Axel’s known for the 2011 viral hit “This Is the New Year,” which solidified him as an indie pop presence with staggering YouTube views and numerous syncs on film and television. Teaming up with longtime collaborator Chad, he’s expanding his horizons immensely into A Great Big World.
The seeds for the partnership were planted early, even before Ian’s solo career took off. While both studying music at NYU, Ian tracked Chad down in the school’s practice rooms.
Chad smiles, “I kept blowing him off, and then I heard him singing nervously at the piano. I was like, ‘your voice is amazing. Let’s work on these songs. Let’s be friends.’”
Ian laughs, “I kind of forced my friendship on him. I stalked him and made him listen to my songs. He told me I needed to be singing. This realization changed my life. Our relationship is super special. I feel like we’ve known each other forever.”
Ian was the artist, and Chad shared writing duties and became his manager. Playing around New York, Ian eventually stepped into the spotlight and released an independent solo album entitled This Is the New Year in 2010.
The title track featured a vocal cameo from Chad. The song’s low budget music video shot at a Brooklyn party garnered over 1.5 million views and stirred an overwhelming viral buzz. Given the track’s success, tinyOGRE Entertainment signed Ian, remixing and re-releasing the record through Sony. “We finally got to quit our day jobs and do this,” Chad goes on. “It was surreal how quickly everything moved forward from that point.”
As they hit the road, “This Is the New Year” continued to gain steam. MTV utilized it as the theme song for their hit documentary series I Used to Be Fat and then it played over the title credits of Garry Marshall’s New Year’s Eve. Their music became a favorite of music supervisors. One Tree Hill, Amazing Race, ESPN, and Good Morning America all incorporated their songs, and Rachael Ray invited them to perform on her nationally syndicated talk show.
They completed their first national tours and opened shows for Ingrid Michaelson, Five For Fighting, and Glee star Matthew Morrison. Their live performances feature a warm, engaging interplay reminiscent of the intimacy and energy of artists like Elton John, Regina Spektor, and Simon and Garfunkel.
In late 2011, tinyOGRE Entertainment informed all of their artists that they were shutting down. “It was bittersweet,” admits Ian. “On the one hand, we lost our whole team. On the other, my relationship with Chad was as strong as it ever was. We were re-capturing the creative spark we had in college. Our music wasn’t just about ‘Ian Axel.’ We had always been in this together.”
That’s when A Great Big World was officially born. Making positive, piano-driven pop bursting with harmonies and woven together with a fun theatrical twist, the duo crafted a six-song EP funded entirely on Kickstarter by fans. “It’s optimistic pop music,” Chad says. “There are fewer songs about heartbreak and more about the big picture. But even the most painful of our songs are hopeful.”
They’ve certainly chased their dreams and they’re going to continue to do so. But there is something even greater at play. “Writing is our therapy,” Ian concludes. “And when we can connect with people through our music, it’s transformational. We’re not alone. Our songs are your songs. And that’s what it’s all about.”
www.agreatbigworld.com
Already home
A Great Big World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You say that I'm losing my will
Don't you know that you're all that I think about?
You make up a half of the whole
You say that it's hard to commit to it
You say that it's hard standing still
Don't you know that I spend all my nights
If only New York wasn't so far away
I promise the city won't get in our way
When you're scared and alone,
Just know that I'm already home
I say that we're right in the heart of it
A love only we understand
I will bend every light in this city
And make sure they're shining on you
If only New York wasn't so far away
I promise the city won't get in our way
When you're scared and alone,
Just know that I'm already home
When life takes its own course
Sometimes we just don't get to choose
I'd rather be there next to you
Promise you'll wait for me, wait for me
Wait 'til I'm home
All I have is this feeling inside of me
The only thing I've ever known
If only New York wasn't so far away
I promise the city won't get in our way
When you're scared and alone,
Just know that I'm already home
If only New York wasn't so far away
I will be there every step of the way
And when you're scared and alone,
Just know that I'm already home
Just know that I'm already home
The lyrics of the song Already Home by A Great Big World are a testament to the power of love and the importance of being there for someone you care about. The singer of the song is speaking to their loved one who seems to have doubts about their relationship. The singer reassures their partner that they are committed to the relationship and that they will always be there for them, no matter what. The lyrics convey the idea that love is something that requires effort and commitment, but it is ultimately worth it.
The song begins with the singer stating that their partner believes that love is what you put into it and that they are losing their will. The singer then reminds their partner that they are all they think about and that they make up half of the whole. This is a powerful statement that conveys the deep love and connection the singer feels for their partner.
The chorus of the song is a reassurance to their partner that they are already home. The singer promises that the city will not get in their way and that they will always be there for their loved one. The lyrics convey a sense of security and comfort that is essential in any relationship.
Overall, the song Already Home by A Great Big World is a beautiful testament to the power of love and the importance of commitment in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of deep love, devotion, and reassurance that is essential in any relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You say love is what you put into it
Love requires effort and dedication
You say that I'm losing my will
You suggest that I am becoming weak
Don't you know that you're all that I think about?
You are constantly on my mind
You make up a half of the whole
Together we make a complete and balanced relationship
You say that it's hard to commit to it
You acknowledge that it takes effort to maintain a relationship
You say that it's hard standing still
You admit that it's difficult to stay in one place
Don't you know that I spend all my nights
I can't stop thinking about you, even at night
Counting backwards the days 'til I'm home?
I am eagerly waiting to be reunited with you
If only New York wasn't so far away
Distance is creating an obstacle for us
I promise the city won't get in our way
I assure you that distance won't affect our relationship
When you're scared and alone,
During times of fear and isolation,
Just know that I'm already home
Remember that I am here for you
I say that we're right in the heart of it
We are in the center of a complex relationship
A love only we understand
Our love is unique and personal to us
I will bend every light in this city
I will make the city work for us
And make sure they're shining on you
I will ensure that you are always the center of attention
When life takes its own course
Sometimes life doesn't go as planned
Sometimes we just don't get to choose
We don't always have control over our circumstances
I'd rather be there next to you
I want to be by your side
Promise you'll wait for me, wait for me
Please be patient and wait for me
Wait 'til I'm home
Wait for me to come back to you
All I have is this feeling inside of me
The only thing I have is this overwhelming emotion
The only thing I've ever known
You are my one true love
I will be there every step of the way
I will support you no matter what
Just know that I'm already home
I am always with you, even when we're apart
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD VACCARINO, IAN AXEL, MELLISSA LAROCHELLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind