Listening to both hearts

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2012

Following the success of his underground single “Eyes Wide Open,” Gotye released his soft and melancholic song “Somebody That I used to Know,” featuring Kimbra, in July 2011. The melody has been receiving much attention due to its high rank on the New Zealand and Belgium singles charts. In the tune, Gotye expresses his feeling on the separation between him and a former lover, while Kimbra tells her side of the story. The pair makes for a compilation that is both ambiguous and interesting to follow. An acoustic guitar keeps the beat and echoes the hushed but strong vocals of both singers. Gotye yells out his bitterness in the chorus, singing, “But you didn’t have to cut me off / making like it never happened and that we were nothing.” His frustration is followed by an annoyed Kimbra who supports her actions with “Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over / letting me believing it was always something that I’d done / But I don’t want to live that way…” The emotion implied through both singer’s powerful accusations makes for a work of art which displays both the sweet and sour aspects of relationships. “Somebody That I Used Know” is a refreshing indie piece that depicts the universal problems of relationships in a new and humble way. Gotye succeeds to connect with a large audience without conforming to the mainstream trends of present day pop music.

Click here to watch the video for somebody That I Used To Know

About the Contributor

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground.

While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray.

Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.