"A Great Big World" is an American musical duo consisting of Ian Axel and Chad King. They gained significant recognition with their hit single "Say Something," which featured Christina Aguilera and was released in 2013. Here are some interesting facts about the duo:
Formation and Musical Background: Ian Axel and Chad King met while they were students at New York University's Steinhardt School. They initially started performing together in the early 2010s and gained a following in the New York City music scene.
Name Origin: The duo's name, "A Great Big World," was inspired by the lyrics of their song "This Is the New Year." The name signifies their aspiration to create music that resonates on a grand scale.
Early Success with "This Is the New Year": Before the breakthrough success of "Say Something," their song "This Is the New Year" gained attention when it was covered by the cast of the TV show "Glee" in 2012. This exposure helped them start building a broader audience.
"Say Something" and Collaboration with Christina Aguilera: "Say Something" became their most recognizable song, and its poignant lyrics and emotive melody led to critical acclaim. The song was re-recorded with Christina Aguilera, which brought a fresh perspective to the track and elevated its popularity even further.
Grammy Award: The collaboration with Christina Aguilera earned A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2015.
Debut Album: Their debut album, titled "Is There Anybody Out There?," was released in 2014. Apart from "Say Something," it featured a collection of heartfelt and introspective songs that showcased their distinct sound.
Diverse Influences: A Great Big World's music draws from various influences, including pop, indie pop, and folk elements. Their music often explores themes of introspection, vulnerability, and human connection.
Evolution of Sound: Over the years, the duo's music has evolved, incorporating different styles and experimenting with their sound while maintaining their signature emotional depth.
Touring and Live Performances: A Great Big World has performed on various stages around the world, including their own headline tours and opening for other well-known artists. Their live shows are known for their intimate and genuine connection with the audience.
Advocacy and LGBTQ+ Representation: Both Ian Axel and Chad King are openly gay and have been advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. They have spoken openly about their experiences as gay artists and the importance of representation in the music industry.
Personal Growth and Challenges: The duo has been candid about their struggles with mental health and the challenges they've faced in the music industry. Their journey has been marked by personal growth and a commitment to staying true to themselves.
Later Releases: Following their debut album, A Great Big World released subsequent albums and singles, continuing to explore new musical directions while maintaining their focus on relatable and emotionally resonant lyrics.
Creative Autonomy: In various interviews, the duo has emphasized the importance of creative autonomy and the significance of making music that reflects their own experiences and emotions.
Collaborations: Apart from their collaboration with Christina Aguilera, A Great Big World has also worked with other artists, demonstrating their versatility in collaborating across different genres.
A Great Big World's journey in the music industry is marked by their commitment to authenticity, emotional storytelling, and their willingness to evolve as artists while staying true to their unique style.