I chatted with A Great Big World about their monster hit “Say Something” and their upcoming tour.
Q: What is the toughest part preparing for a tour?
Ian: The toughest part for me is getting over my fears. I have to remember that this is for the fans..that’s when the adrenaline kicks me in the ass. The first week of getting back is the hardest.
Chad: We should be settled in by the last show ::laughs::
Q: Is there a story behind the band name?
Chad: Choosing a band name is difficult. You have to make sure that’s the ONE, because you have to register all the domain names and all the social media handles that go along with it.
A Great Big World is actually a lyric from our song “Cheer Up.” We believe in spreading love and positivity. We look at it as that wonder and magic we all have as children.
Q: What is your favorite song of yours and why?
Ian: I still go back to “This Is The New Year.” That was the first song for A Great Big World. It was a big test for us as songwriters.
Chad: For me it has to be “Say Something.”
I feel like if that song hadn’t taken off, we wouldn’t be who we are today. On the flip side, if it hadn’t taken off, it was still such a cathartic and rewarding process for us.
Q: What was it like getting the phone call that Christina Aguilera wanted to record “Say Something” with you guys?
Ian: Pretty unbelievable. It changed our expectations of phone calls ::laughs:: We were like “Is she REALLY REALLY SURE?”
Chad: We knew from that moment everything would be different. A week later we were all in the studio. It was the craziest ride we’ve ever been on. So nuts.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you won a Grammy for the track?
Chad: We were in the audience and Roseanne Cash was on stage. Our families took up an entire row of chairs. When she said our name, all of us erupted and it felt like a wave of energy happening in that moment. Ian and I were bouncing to the stage ::laughs::
Ian: Leading up it was just the anxiety of not knowing. It was a big buildup.
Q: What has been the most rewarding experience thus far in your career?
Ian: For me it was the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy party of 2014. It was a room full of music icons. Friggin’ Stevie Wonder was in the room. We got up there and something was wrong with the piano. It was soo embarrassing. It was fixed eventually, and we started to play.
Chad: Everyone stood up after Ian played “Say Something.” It was electric. People still come to us today and tell us they were in the room that night
Q: Are you excited about your show here in Annapolis Friday?
Ian: I’m nervous excited.
Chad: Wait, is that the first show?
Ian: Yup!
Chad: It might be the best show, who knows out of the bunch! ::both laugh::
A Great Big World headline Rams Head Annapolis Friday!
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