Big Wild Reconnects with His Curiosity and Love for Music on 'Wild Child'

Big Wild’s third studio album shines as he tackles themes of vulnerability, connection, and rediscovering his inner child.

Jackson Stell, better known as Big Wild, is back with another fantastical adventure through his technicolor realm of being. Following up on 2022’s album, The Efferusphere, Stell has reemerged with a new album that leans into the playfulness and curiosity of his inner child. Entitled Wild Child, the 13-track effort builds on the evolution of the Big Wild project with a collection of songs that vividly paint Stell’s exploration of self as he reconnects with the curiosity and playfulness of his earlier years as a producer.

The Wild Child journey serves as Stell’s most personal release to date. Taking a step away from his electronic roots, he opted for a psychedelic rock sound, drawing influences from ’60s pop that lend well to his live performances. The initial track, “Farewell,” sets the tone of the album as the brief intro ushers in the new production style with strumming guitars and soaring vocals.

Blending in seamlessly, his second single from the album, “Universe,” marks the return of longtime collaborator iDA HAWK. Having worked with Stell since 2017, the powerhouse vocalist joins forces with him once more, adding her soulful stylings to the groovy, percussion-driven track. Crooning “you are an expression of the universe,” Stell reminds listeners that their lives are deeply intertwined with their everyday existence.

Additional collaborations include the funky single “Too Loud” with Phantogram and “Anymore” featuring Twen. The former explores the loss of connection between two individuals on the dancefloor, while the latter oozes with the flair of rock music from the late ’60s. While Stell leaves the track up to interpretation, it feels as if he’s moving on from what no longer serves him, making peace with his past and starting anew.

A standout track on the album, “Carousel” captivates with thumping drums, shimmering synths, and even a harpsichord. With light guitar plucking giving way to strumming guitars, “The Canyon” ebbs and flows like the water that rises and falls within the confines of its namesake landscape feature.

Throughout Wild Child, Stell finds a way to pay homage to his iconic sounds while experimenting with new textures and instrumentation. “The album’s about exploring that side of ourselves that we don’t explore much as we age,” he says. Through his relentless desire to reconnect with his inner child, he has reignited the creativity and excitement that define Big Wild.

Stream Big Wild’s latest album, Wild Child, on your preferred streaming platform and grab tickets to an upcoming show near you.