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
I Really Want It
A Great Big World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I say we chuck inhibitions
And sell our souls to rock and roll
I need to know what I'm missing
So turn it up on the stereo
Somebody light the ignition
What the hell are you waiting for?
(Nah-oooh)
I'm feeling the world go round
It's spinning me upside down
I'm finally homeward bound
I'm not giving up
It's crawling under my skin
And I don't care if I sin
I really want it
I really want it
I really want it right now
I really want it right now
If there's a maker up above
Then why is nobody listening
You show me hate, and I'll show you love
It's not about your religion
We're always lookin' to someone else
Just take a look in the mirror
'Cause all you need is inside yourself
It couldn't be any clearer
(Nah-oooh)
I'm feeling the world go round
It's spinning me upside down
I'm finally homeward bound
I'm not giving up
It's crawling under my skin
And I don't care if I sin
I really want it
I really want it
I really want it right now
I really want it right now
The more we love, the more we learn
The more we love, the more we burn
The more we love
So tell me what are we livin' for
I say we chuck inhibitions
And sell our souls to rock n' roll
I need to know what I'm missin'
(Nah-oooh)
I'm feeling the world go round
It's spinning me upside down
I'm finally homeward bound
I'm not giving up
It's crawling under my skin
And I don't care if I sin
I really want it
I really want it
I really want it right now
I really want it right now
The song "I Really Want It" by A Great Big World is an anthem for those who are seeking a fulfilling life filled with passion and purpose. The singer asks the listener to reflect on the meaning of their existence and stop living with limitations or fear. Instead, they suggest embracing one's true desires and giving oneself wholly to a life of rock 'n' roll.
The lyrics encourage a sense of urgency and the need to take action without hesitation. The singer urges the listener to listen to their internal calling, regardless of societal norms, religion or others' opinions. The line "It's crawling under my skin / And I don't care if I sin" acknowledges that living with passion may require breaking societal rules or norms, but the singer is willing to do so to live a fulfilled life.
The song ends on the theme of love, and it is emphasized that the more we love, the more we learn and grow. The chorus repeats the phrase "I really want it right now," emphasizing the importance of taking this desire seriously and taking immediate action towards living a fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
So tell me what are we living for?
What is the purpose of our existence?
I say we chuck inhibitions
Let's stop being restrained by our fears and doubts
And sell our souls to rock and roll
Let's fully commit to our passion and dream
I need to know what I'm missing
I want to experience and learn more
So turn it up on the stereo
Let the music be loud and powerful
Somebody light the ignition
Let's start this journey with enthusiasm
What the hell are you waiting for?
Why hesitate when there's nothing to lose?
It's time to make a decision
We need to choose and act on it now
(Nah-oooh)
Vocalization expressing excitement or intense emotion
I'm feeling the world go round
I'm experiencing the energy and vitality of life
It's spinning me upside down
It's transforming my perceptions and reality
I'm finally homeward bound
I'm finding my true self and purpose
I'm not giving up
I'm staying determined and persistent
It's crawling under my skin
It's becoming an integral part of me
And I don't care if I sin
I won't be held back by societal norms and expectations
I really want it
I have an intense desire for it
I really want it
I have an intense desire for it
I really want it right now
I want it immediately and without delay
I really want it right now
I want it immediately and without delay
If there's a maker up above
If there's a higher power or deity
Then why is nobody listening
Why is there so much chaos and neglect in the world?
You show me hate, and I'll show you love
I choose to respond with kindness and empathy
It's not about your religion
It's not about beliefs or affiliations
We're always lookin' to someone else
We tend to seek validation and guidance from others
Just take a look in the mirror
Reflect on your own identity and potential
'Cause all you need is inside yourself
You have the necessary resources and strength within you
It couldn't be any clearer
It's an obvious and straightforward truth
The more we love, the more we learn
We gain knowledge and wisdom through love and connection
The more we love, the more we burn
Love can be intense and challenging
The more we love
Love is an ongoing and transformative process
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD VACCARINO, IAN AXEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sydney B
ALL OF THEIR SONGS ARE SO HAPPY AND INCLUSIVE TO EVERYONE AND THEY MAKE ME SO HAPPY
Foxy
Are you calling "say something" happy?because let me tell you that song is not happy
Armani Becerra
so I found this album right when I kinda came to the realization that I was gay. Back then I really didn't understand myself and my emotions and got the meaning of this song WAYY wrong. 2 years later I'm sitting here all emotional because this song represents what I've gone through lately and i think this song is beautiful :D
Riddle Tom
@Stanley Morrell I Call myself a faggot all the damn time. Doesn't matter to me
Riddle Tom
@Armani Becerra This Was My "Coming Out Song" I Get so many feels when coming out as gay to my parents. So Many Feels in so little time.
Zakariya Javed
you guys are incredible! love every bit of your music! keep it up guys! :)
Brett Cameron Steinberg
Great song by an AWESOME band!
Zephyr
Love them! Can't wait for them to get big soon! "Say Something" is slayinggg! :D
Brb W
Love all their songs, brilliant music and fabulous artists. Long may they reign.
Lily Ellis
Saw them live yesterday, they were so amazing!