"Big Music" is the sixteenth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released on October 31, 2014, by Sony Music. The album features a blend of energy and passion, described by lead singer Jim Kerr as having raw power and a lot of vitality. The creative process began during the sessions for their previous album, Graffiti Soul, when Kerr noted they were possibly writing two albums simultaneously. Some tracks, such as "Six Degrees of Separation" and "Lotus Effect," were set aside to maintain focus on Graffiti Soul. Demo sessions for Big Music commenced in 2009, with initial recordings starting in September 2010 in London under producer Andy Wright. Over the next few years, the band worked with various producers, including Steve Hillage and Steve Osborne, recording in multiple studios across London, Bath, and Ireland. A total of seventeen new songs were created, culminating in the album's completion on August 27, 2014. The promotional campaign kicked off on September 4, 2014, with a video teaser for "Blindfolded." Big Music was officially released in several European countries on October 31, 2014, and on November 3, 2014, in other territories. The lead single, "Honest Town," premiered on BBC Radio 2 on September 24, 2014, and was released on October 10, 2014. Although the title track "Big Music" was initially slated to be the first single, that plan was eventually changed. Upon its release, Big Music received positive reviews, showcasing Simple Minds' ability to blend their classic sound with modern influences while maintaining their energetic spirit.
