memories of that person linger, haunting us with what once was and what could have been. We may find ourselves replaying moments shared with them, wondering where things went wrong and how we ended up in this place of heartache and longing.

[@mikeyhaaich7975]

I'm always sceptical about famous people being humble. But not putting ads on his channel is insane. What a guy.

[@KuleGuy27]

"I'm always sceptical about famous people being humble." Wait why though? What about: Pewdiepie, MrBeast, Markiplier, Jacksepticeye, etc...?

[@pekinoantis4405]

​@@KuleGuy27it's they're job not like gotye which probably has a job

[@Lifesuccsalways]

FACT CHECK Not true. THERE ARE ADS THERE

[@Reivehn]

youtube adds adds to all channels they can now (those that haven't been blacklisted by complaining advertisers) @@Lifesuccsalways its just that all the revenue in such instances goes to youtube, not the channel owner.

[@Sectonidse]

@@Lifesuccsalways Then it's the KZbin getting money from his work. I know this because i had a similar story when my video went viral people started complaining that they got ads for a 5 second video, despite me not having enough subscribers to enable the monetization feature.

[@Garagelifestyle98]

imagine YOU had a HIT song that captivated the entire world. Not knowing how to appease the publics attention and incredibly nervous about creating more of what your passion is..... THAT is what Gotye went through

[@lunarsann5499]

his life ruined because he didn't get his 10 mil.

[@trojan403]

Spot on.

[@kennyslg8914]

As a musician, I always have had a similar fear tbh lol

[@theRizqizxx]

DONT CARE + MY CONTENT IS BETTER THAN SUNNYV2 + I TOUCH GRASS + IM ACTUALLY NOT A BOT + PENALDOG

[@importednamanzoor1501]

Thanks for introducing such a nice human. I can relate his situation.

[@nazarlekh1420]

Thanks for your job

[@paddypenguin8895]

im so sick of everyone saying "this guy made one song and dipped". no he didnt. he made three different genre bending and masterful albums that still to this day nobody has been able to replicate

[@Mcdigits]

This. It's frustrating that people don't seem to care about his other tracks but they are equally as phenomenal as the "one hit wonder"

[@TJfromEarth]

i dont think they mean he literally made ONE song. people will measure your utility as an artist by how many hits you have had, they are the only songs that matter to some people so they mean he only had one and never backed it up.

[@livinqlovelyy]

They say this to everyone smh

[@Kuromii_x]

because his other tracks where not good. you calling them masterful is bad taste.

[@Kuromii_x]

yeah this exactly. his other albums did not do good because people didn't like them. this guy is obviously a super fan with bad taste, when people say he did one song and dipped it's exactly as you said. he had one song that was catchy and in my opinion super annoying and only made it big due to the catchyness. the rest of his albums did to carry the same vibe therefor people who liked the song didnt like his other stuff.I witnessed first hand because my dad literally LOVED this song, and when he played the others he didn't like them@@TJfromEarth

[@WaniZame]

Dude not putting ads on that video is insane. What a guy.

[@paoworkfromhome]

2 billion withoud ads ❤

[@incrediblyatt]

imagine 10 million dollars turned down... what a legend.

[@858kkkk]

@@incrediblyatt legend? its weird and pathetic. he could just donate it if money scares him that much.

[@Sal13414]

@@858kkkkOnly on the internet will not making money be a problem 💀💀💀💀

[@Ram-fz5zl]

You really didn't have to comment @@858kkkk

[@Diimondc]

Gotye is one of a kind, such a genuine, down-to-earth soul. I actually really liked his album Making Mirrors, plenty of great songs on there that deserve a listen! I've been wondering about new music from him for a while, I hope he truly does feels comfortable enough to come back and share his art.

[@fairuzmaileen5691]

He's incredibly talented. I follow him since this song became famous, but thanks to it I discovered on youtube all these other videos and songs from him that are even better. Can't pick 1 favorite song of his😅... But yes, I understand this song's world popularity since heartbreak is relatable to everyone, plus video's concept is very artistic and emotional🖤🖤🖤

[@FishyTheKid]

When it talked about crowds leaving after his hit song it broke my heart a little, his album (in which somebody that I used to know is from) 'Making Mirrors' is a fantastic album and it sucks that not a lot of people have even considered listening to his other songs.

[@howtoliveonearthYT]

Giving Me A Chance is a great song

[@gargoyled_drake]

Well. Most of his audience was Katy Perry fans. They paid for the tickets so they could tiktok, insta or facebook about being at a live concert with the song in the background. When you fans are the bots out there chasing fame. While you are famous and don't want to be. That's fucking living a nightmare my dude.

[@axiss5840]

Both his albums are really incredible.

[@yourfairyking]

​@@axiss5840 Correction: All 3 are incredible.

[@lunarsann5499]

his life ruined because he didn't get his 10 mil.

[@TightyWhiteyTrash]

*He’s the chillest, sweetest, most wholesome dude; that’s extremely talented* & unfortunately, he was exposed to the sad reality of the music industry. He stayed genuine to himself which is admirable 🤙🏼

[@akeno6752]

I commend him. Gotye is one of those people who embodies the past, when creativity and being genuine was the way to the top, rather than algorithm, controversy, and whatnot. He might have fallen down, but he remained true to himself and is enjoying life still. Others can't say the same.

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

This is a helpful story to share will any young aspiring musician.

[@smegma6989]

he seems so nice i genuinely teared up watching. the fact he was worried about how a heartbreak song will affect a population’s trust in relationships shows he was an incredibly deep thinker, philosophical probably.

[@starsmash7491]

Really? I thought it was quite annoying how he made a song that was so well received by the public that he had to actually move to a different continent, then voiced his concern about the public liking the content of one of the songs that HE made. Like, bro.....

[@fractal4619]

I thought that was really sweet

[@pointlessmike]

Nah, he was just very shy and unambitious and didn't like the fame and attention. He said whatever popped in his head, prolly hoping people would think "oh sht, that's true, maybe I shouldn't be listnening to break up songs over and over" and leave him alone. Nothing to do with philosophy...

[@B_Bodziak]

​@@starsmash7491 It sounds more like he didn't like people doing crappy versions of his songs.

[@anirudhdwivedi6673]

@@B_Bodziak This.​

[@user-hk5zj8hv6z]

This might be the most genuine, good hearted person I’ve ever seen.

[@kenfresno2125]

Dude did a music video that was just his own face then claims he didn't want to be famous, and you think that's genuine. The world is in a sad state.

[@maagi1]

@@kenfresno2125 If he wanted to be famous maybe he would have spent more money on the music video lol

[@billhicks8]

I think you're more in the sad state Ken, lol.

[@argent5196]

@@kenfresno2125just say you’re not an artistic person 😂 if I make art does that mean I wanna be famous? No dvmass

[@jujasname]

​@@kenfresno2125ur stupid bro

[@Justsushi3992]

But he didn't quit music........he just joined a band

[@MOONSPORTS]

the fact he never monetized it, makes me respect the dude

[@numbersonly12345]

Fr bro

[@erin9868]

He never monetized his KZbin channel. He 100% monetized the song. Two very different things. He's made several million dollars from it. Confirmed by the fact that he had to pay Luiz Bonfas estate millions of dollars in royalties. He absolutely got rich; he just chose not to get richer.

[@orionthatman9390]

To me hearing that was just painful 😬 and stupid…. I get it you don’t want all the money, but at least collect it to donate to charity or something, don’t just let it evaporate. It’s not like you’re taking money from the individual viewers, just like 5-15 seconds of their time.

[@stephenferraro]

10 million singles SOLD! 100 percent monetized.

[@Kankerpatient123]

That makes me not respect him

[@VenomShotYou]

His song “Bronte” got me through the death of a beloved pet. I highly suggest that anyone who’s lost a pet to go listen to it now. It has a fantastic video too.

[@VenomShotYou]

@@MyContentIsWayBetter The internet in 2024 everybody

[@Nunya111]

@@VenomShotYouye just wait. The future is going to suck. If people find a way to jam spam/ads television, news sites, in KZbin comments, they will. Just wait

[@onicma8151]

My condolences Venom, I know how that be. I'll listen to that today when I'm free.

[@ioxemi]

​@@MyContentIsWayBetter do using that annoying "tactic" ever works?

[@HauKike]

Hearts a mess such an amazing masterpiece too.

[@robsmith8286]

Easily the most humble, intelligent, centered, and a complete gentleman. We dont deserve him because we don't appreciate those qualities.

[@AndreyGP]

I have like 10 of his songs on my playlist for years now, great dude.

[@yrbelite8450]

So what I’m hearing is. He didn’t want fame or fortune. The fame took him by surprise and when people started using his music video for their stuff it got to him. He’s the 1%. We miss you. We wish you’d drop another banger!

[@soulistheanswer]

Honestly, Like Drawing Bloud is one of my favorite albums and has a lot f banger, imo. Of course it sounds better in its entirety, but many songs are very good even on their own.

[@leaf2309]

i love all his albums, he was my favourite artist growing up, like drawing blood came before making mirrors and I listened to that album so many times. he knows what is important ♡

[@menyelekgranston]

I knew gotye since i was little. but i never knew you would make a video about him. wow

[@Chthonian121]

Gotye is one of the very few genuine people left on this planet that deserves everything he's got. He's worked very hard for them.

[@k8wolfx]

Hope he's doing well. Had no idea how badly the spotlight affected him. Despite being on the radio constantly, I never got tired of Somebody That I Used to Know and I also enjoy his song Smoke and Mirrors. Truly wishing him the best.

[@haveacalmheart3010]

Smoke and Mirrors is a certified banger

[@louern123]

i checked wikipedia and he’s still making music …

[@CheapGodiva]

Not monetizing his youtube video is the single stupidest decision this man has ever made.

[@koishi5935]

These are my favorite SunnyV2 videos. It's fun to put bad/dumb people on the chopping block, but spreading positivity and awareness of goodhearted people is a breath of fresh air from commentary KZbin

[@rhiannonh5202]

I adored Gotye and to this day I hate when people say he is a one-hit wonder - he had plenty of well known songs within the alternative music scene in Australia (Hearts a Mess, Learnalilgivinanlovin, The Only Way, Eyes Wide Open etc) and had been played regularly for years on triple J. If you take the time to listen to his albums in full you will be blown away by his artistry. The songs flow into one another so incredibly well and his live performances were just as special. I still hold out hope that he will release another album one day.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Yeah it really gives me the shits that all the Johnny come latelys labelled him a one hit wonder when we had all been listening to and loving his stuff for years. Really sucks that those same idiots seem to be the ones who ruined Gotye for Wally and subsequently the rest of us.

[@PereMarquette1225]

I just listened to Hearts a Mess on your recommendation, and instantly liked it, and I think it's better than his biggest hit. While good, "Somebody..." always felt too on the nose for me, and too much like being forced to listen the quarreling couple in the next apartment for me to enjoy it. But the public became obsessed with it, so it will always overshadow whatever else he does. A-ha was similarly cursed with Take on Me, a double-edged sword that got them labelled as a one-hit-wonder in spite of decades of superior output.

[@rhiannonh5202]

@@PereMarquette1225 That makes me so happy that you listened. I definitely agree with you there!

[@lemonlime8949]

Sorry, but when your one hit is 1.7 billion listens and the rest don’t even crack 100 million, you’re a one hit wonder.

[@PereMarquette1225]

@@lemonlime8949 All it means is that you had one song that was easily digested by the masses, but that is no comment on the rest of your artistry.

[@shaunhayward]

It's funny: Somebody That I Used To Know introduced me to Gotye but I found I liked some of his other songs MUCH, MUCH more. State of the Art, Heart's a Mess, What Do You Want, Don't Worry - all fantastic songs. Somebody That I Used To Know isn't in my playlist but those others are.

[@kathleendonahue5955]

Major respect❤

[@sleepymonsteraddict]

It is crazy to me that Gotye is one of the very few who is so humble and not greedy for money in any way, truly a great man. So many artists lose their identity and potential over trying to make fame and money, while their original form of art was much better. I always feel disconnected from artists, but then we have these few gems like Gotye who don't look down upon you. As someone's who's from Flanders, I can say that a lack of greed and humbleness is definitely something I grew up with in my hometown, but then again most people would grab the chance with both hands when dropping the biggest hit of the year or possibly biggest hit of the decade.

[@kenfresno2125]

... you realize he made tens of millions of dollars off of this song, right? That was proven when he had to pay out a million dollars to the estate of the dead man he stole a sample from.

[@user-vg8tv1hp9c]

@@kenfresno2125dude is getting applauded for a bad business decision😂 probably made 50+ million off this

[@elijahstarner]

This man looks, acts and talks EXACTLY like Andrew Garfield. The way he sits with one leg over the other some of the time, the way he puts his hand up under his chin to rest his face on it, the fact he smiles all the time when he talks and is super soft-spoken. It’s eerie how similar they are.

[@patrickwatkiss7872]

Whilst everyone I know when the song broke thought it was Sting singing at first? Which is high praise indeed to his talent.

[@WatercraftGames]

Yes, I noticed that too.

[@dissraps]

It's called being a gay twink

[@L-ghtlessSky]

he dropped one song and dipped.. you could say he was somebody we used to know.

[@Lumos002]

bro really become somebody that we used to know

[@tdb7992]

His songs before his major hit were pretty well known in Australia, he certainly had a following that he seemed to enjoy. He had actual fans and not just insane commercial success. I’m glad he has remained such a likeable, genuine guy despite huge success outside of Australia.

[@mathewpercy3292]

No they weren’t. He said they weren’t played on the radio. Dont lie and make stuff up.

[@347Jimmy]

​@@mathewpercy3292 Gotye was a member of The Basics before his solo career. They were a signed band under MGM. This video is not entirely honest about his background.

[@ChooChuChoo]

I STRONGLY encourage everyone who liked his single to listen to any of his other music. Heart's A Mess is one of the most emotionally pulling songs I've ever heard, and Bronte just absolutely tears me up (in a good way) each time I listen to it, especially paired with the music video. The man's a musical genius, stepping across a vast array of genre boundaries with an experimental soul that I wish other musicians felt the confidence to do.

[@christ-thekey3246]

Hearts a mess is truly enchanting I agree

[@Sefcear]

he made other songs‽‽‽

[@lordkjj]

glazing

[@Goldennote]

@@lordkjjdifference between glazing, d riding etc. and showing appreciation for an artist

[@lordkjj]

@@Goldennote exactly and this comment was glazing, they coulda said his musics cool and left

[@bryede]

Whenever you release music to the public, you need to realize what's the best and worst that can happen (and sometimes they're the same thing) and not be so surprised and reactive to everything. Having a hit song is like hitting the lottery and if you can ignore the temporary buzz around you, you've made something that will last for generations.

[@SoMiSongbird]

I am definitely checking out his other music

[@hansezekiel5945]

bro dropped a goated song, dipped, then became someone we used to know.

[@PernilleEasterbrook]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHapn-cma-Xeq8 Part 2

[@numbersonly12345]

He has an album too and he's in a band called "the basics"

[@Jeff_Biden]

that song sucks anyway

[@enderfall2000]

@@Jeff_Biden anyone? on god?

[@happinson]

funny how the video mentions people that overuse that exact joke while you couldn't even control yourself from writing it after watching the video first. and the likes are proof how unoriginal most of the internet really is.

[@Polariex]

I remember when I was in foster care, this song would come on when I was in the bus on my way to daycare. This gives me memories of my past family, I would really like to see my foster mom again someday, to show how I've grown, especially my foster sister & brother on who I used to play on the streets with on a 4th of July.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

I hope that it happens for you. Keep focusing on what you want in life and what you due will never pass you by

[@Polariex]

@@Andrew-rz7qt Thank you

[@2FRESH-4U]

A truly decent person what a rare thing in this world

[@timothyoldaker6610]

It didn't ruin his life. He's just living his life. I would prefer to see an artist live their life than see them out there begging for attention like so many do.

[@ajstudios9210]

As a fan of his music, I love the fact that he refused ads on his video. I hate ads and respect him more for refusing them.

[@globalmarche]

Is he gonna eat your respect or put food on his table with it? 🤔

[@erdling3132]

It’s almost like no one watched the video and just went straight to the comment section to write the same lazy joke

[@kenfresno2125]

Seems Sunny didn't watch Gotye's video as it's the reason he's famous, and he chose to film it... so pretending he didn't want to be famous after releasing a video that is just his own face is really really really really goofy.

[@trevvy2thumbs]

@@kenfresno2125 you’ve replied with this on like 30 different comments… why are you so hurt?

[@chaotic7cam]

⁠@@kenfresno2125Did you even watch the video buddy? Back then people didn’t upload stuff to KZbin and expect to become a global star because of it. He wanted to share his music, that’s it. It’s not like every musician gets blast into fame with billions of hits from one song. Not all musicians want to be famous. They just want to jam and share their music with others.

[@alamaaya2335]

right

[@gojiragunplagramps936]

Gotye has several fantastic songs & very creative music videos. “Don’t worry, we are watching you”, “easy way out”, “hearts a mess”, “smoke and mirrors”, and “dig your own hole”. To name a few

[@Raphael-2]

Wow, I didn't know about any of that! Thanks for this video. I feel bad for him, he just wanted to be an artist but he unwillingly became a pop culture image with all the positive and negative that comes with it, and his desire to have his music shared got consumed by the disgust and anxiety. I relate a lot.

[@ezotixz]

This man, who is not only humble; dropped one of the most famous/relatable songs and dipped. What an absolute legend.

[@seaweedbeach]

He seems so down to earth and I love it. He doesn’t care about the money or fame, he just wants to be himself and make music because it’s what he loves.

[@raymondmeyers8983]

When you combine relatable lyrics, two strong voices, and one of the catchiest earworms of a hook, you get this enormous hit of a song.

[@crownclowncreations]

Wally is genuinely one of the best musicians I've ever seen! Making Mirrors is still one of my favorite albums I own! And he is so much more than a "one hit wonder". He may not make music as Gotye anymore, but I beg of you, if you have any remote interest in his music, you should listen to some of his other songs! Some personal favorites are: "Bronte", "State of The Art", "Hearts A Mess", "Smoke and Mirrors" and "Eyes Wide Open". He did pretty much all of the music and production by himself, in a homemade studio. It kills me that more people don't know about his other works!

[@june29378]

Does he still make music at all? I loved his work and Hearts a Mess is one of my favorite songs ever

[@Lord_SQUIDIOUS]

@@june29378my favorite is State of the Art

[@crownclowncreations]

@@june29378 Not under the name Gotye no, but he still makes music with his band The Basics (as stated in this video) 😉

[@june29378]

@@crownclowncreations tysm!

[@EpicLebaneseNerd]

until today, we still sing it, we use it in our daily lives, this saying ''somebody that i used to know'' along with '' u used to call me on my cell phone'' are the most quoted songs ever.

[@MasJon-]

The experience must have been crazy.. blowing up and you whole life changing in a matter of months. I don’t know much about the guy, he seem chill and honest. But one thing I do know is that he seem to have accidentally dropped the most certified banger of my lifetime. And I will always be greatfull for that:)

[@dubleffler9451]

Around 2003-2004, I was taking part in an Art Exhibit in Tamworth, NSW. The Tamworth Country Music Festival was on and the night before the Exhibitions' opening night, I went down to the Pub down the road and watched an amazing band play to a packed Pub. No cover charge. Just an awesome band playing to an appreciative crowd. They were The Basics. The drummer sang and played and the bands harmonies sounded like a grittier, rockier Eagles. The next night, at the Art exhibition opening, I was taking a break outside in the alley. And I struck up a conversation with a tall guy who had visited the Exhibit. I recognised him as the drummer from the band the night before. It was Wally. He was the coolest, most down to earth guy with zero ego. Sorry that the world did you wrong, man.

[@dirkardostevergreen4827]

When that song came out, I was disappointed it wasn't a cover of the Elliot Smith song of the same name. I didn't mind it but I thought the rest of the album was a bit so-so. His first album was amazing. The fact that he made it in his bedroom over several years is quite extraordinary.

[@andrewmaximo4485]

When that song came out I initially thought, "Huh. Did Sting make a new album?"

[@ZanzibarKumquat]

His catalogue is so wonderful, and he has a great mind. He’s thoughtful, reflective, and intentional with the work he’s created. The pressure and superficial tendencies of our culture sadden me, because it turns art into hit singles and commodities. How can we expect great work when we place those expectations on musicians? I am still looking forward to his future project(s), whether they contain mainstream hits or not. His insights shared through music have moved me for over a decade, and I hope he will share with us again soon. With love, respect, and admiration, thank you Gotye!!

[@zacman8472]

He is a master of the art of sampling. Like Drawing Blood is my favourite Aussie album, such a diverse record with all manner of different samples. Highlights for me include Thanks For Your Time and A Distinctive Sound.

[@ZanzibarKumquat]

@@zacman8472Wow, I just realized the American release of Like Drawing Blood doesn't have A Distinctive Sound. I forgot it existed! Thank you for the recommendations. I love Worn Out Blues, even though it's short, it's still so moving.

[@Randomness662]

I wouldn't be surprised if he already wrote something privately that he knows would blow up more than "Somebody That I Used to Know" and only release it on his death bed so he wouldn't have to deal with the virality

[@worldsasuri9430]

This is crazy.The fate of the one hit wonder artists is soo cruel.😢

[@Spidrzzz-_-]

Bro I listen to all his music on repeat, Hearts a Mess way better than his main hit song. His videos alone show how much his craft truly expresses. Considering the free use of the music & no ads. I understand how much his art means to him. Hope he comes back.

[@g4ugaming404]

w

[@lynnong7445]

the fact that he feels the need to apologise to ppl for radio station playing the song over and over again wows me... i feel sorry for him.... he did not need to apologise for that. the song was amazing and i loved it too. never got sick of it.

[@tmb9126]

This is a perfect example of how it is hard to find a happy medium in this new world with this Internet beast. Many of us just want to live a normal life and not follow the main stream.

[@supranova1]

That thumbnail was something I never thought I'd see 😆

[@ajaybezawada4448]

Who else played the song right after this video

[@amandawoods2157]

You came back?? 😭

[@douglasking5974]

I have never listened to it

[@Fire_McKing]

I listened to it before the vid

[@abdu2s]

I don’t know the future 😅

[@ImpracticalFabricator]

How would I know? I'm still watching this video.

[@AshtonRbrts]

Hearts a Mess is such a good song. Truly a shame he left the industry, but the reasons why are totally respectable.

[@baxoutthebox5682]

My favorite by him for sure

[@jpvaz95337]

You made me cry

[@flamelili2912]

when art you crafted is too personal to you, it always feel like you are sharing a piece of yourself to the world (and sometimes there's nothing left to yourself, for yourself).