Back in August, Jackson Stelle, A.K.A. Big Wild, released his third studio album, Wild Child. Stelle made it his mission to reconnect with the part of himself that fell in love with music. With growing success, his career continued to become more serious. In the mindset of everything, he began to feel like he was taking the creative process too seriously. Wild Child marks Big Wild’s return to his child like wonder and experimentation when making music. The record features a variety of sonic experimentation taking listeners on an unforgettable journey.
Mic Drop had the privilege of getting an inside scoop on Big Wild’s album and the journey he went on while making it.
What did you learn about yourself on this journey of reconnecting with your inner child? Who were you listening to while making this record? Are there artists / albums that resurfaced that reminded you of when you first fell in love with music?
I’ve come to learn and appreciate that connecting with your inner child can’t be forced, controlled, or analyzed. I feel a lot of things that we try and control in life are better off being something we guide or facilitate instead. For me, the creative process is one of those things. Explore, be curious, and let what comes out, come out. The inner child isn’t really a child, so much as it’s your dreams, boldness, curiosity, and love for the world. These are the things I want to guide my music making.
I was listening to a bunch of different artists, but was particularly into 60’s pop because of the experimentation. I like taking my music to unexpected places and music from that era really embodied that.
You mentioned the importance of balancing our child-like curiosity with our maturity. How has that transpired in other areas of your life since making the record?
Maturity really brings perspective and practicality to life. You need this to navigate your way through the world. The inner child on the other hand is the part of you that wants to keep learning, growing, having fun, and seeing what’s possible. I think there is a lot of wisdom that comes from balancing these two parts of ourselves. Personally, it’s helped me not get too locked into habits and routines that don’t serve my art or my relationships.
To get back to this feeling of curiosity you imagined a superhero alter ego Wild Child. In the beginning of your career, did Big Wild serve as an alter ego?
It sounds weird, but Big Wild is like the “best” version of myself. What I mean by that is when I make music, my most expressive, unique, and positive energy comes out. So it’s not an alter ego, but rather an outlet that helps me share a deeper part of myself with the world that is otherwise hard for me to express.
The music videos for this album are quite captivating. Visually who and what inspired you when creating the visual elements of the record?
I’ve followed this artist name Jess Bianchi for a while. She made a Red Rocks poster of ours a few years back. When I was getting into creative, my wife had the idea to merge illustrations with the real world. Live action. We got in contact with her and ended up working with the studio she’s a part of called Rudo. I had some specific ideas, like the shades of green, the super hero costume, the suits, and the mini story lines. Rudo really took it and created the colorful world of Wild Child. I’m so happy with it!
Did the songs on this album come together more naturally since your approach this time around was not as intense or serious?
Absolutely, but I think “not as intense or serious” is a bit of a misnomer. The art process was just as serious and intense, I just spent less time trying to control it. By forcing things less, I let go of my expectations of what the song should be. This is crucial for the beginning of the songwriting process. When a song is farther along and needs finishing, then things like craft and analyzing come into play. But, having them lead the way early on suffocates the idea and prevents your best work from coming out.
How did the collaboration with Phantogram on “Too Loud” come about? Your voices and musical styles worked so well together.
I had that demo since The Efferusphere days and I kept coming back to it. Once I committed to finishing it, I knew the song needed another singer and Nate Albert, the head of Giant, my record label, thought Sarah from Phantogram would be a great fit. She ended up being super into the track and absolutely nailed the vibe. It was a pleasure working with her. I’m always into collabs that people wouldn’t expect. I think it pushes the boundaries of what “Big Wild” can be.
You’re currently on the road. How freeing is the experience of bringing these songs to life on stage for crowds each night? Has this tour also allowed you to reconnect with your love for playing live?
It’s really been an incredible tour so far. Playing new music is a joy, especially when people already know the lyrics and are singing it back to me. I love that! And yes, I’m always reminded of how amazing playing shows is and how fortunate it is to call that my job. It never gets old.
If the young version of you could send a message to you while you were making Wild Child, what do you think he would say?
He would want me to remember that what I’m doing, and the fact that anyone cares about it, is special and to never take it for granted. He would also remind me to have fun.
Big Wild is currently on his “Wild Child” tour. Make sure to grab tickets and stream the new album.
