By this point, you’ve probably heard Gotye’s oddball chart-topper “Somebody That I Used to Know” dozens if not a hundred times. Think back to the first time, though. Or, even better, recall the first time you watched the body paint-fueled video. Just after the first big chorus hook, the camera pans out to reveal the backside of a woman who’s similarly decorated to blend into the emerging background mural. She turns her head slowly to the left—Gotye’s direction—and delicately sings, “Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over.” Did you get the chills? Has there ever been a more dramatic he said, she said perspective shift in a duet? The only contender that comes to mind is the Postal Service cut “Nothing Better.” New Zealand’s Kimbra might not have penned the Gotye part, but her masterful delivery of it thrust her voice into the global music conversation with unparalleled force. Fortunately, she’s got songwriting chops of her own and is more than prepared to carry the Down Under invasion torch. Crank up her A-Trak collab “Warrior” below.
George Peele enjoys strapping on height enhancers and aurally ambushing strangers. He is Music Editor for 303 Magazine. Follow Peele on Twitter: @Orangepeelmoses. Avatar image courtesy Jonathan Shoup.



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9 comments
Adam Figueroa says:
Oct 8, 2012
Why, oh why, wouldn't you want to give the tickets to a mother and son?
303 Magazine says:
Oct 10, 2012
Congrats Adam! You're the lucky winner!
Genoa Alexander says:
Oct 8, 2012
My sister would be forever grateful if I took her to go see her favourite artist! Kimbra rocked it at the Ogden last time, would love to see her again! -genoa alexander
Leslie Alexander says:
Oct 8, 2012
Kimbra = faerie princess.
Chelsea Monroe says:
Oct 9, 2012
I think it would be fun if we all went to a concert some time, we dont ever just hang out together
Leslie Alexander says:
Oct 9, 2012
I concur. We should get together and do something.
Stephanie Auld says:
Oct 8, 2012
I deserve to go because I am an avid supporter of break-out female vocalists. I have seen what she does live via YouTube at SXSW and as a visual artist, I think seeing her in person would be extremely fruitful and inspiring!
Janrace Prudent says:
Oct 9, 2012
I would LOVE to go see KIMBRA live because…
I think Kimbra is a TALENTED ARTIST with an AMAZING VOICE.
I've been super busy with life and haven't been to a concert in FOREVER.
I would love to TREAT my friend who deserves something nice
-Janrace Prudent
Janrace says:
Oct 9, 2012
I would LOVE to go see KIMBRA live because…
I think Kimbra is a TALENTED ARTIST with an AMAZING VOICE
I’ve been super busy with life and haven’t been to a concert in FOREVER
I would love to TREAT my friend who deserves something nice