Gotye (13/08/2011)
Just ahead of the release of his third studio album (fourth if you count Mixed Blood) Making Mirrors, we spoke with Wally De Backer, better known as the ARIA award winning artist Gotye. Taking some small time out of his busy schedule, Wally gave us an insight into Making Mirrors in a short but sweet interview.
Hi Wally, It’s great to hear from you, thanks for taking the time to talk to The 59th Sound today!
Good evening!
Let’s start off with Making Mirrors. Your artwork for the album is quite unique and striking. As I understand, they are artworks your father created years ago. How did you come to the decision to incorporate them into your work?
I discovered Dad's artwork that eventually became the Making Mirrors cover amongst old bills and newspapers. I was clearing out some old stuff of mum and dad's and this piece had been hiding there for years, since the '80s when Dad painted it. Apart from appealing to me on a purely aesthetic level, I thought there were also parallels with how I like to uncover old bits of music and incorporate them into my songs.
Would you say the artworks have influenced the song writing and style and in particular the albums title?
The artwork directly inspired the album title. But they were the last two things to fall into place for the album. So I couldn't say they influenced the music at all. But colour and art does make me want to make music.
Somebody That I Used To Know is currently #1 on iTunes. How has the fan’s reaction been for you so far?
The fan's reaction has been strong!
You’re gaining a lot of international attention too! I noticed Lily Allen tweet a link to your video of Somebody That I Used To Know the other day, saying that she loves it.
Thanks Ms. Allen. Always nice when random impossibly famous people like what you do!
How did your work with Kimbra Somebody That I Used To Know come about? And could you explain the concept behind the video? It looks like it was a very slow (yet rewarding) video shoot!
Kimbra nailed the vocal for Somebody That I Used To Know, made the track come alive the way I hoped it would when I first thought it should be a two-person story. I had tried with other vocalists, and it was good, but it didn't have the edge Kimbra brought to the song.
Feed back from the punters at Splendour in the Grass considered Kimbra’s appearance with you a highlight of the festival. What was it like to perform this song with Kimbra at such a prestigious festival to such a huge crowd?
It was loud! Very, very loud. Not just Kimbra screaming in my ear. The crowd!
Can you share with us any memorable backstage experiences from this years Splendour in the Grass?
I had a delightful falafel in the band room after the set. And of course, the high times with Kanye in the jacuzzi
Earlier this year I saw you perform at the National Theatre in St. Kilda with a small band. As I understand, you now have a 10-piece backing ‘Gotye Orchestra.’ What has it been like to work with such a group?
It came to be through much auditioning, rehearsal and preparation. Berocca was heavily involved. It has been tough to get everyone in the same room, but the band is sounding hot!
Your Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney shows all sold out in less than one day, an exceptional achievement for a local artist. What can the lucky fans expect from the Making Mirrors tour?
The lucky fans will seat in the seats that I have tacked my chewing gum underneath. That's for you guys...special for you. And there might be some animations and 10 dudes singing and whacking stuff on stage (sounds like Blue Man Group now that I mention it!)
Finally, one last question I have been wanting to ask for a while. Where did the stage name Gotye come from? Or would you rather not reveal the mystery behind the name?
I think the mystery has long since been decoded. It means Game Of The Year Edition.
Makes sense! That’s all we have for you today Wally, thanks for your time! We can’t wait to catch you on tour! We wish you all the best with Making Mirrors and all of your upcoming shows.
Thanks you, good morning.
Luke Sutton
Follow me on Twitter! - @lukesutton
Hi Wally, It’s great to hear from you, thanks for taking the time to talk to The 59th Sound today!
Good evening!
Let’s start off with Making Mirrors. Your artwork for the album is quite unique and striking. As I understand, they are artworks your father created years ago. How did you come to the decision to incorporate them into your work?
I discovered Dad's artwork that eventually became the Making Mirrors cover amongst old bills and newspapers. I was clearing out some old stuff of mum and dad's and this piece had been hiding there for years, since the '80s when Dad painted it. Apart from appealing to me on a purely aesthetic level, I thought there were also parallels with how I like to uncover old bits of music and incorporate them into my songs.
Would you say the artworks have influenced the song writing and style and in particular the albums title?
The artwork directly inspired the album title. But they were the last two things to fall into place for the album. So I couldn't say they influenced the music at all. But colour and art does make me want to make music.
Somebody That I Used To Know is currently #1 on iTunes. How has the fan’s reaction been for you so far?
The fan's reaction has been strong!
You’re gaining a lot of international attention too! I noticed Lily Allen tweet a link to your video of Somebody That I Used To Know the other day, saying that she loves it.
Thanks Ms. Allen. Always nice when random impossibly famous people like what you do!
How did your work with Kimbra Somebody That I Used To Know come about? And could you explain the concept behind the video? It looks like it was a very slow (yet rewarding) video shoot!
Kimbra nailed the vocal for Somebody That I Used To Know, made the track come alive the way I hoped it would when I first thought it should be a two-person story. I had tried with other vocalists, and it was good, but it didn't have the edge Kimbra brought to the song.
Feed back from the punters at Splendour in the Grass considered Kimbra’s appearance with you a highlight of the festival. What was it like to perform this song with Kimbra at such a prestigious festival to such a huge crowd?
It was loud! Very, very loud. Not just Kimbra screaming in my ear. The crowd!
Can you share with us any memorable backstage experiences from this years Splendour in the Grass?
I had a delightful falafel in the band room after the set. And of course, the high times with Kanye in the jacuzzi
Earlier this year I saw you perform at the National Theatre in St. Kilda with a small band. As I understand, you now have a 10-piece backing ‘Gotye Orchestra.’ What has it been like to work with such a group?
It came to be through much auditioning, rehearsal and preparation. Berocca was heavily involved. It has been tough to get everyone in the same room, but the band is sounding hot!
Your Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney shows all sold out in less than one day, an exceptional achievement for a local artist. What can the lucky fans expect from the Making Mirrors tour?
The lucky fans will seat in the seats that I have tacked my chewing gum underneath. That's for you guys...special for you. And there might be some animations and 10 dudes singing and whacking stuff on stage (sounds like Blue Man Group now that I mention it!)
Finally, one last question I have been wanting to ask for a while. Where did the stage name Gotye come from? Or would you rather not reveal the mystery behind the name?
I think the mystery has long since been decoded. It means Game Of The Year Edition.
Makes sense! That’s all we have for you today Wally, thanks for your time! We can’t wait to catch you on tour! We wish you all the best with Making Mirrors and all of your upcoming shows.
Thanks you, good morning.
Luke Sutton
Follow me on Twitter! - @lukesutton