Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Bronte: Poetry in Action from Gotye





Since Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong challenged us to come up with a Poem Movie or Poem Picture this month, I've been thinking a lot about music videos.  Some of my favorites are from the Belgian-born, Australian-raised singer-songwriter Gotye (pronounced GAW-tee-ay).

Perhaps this is because I have a special bond with Wally.  Not everyone even knows that Gotye's real name is Wouter (Walter) Andre De Backer... but I do.  I fell in love with his music about eight years ago while living in Australia.  Like many other Australians at the time, I was captivated by "Heart's a Mess"-- his first major hit.  He's had a few more hit songs since then, including "Somebody That I Used to Know"-- the one that was his ticket into the American market and led to three grammy awards.  Okay, so maybe that fact doesn't give me the right to call him Wally, but it does make me proud to share his music with the rest of the world.

Just about every Gotye video I've seen is a feast for the eyes, including the two linked above.  One of the things I like best is that each encompasses a fresh artistic style and unique vision. Today I've chosen to share "Bronte."  One of his more straightforward videos, the sweet child-centered storyline will not leave you guessing like some of his other videos, but it will certainly tug at your heartstrings.




Can't get enough?  I also recommend "State of the Art" and "Giving Me a Chance"-- two more of my favorites, though, as I said, you really can't go wrong with any of his videos.

And speaking of videos, I hope you've been working on your own Poem Movie or Poem Picture.  So far I've only received Margaret Simon's, and my own, and the month is already halfway over.  I would love to see (and share) more... including yours!

Please send your video or picture file to TodaysLittleDitty (at) gmail (dot) com, or host it yourself and just send me the link.  One lucky participant will win a complimentary copy of THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY FOR SCIENCE in a random giveaway at the end of the month.



6 comments:

  1. What amazing art and music combinations, unique and enthralling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unique and enthralling sums him (and his work) up well. Thanks for stopping by, Margaret!

      Delete
  2. I've been so, so busy, Michelle, with house guests & travel, but perhaps next week, before I go again, would love to try a movie/poem! Thank you for this sharing. I've never heard of him, & he is magical!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is turning out to be a busy month all around! I'll totally understand if you don't get to it, Linda (though I hope you do!) Regardless, it makes me happy to have introduced you to one of my favorite musical artists.

      Delete
  3. I'm a newbie fan of his. Gorgeous song, though those black circle eyes creep me out on the video.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Appreciations for this multi-media immersion + intro to Wally to you, Gotye to me.

    G'day mate!

    ReplyDelete