How Much Did "Somebody That I Used To Know" Make?
Hey there, music enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of one of the most iconic songs of the 2010s, "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye. You've probably heard it, sung along, or even tried to master that catchy guitar riff. But have you ever wondered, how much did "Somebody That I Used To Know" make? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how much did somebody that i used to know make.
The Rise to Fame
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the song's earnings, let's rewind a bit. "Somebody That I Used To Know" was released in 2011, and it didn't take long for it to take the world by storm. The song, featuring Kimbra, was an instant hit, topping charts worldwide and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The Catchy Hook
One of the main reasons for the song's success was its unforgettable hook. The pre-chorus, with its repetitive "Somebody that I used to know" line, was designed to get stuck in your head, and boy, did it work! Gotye, whose real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer, knew what he was doing when he created that hook. But let's not forget the song's unique sound, blending indie, pop, and electronic elements, making it a standout track in the early 2010s.
Chart-Topping Success
"Somebody That I Used To Know" didn't just top the charts; it dominated them. Here are some of its impressive chart positions:
- Billboard Hot 100: The song reached number 3, staying on the chart for 36 weeks. - UK Singles Chart: It peaked at number 2, spending 12 weeks in the top 10. - Australian ARIA Singles Chart: It reached number 1, staying there for eight weeks. - Canadian Hot 100: It peaked at number 1, staying there for 11 weeks.
Awards and Recognition
The song's success didn't go unnoticed by award shows. "Somebody That I Used To Know" won a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2013. It also scooped up awards from the ARIA Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the MTV Video Music Awards, among others.
Now, Let's Talk Money
So, how much did "Somebody That I Used To Know" make? Well, it's important to note that song earnings are complex and come from various sources. Here are some of the main revenue streams:
Record Sales
In the early 2010s, digital downloads were still a significant source of income for musicians. "Somebody That I Used To Know" sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Assuming an average price of $1.29 per download (the standard price on iTunes at the time), that's around $17 million from downloads alone.
Streaming Royalties
With the rise of streaming platforms, this has become the primary source of income for musicians. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, stream payouts are around $0.007 per stream. As of 2021, the song has over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify alone. At that rate, it's earned around $10.5 million from Spotify streams alone.
Radio Play
Radio play still generates significant income for artists. The exact payouts vary by country and station, but in the U.S., for example, songwriters earn around $0.017 per play on terrestrial radio. Assuming "Somebody That I Used To Know" has been played around 10 million times on U.S. radio, that's around $170,000.
Sync Licensing
When a song is used in a TV show, movie, or ad, it generates sync licensing fees. These can vary widely, but a sync license for a popular song in a major film or TV show can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's hard to say exactly how much "Somebody That I Used To Know" has earned from sync licenses, but it's safe to say it's a significant chunk of change.
Live Performance Royalties
When a song is performed live, the songwriter earns performance royalties. These vary by country and venue, but they can add up, especially for a song as popular as "Somebody That I Used To Know."
Adding It Up
So, how much has "Somebody That I Used To Know" made in total? It's hard to say exactly, as the song's earnings are spread across multiple revenue streams and vary by country and platform. But based on the figures above, a conservative estimate would put the song's total earnings at over $30 million.
The Impact of "Somebody That I Used To Know"
Beyond its financial success, "Somebody That I Used To Know" left a lasting impact on the music industry. It was one of the first songs to go viral on YouTube, helping to establish the platform as a major force in music promotion. It also paved the way for other indie artists to find mainstream success.
So, the next time you find yourself humming "Somebody that I used to know," remember that it's more than just a catchy tune. It's a piece of music history that's brought in millions of dollars and changed the way we listen to and discover music.
And there you have it, folks! That's how much "Somebody That I Used To Know" made. Until next time, keep exploring the fascinating world of music and its business side!