In 2001, at the age of 21, Gotye recorded a four-track EP, producing a limited number of copies, each with a unique handmade sleeve. He chose the name Gotye (pronounced like the French "Gauthier") as a tribute to a pet name his multilingual parents often used for him. Gotye personally sent the recordings to radio stations nationwide and managed all promotion on his own.
Encouraged by the positive response, especially from Australian radio station Triple J, Gotye created two more self-produced and self-promoted EPs. These also garnered favourable feedback and regular radio play. In 2003, these early recordings were compiled and released as an album titled "Boardface."
On August 19, 2011, Gotye released his third album, "Making Mirrors," named after a painting by his father, which also serves as the album cover. The day after its release, Gotye performed to a sold-out crowd at the Sydney Opera House. "Making Mirrors" reached the Top 10 in 17 countries and hit No. 1 in six, largely due to the success of its hit single, "Somebody That I Used to Know," featuring Kimbra. The song won two Grammy Awards in 2013 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Additionally, "Making Mirrors" won the 2012 ARIA Award for Best Album and the 2013 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and Gotye was awarded the 2012 ARIA for Best Male Artist.
