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Ten years agothe Australian artist Gotyeasked New Zealand musicianKimbrato feature on his song Somebody That I Used to Know.
At the time Kimbra had no idea it was going to be a hit.
1 in more than 25 countries and accumulating billions of plays across streaming platforms.
Charlie: So take me into the session.
How does Somebody I Used to Know come together?
Kimbra:Gotye contacted me through my producer, Francois [Tetaz].
He made it clear that he had been looking for the right female partner for the song.
He had tried out a few people, but it didnt feel right.
And he brought his microphone over to my house in Melbourne.
And I did a take down, he gave me feedback.
We didnt work that hard on it in terms of overworking the vocal maybe four or five takes.
Something was captured on that day.
And he went away, continued to work on it.
I thought no more about it, really.
Its funny when record-label people tell me, I always saw it coming.
So maybe you guys are way smarter than me.
What was your experience of receiving the Grammy for Record of the Year then?
I was very excited to be in the same room as my idols.
They were all sitting together.
Behind me isBrittany Howard from Alabama Shakes; in front of me is Frank Ocean.
I had no expectations of winning the Grammy.
I thought it was incredible that we were nominated.
We were just excited that we were going to be part of the event.
Do you recall themomentwhen they read your name?
Now that part I remember very well!
That moment of the nominations being called out was very unreal.
And then comes our name and then Prince says, I love this song.
Its kind of a blur from there.
What happened behind the scenes to your life after the Grammys?
I know that it can be gone in a heartbeat.
So I resisted it a lot.
Because thats the most experimental story Ive ever heard.
I just believed in the power of possibility after that moment.
Youve said that pop music shouldnt dumb people down and instead do the opposite.
We dont even realize how deep Prince was going on those records.
The greats always do that.
And thats great pop.
Its just not true.
People can wait two minutes for a chorus.
How are you feeling about this nomination now?
I think hell get it.
I mean, thats my feeling, Jacob is such a force.
Im in awe of his talent.
I feel like he might get it, but Im also …
I still have no idea.
My expectations are different now to how they were back then.
I think things are changing and music is changing and peoples desires and music are changing.
Im super stoked to be up for another Grammy with him.
Whatever happens happens, basically.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
