
Australian singer-songwriter Gotye (real name Wouter “Wally” De Backer) achieved international fame with his hit single “Somebody That I Used To Know” in 2011. However, his 2014 album “Making Mirrors” contained several other poignant tracks, including “State of the Art”. This song features a distinctive electronic drum machine and synth bassline, as well as samples from a vintage 1982 Commodore 64 computer. But what is the meaning behind “State of the Art” and why did Gotye choose to incorporate these digital elements?
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The Inspiration Behind “State of the Art”
Gotye has stated that he was inspired to write “State of the Art” after seeing an advertisement for an electronic drum machine called the Linn LM-1. This drum machine, developed by American inventor Roger Linn in 1979, was one of the first to use digitally sampled sounds instead of traditional acoustic drums. Gotye was fascinated by the idea of this machine creating “perfect” beats with no human error or variation.
In interviews, Gotye has described “State of the Art” as a critique of the cult of perfectionism in music production. While he acknowledges the convenience and possibilities of digital audio technology, he believes that it can also lead to homogenized, soulless music. Gotye wanted to explore the relationship between human imperfection and musical expressiveness, and how the former can enhance the latter.
The Lyrics of “State of the Art”
The lyrics of “State of the Art” reflect this theme of humanity vs. technology. The song tells the story of a man who becomes obsessed with his newly purchased digital organ, which promises to replicate the sounds of a full orchestra. As he becomes more and more fixated on the machine’s flawless performances, he loses touch with his own feelings and creativity.
Some lines from the song include:
– “Bought it secondhand in Tokyo / Won’t ever need to sell / I’ll take it home and unpack it / ‘Til all the pieces fit real well”
– “The manual said ‘We’re thrilled to have you onboard / You’ve made a great choice in the state of the art’ / And we’re thinking of all the amazing things you’ll record / With your brand new state of the art”
– “I start to feel like a robot / Just repetitive code / A world without emotion / A total overdose”
Gotye’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of the dehumanizing effects of automation and technology. The protagonist of the song is no longer a musician, but a consumer of pre-packaged, calculated entertainment.
The Sound of “State of the Art”
One of the most distinctive aspects of “State of the Art” is its use of electronic instruments and production techniques. Gotye drew inspiration from classic synthpop and electro genres, as well as more experimental artists like Kraftwerk and Aphex Twin. The futuristic sound of the song reflects its thematic concerns, as well as Gotye’s own interest in vintage synthesizers and drum machines.
The Commodore 64 computer samples that can be heard throughout the track also add to its unique sound. Gotye sourced the samples from a collection he found online, and manipulated them to fit the song’s structure. The chirpy, robotic sounds of the C64 contrast with the more organic vocals and guitar riffs, creating a tension between man and machine.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About “State of the Art” by Gotye
1. What is the meaning behind the title “State of the Art”?
The title refers to the idea of technological innovation and advancement, which is a major theme of the song. Gotye uses the phrase ironically to suggest that despite all the advances in music production, something essential is lost when machines replace human creativity.
2. What other songs on the “Making Mirrors” album are worth listening to?
“Making Mirrors” is a varied and ambitious album that showcases Gotye’s talent for blending pop hooks and experimental flourishes. Some standout tracks include “Eyes Wide Open”, “Easy Way Out”, and “Save Me”. Each track tells a unique story and features a wide range of instrumentation and production styles.
3. Why did Gotye use a Commodore 64 computer in the production of the song?
The C64 samples add a unique texture to the song that couldn’t be replicated with more modern digital tools. Gotye was also drawn to the nostalgic and DIY aesthetic of using obsolete technology in his music-making.
4. Has Gotye spoken about the making of “State of the Art” in interviews?
Yes, Gotye has given several interviews in which he discusses the inspiration behind the song and his creative process. Some noteworthy interviews include his appearance on the “Song Exploder” podcast and his feature with The Guardian.
5. What genre would you classify “State of the Art” as?
The song falls under the broad category of pop music, but draws influence from electronic, rock, and experimental genres. It defies easy categorization, which is part of its appeal.
6. Has “State of the Art” been used in any movies, television shows, or commercials?
As far as we know, the song has not been licensed for any major media placements. However, it has been covered by several other artists and has amassed over 11 million views on YouTube.
7. What instruments and equipment did Gotye use to record “State of the Art”?
According to his album credits, Gotye played a variety of instruments on the song, including guitar, bass, keyboard, and percussion. He also used a Linn LM-1 drum machine, a Roland TR-808 drum machine, and a Commodore 64 computer for the production.
8. What did music critics think of “State of the Art”?
Most music critics praised the song as a highlight of the “Making Mirrors” album, and noted its unique sound and social commentary. Some reviewers compared Gotye’s use of electronic drums and synths to 1980s pop icons like Gary Numan and Depeche Mode.
9. Has “State of the Art” won any awards or recognition?
As far as we know, the song has not won any major awards or recognition outside of its inclusion on the “Making Mirrors” album. However, it was a fan favorite and helped solidify Gotye’s reputation as an innovative and thoughtful artist.
10. What is the message of “State of the Art” for musicians and producers?
Gotye’s message is to be cautious of relying too heavily on technology to create music. While he doesn’t reject digital tools entirely, he believes that they should be used to enhance human expression rather than replace it entirely. The song encourages artists to embrace imperfection and individuality, even if it means sacrificing some of the convenience and precision of digital production.
11. Is there a music video for “State of the Art”?
Yes, there is a music video for the song, directed by Gotye himself. It features a darkly humorous storyline that follows a man’s obsession with a malfunctioning organ that takes on a life of its own. The video uses puppetry and stop-motion animation to create a surreal and unsettling atmosphere.
12. What does “State of the Art” suggest about the future of music?
The song suggests that the future of music is uncertain and depends on a balance between innovation and humanity. While digital technology can provide new opportunities for creativity and experimentation, it can also lead to a loss of personal expression and emotion. The best path forward is one that combines the best of both worlds: harnessing the power of technology while staying true to our human roots.
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