Jon Batiste Announces New Album ‘Big Money,’ Shares Title Track

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Jon Batiste has introduced his ninth album, BIG MONEY, will launch Aug. 22 by way of Verve/Interscope Data.

“This album is a press release relating to humanity, capitalism, Americana, the interior little one and the irony of religion,” says Batiste. “Written and recorded principally dwell in single takes over two weeks, the album captures the uncooked immediacy of this second for me. Collective artistic expression attracts on the roots of our earliest music on this nation as a communal energy.”

He continues, “This album is a circus of affection. Drawing on the absurdity, chaos, spectacle, drama and comedy of life being akin to a circus and constructing on the symbolism and mythology of tent tradition. Beneath our tent there may be revival and pleasure. You don’t lose your soul, you acquire it!”

BIG MONEY consists of collaborations with Andra Day, Randy Newman and No I.D., who additionally co-produced the album with Batiste.

“Nevertheless you interpret the songs,” Batiste shares, “you may’t assist feeling them. You’ll be able to’t assist accepting an invite into the tent. Are available in and have enjoyable…some deeply severe enjoyable.”

Jon Batiste's Big Money album cover — Verve Data/Interscope Data

Alongside his new album announcement, Batiste has launched the title monitor and lead single. The bluesy lower is livened by spirited handclaps and percussive stomps, topped with rootsy guitar and a quick tambourine. Lyrically, the joyful tune reckons the formidable pursuit of cash however gives a reminder that it could possibly’t purchase a life price dwelling.

“Nah, may as effectively dwell for one thing you may really feel / Would possibly as effectively dwell for one thing actual / You’ll be able to’t take it with you ’trigger there wasn’t nothing with you earlier than / Mud to mud, ashes to ashes, standard, standard, standard factor,” he sings within the refrain, with background vocals by The Womack Sisters — the granddaughters of soul icon Sam Cooke.

Talking on “Large Cash,” Batiste shares, “That is the circus of affection. Beneath our tent, there may be revival and pleasure. You don’t lose your soul—you acquire it. When Mama says, ‘Don’t be a dummy, all people chasing that BIG MONEY,’ Mama is pushing you—whereas warning you. It cuts each methods.”

BIG MONEY follows Batiste’s 2024 album, Beethoven Blues, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart. The solo piano set featured the New Orleans native’s interpolations of Beethoven’s most iconic numbers.

Batiste will help his new album on The Large Cash Tour, kicking off Aug. 27 at The Midland Theatre in Kansas Metropolis. From there, he’ll play in St. Louis, Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Detroit. The tour wraps up Oct. 27 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

Stream Jon Batiste’s new track “Large Cash” and see his tour dates beneath.