inthemix | Features | Gotye [Audio]: Independent success story

STREAMING AUDIO INTERVIEWS

Wally de Backer’s got quite a lot to be chuffed about. With two albums under his belt as Gotye, he’s remained staunchly independent as an artist and he’s now starting to reap the rewards. Creating unique musical soundscapes that traverse alt-pop and electronica, it’s amazing that he’s become such a recognised name in Australia, having received very little media exposure and only playing five live shows in his career to date.

Picked up and given a healthy push by Triple J, Gotye received acclaim on the national broadcaster for his 2006 album ‘Like Drawing Blood’, with listeners voting it their favourite of the year. Wally attributes Triple J for a fair whack of his success to date, but with tickets for his first ever national tour throughout July and August as rare as hens teeth (11 shows sold out entirely so far, and a spot on the Splendour In The Grass line-up), it’s entirely likely that he’s about to become a certified national treasure.

ITM’s National Editor Tim Hardaker recently spoke with Wally about Triple J’s influence over his success, the positives of remaining independent, and how he’s preparing for his first ever national tour.

Gotye tours Australia throughout July and August with a 9-piece mini orchestra. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, you might have left it a little late as most of the shows are now sold out!

Thu 26 Jul – Fly By Night, Perth – Sold Out
Fri 27 Jul – Fly By Night, Perth – Sold Out
Sat 28 Jul – The Metro, Sydney – Sold Out
Sun 29 Jul – The Metro, Sydney – Tix Avail (2pm Matinee)
Sun 29 Jul – The Metro, Sydney – Sold Out (Evening)
Fri 3 Aug – The Powerhouse, Brisbane – Sold Out
Sat 4 Aug – The Powerhouse, Brisbane – Sold Out
Sun 5 Aug – Splendour In The Grass, Byron Bay – Sold Out
Thu 9 Aug – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide – Sold Out
Fri 10 Aug – The Athenaeum, Melbourne – New Show
Sat 11 Aug – The Athenaeum, Melbourne – Sold Out
Sun 12 Aug – The Athenaeum, Melbourne – Sold Out (2pm Matinee)
Sun 12 Aug – The Athenaeum, Melbourne – Sold Out (Evening)

‘Mixed Blood’, an album of Gotye’s tracks remixed by the likes of Infusion, Bass Kleph and Bitrok, is available this July.