Gotye Makes a Comeback: Why “Somebody That I Used to Know” is Trending Again in Turkey
At 12:40 on March 7, 2025, Google Trends Turkey (TR) lit up with an unexpected resurgence: “Gotye.” For those who remember the early 2010s, the name instantly evokes a wave of nostalgia and, of course, that inescapable earworm, “Somebody That I Used to Know.” But why is Gotye, an artist who hasn’t released an album in over a decade, suddenly trending in Turkey? Let’s dive in.
For the Uninitiated: Who is Gotye?
Gotye, born Wouter “Wally” De Backer, is a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. While he had a successful music career prior, he achieved global superstardom in 2011 with his single “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring the vocals of New Zealand singer Kimbra. The song’s melancholic lyrics, haunting melody, and iconic music video catapulted it to the top of charts worldwide, earning Gotye numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards.
Why the Sudden Trend in Turkey?
Several factors could contribute to Gotye’s unexpected trending status in Turkey:
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TikTok Resurgence: The most likely culprit is a viral TikTok trend featuring “Somebody That I Used to Know.” These trends often see users creating videos around a specific soundbite, highlighting relatable situations or humorous scenarios. The song’s universal theme of heartbreak and lost connection makes it ripe for such trends. It’s possible that a new or particularly engaging TikTok trend using the song has gained significant traction within the Turkish TikTok community.
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Nostalgia Cycle: We’re well into the nostalgia cycle for the early 2010s. As trends from that era resurface in fashion, music, and popular culture, it’s natural for artists like Gotye to experience a renewed interest. People who were teenagers or young adults when “Somebody That I Used to Know” was at its peak are now likely revisiting their favorite songs from that time.
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Covers and Remixes: New covers or remixes of “Somebody That I Used to Know” may have been released or gained popularity on music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, specifically within Turkey. These new interpretations can introduce the song to a new generation and spark renewed interest among older fans.
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Specific Event or Mention: A seemingly minor event could trigger a surge in searches. Perhaps the song was featured in a popular Turkish TV show, movie, or advertisement. Alternatively, a prominent Turkish influencer or celebrity may have publicly mentioned Gotye or the song, leading their followers to search for him.
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Internet Memes and Viral Content: The internet loves to resurrect old trends and turn them into memes. It’s possible that a new meme format using imagery or lyrics from “Somebody That I Used to Know” has emerged, driving traffic to Gotye’s name.
The Impact of “Somebody That I Used to Know”
Regardless of the reason behind the current trend, “Somebody That I Used to Know” remains a significant cultural phenomenon. It’s a song that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, exploring complex emotions surrounding relationships, communication breakdowns, and the lingering pain of separation.
The song’s success also highlighted the power of independent music and the potential for artists to achieve global recognition through online platforms and word-of-mouth. Its unique blend of pop, indie, and electronic elements helped pave the way for other genre-bending artists.
What’s Next for Gotye?
While Gotye hasn’t released a new album since 2014’s “Making Mirrors,” he remains active in the music industry, focusing on archival projects and other musical endeavors. He is currently involved with a band called The Basics and actively preserves and promotes the work of pioneering electronic musician Jean-Jacques Perrey.
Whether this resurgence in Turkey will lead to a wider Gotye revival remains to be seen. However, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of a well-crafted song and the cyclical nature of trends in the digital age. So, if you’re in Turkey and suddenly hearing “Somebody That I Used to Know” everywhere, you now know why. It’s Gotye’s unexpected comeback, fueled by nostalgia, TikTok, and the internet’s insatiable appetite for revisiting the past.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-03-07 12:40, ‘gotye’ has become a trending keyword according to Google Trends TR. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner.
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