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
Shorty Don't Wait
A Great Big World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Shorty don't wait in a line
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
When your heart don't feel like dancing
I'll be there to give you mine
When you lose that happy feeling
Shorty don't wait in a line
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Shorty don't wait in a line
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
All those people who have hurt you
They ain't worth your precious time
When there's no one you can turn to
I'll be right there by your side
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
So take that weight off of your shoulders
So you can rest your head on mine
When you feel like starting over
Don't think twice, yea it's alright.
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Shorty don't wait in line
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
The song "Shorty Don't Wait" by A Great Big World is a message of encouragement to a friend, telling them not to wait for anything and to live their life to the fullest. Throughout the song, the artist advises "Shorty" not to wait in line or wait until the sun doesn't shine, urging them not to squander their time. The implication is that life is short, and it can pass by quickly, so it's important to make every moment count.
The lyrics also provide emotional support to the listener. The artist promises to be there for them through dark times, offering to share their own happiness and lift their spirits when they feel down. The song encourages listeners to discard past hurts, give no time to those who have hurt them, and to look to the future with positivity and excitement.
Overall, "Shorty Don't Wait" is an uplifting and inspiring song that seeks to motivate listeners to live every moment with purpose, and to embrace happiness when it comes their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Shorty don't wait in a line
Don't waste your time standing in line
Shorty don't wait til the sun don't shine
Don't wait for the perfect moment, take action now
Shorty don't wait in a line
Don't wait for things to come to you, make them happen
Shorty don't wait til your life goes by
Don't put off living your life until it's too late
When your heart don't feel like dancing
When you're feeling down and out
I'll be there to give you mine
I'll be there to support and encourage you
When you lose that happy feeling
When you're feeling sad or lost
I will lift your spirits high
I'll help you find joy and positivity
All those people who have hurt you
Those who have caused you pain or discomfort
They ain't worth your precious time
Don't waste your energy on negative people
When there's no one you can turn to
When you feel like you have nowhere to go
I'll be right there by your side
I'll be there to support you and help you through tough times
So take that weight off of your shoulders
Let go of your worries and fears
So you can rest your head on mine
Relax and lean on me for support
When you feel like starting over
When you're ready to make a change
Don't think twice, yea it's alright.
Don't hesitate, it's okay to take risks and make changes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD VACCARINO, IAN AXEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@olivianorris7939
This is talent :) Not pop, no dubstep, no autotune, no apple computer, just beautiful voices and beautiful instruments <3
@musicalman1995
true true, but dubstep is incredible. Ever heard of Burial?
@sharnalongley3751
I agree but dubstep is also awesome
@camillanonbinarylegend
Sharna Longley I think everyone has its own taste! what you might like could be horror for someone else :) and thats totally fine
@olivianorris7939
Right. Everyone has a different definition of talent. I prefer someone who can actually sing or play an instrument.
@Hawkshadow49
***** I love how here, everyone can express their own opinion without getting into a huge internet war. That makes me happy. ^_^
@graceleavitt7900
Shorty don't wait in line!
Shorty don't wait till the sun don't shine!
Love love love this song
@thembelihleseruto1361
This album is amazing! Thank you. This song makes me so happy and inspired at the same time. Makes you remember to stop being bogged down in negativity and to embrace the beauty that is life. I love! Purple ♡
@egret777
This BEAUTIFUL band applies and appeals to all ages!!
@MaddyKenshol
DUDE THIS BAND MAKES ME SO HAPPY I S2G THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT