A Great Big World
A Great Big World is an american musical duo, formed in 2007 in New York City, United States, consisting of vocalists and songwriters
The band consists of brothers Nick Noonan and John Noonan, along with their friend Matt McCaughan. They are signed to Atlantic Records, and have had three singles reach number one on the US Mainstream Top 40: “Say Something”, “Best Day Of My Life” and “One Thing”. Their debut album, The Greatest Showman, was released in 2010. In 2011, the group won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album for the same album.
Their second studio album, All Your Favorite Bands Suck, was released in 2012. It debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 58,000 copies in its first week. It produced four hit singles: “I Don’t Want To Be Without You”, “Million Reasons”, “Brokenhearted” and “Over”. The latter reached the top 10 in several countries, including Australia, Canada and Ireland.
In 2013, the band released their third studio album, The Innocence Mission. Its lead single, “All About Us”, peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, “Hanging On”, became their highest peaking single in the United Kingdom, reaching number six. The third single, “Stick Together”, was released in November 2013.
Career
– In late 2005, King moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter.
– He began writing songs with his friend Ian Axel, whom he had known since high school.
– Axel and King formed a band called “The Hives”, which consisted of Axel on guitar and vocals, King on bass and backing vocals, and drummer Matt O’Grady.
– After releasing several EPs independently, the group signed a record deal with Atlantic Records in 2007.
– Their debut EP, titled “Hive Minded”, was released in 2008.
– The band toured extensively throughout 2009, including opening slots for bands like Fall Out Boy and Paramore.
– However, their second full length release, “This Is Our Love Song”, did not fare well commercially, selling around 10,000 copies in the US, despite being nominated for Best Rock Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
2011–2013: Breakthrough and Glee
In 2011, their song “The Greatest Thing,” featuring rapper Jay Z, became one of the most popular songs of the year, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their debut album This Is the New Year peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 60,000 copies in its first week. The group toured extensively throughout North America and Europe during 2012, including performances at Coachella Music Festival, Lollapalooza, and Voodoo Experience festivals.
On September 12, 2013, it was announced that AGBY had signed a record deal with Hollywood Records. On October 29, 2013, AGBY released their single “The Greatest Thing”, produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. The song debuted at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their second entry into the Top 10. The song later reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, making it their highest peaking single there.
AGBY released their self-titled debut studio album on January 26, 2014. The album debuted atop the charts in Australia and Canada, while reaching number two in Japan and the United Kingdom. It sold over 150,000 units worldwide within its first week of release.
Their second album, titled Wildheart, was released on June 30, 2016.
AGBY’s third album, titled Love Your Life, was released on November 16, 2018.
2013–2014: Is There Anybody Out There?
In 2013, the band signed with Epic Records and recorded their debut EP, titled, in May 2013. They completed a headline tour that same month in conjunction with its release. On June 3, 2013, it was announced that the band had been selected as Elvis Duran’s artist of the month and were featured on NBC’ s, performing live their song ” This Is the New Year “.
Their debut studio album,, was released on February 19, 2014. It debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. The album features the singles “Today”, “Hang Me Up To Dry”, “I Need A Dollar” and “Lonely Girl.”
The band supported the album with a nationwide headlining tour throughout 2014. In October 2014, the group opened for pop singer Justin Bieber during his Purpose World Tour.
2015: When the Morning Comes
On April 21, 2015, through the A Great BigWorld Facebook page, it was announced that Ian and Chad were hard at work writing new music. They wrote the song “Hold Each Other,” which features rapper Futuristic, and released it on July 22, 2015. The non-rap version came out on July 24, 2015, while the full album was released on November 12, 2015.
The duo visited the United Kingdom in June 2015 to record at Sarm Studios in South West London. The album cover art was designed by British artist Paul Whitehead.