Big Wild, the genre-defying project of Jackson Stell, has officially announced his next chapter: a vibrant, deeply personal new album titled ‘Wild Child’, set for release on August 29 via Giant Music. Marking his most adventurous and emotionally rich work to date, the album sees Stell moving beyond electronic roots to embrace a dynamic mix of indie-pop, psychedelic rock, and lush ’60s-inspired textures.
The album emerged from Stell’s desire to rediscover the creativity and freedom that first inspired his musical journey. That path led him to reconnect with his inner muse—a playful alter ego he calls Wild Child—fueling a record that pulses with live instrumentation, analog warmth, and a fearless creative spirit.
Primarily written and produced by Stell alongside a tight circle of collaborators, ‘Wild Child’ explores themes of renewal, resilience, and the healing connection to the natural world. Each track weaves intricate sonic textures with lyrical depth, making this a standout body of work in Big Wild’s discography.
To accompany the album announcement, Big Wild has also dropped a brand-new single: “Too Loud” (feat. Phantogram). The track debuted via Flood Magazine, who praised Stell’s analog evolution and described the upcoming LP as a bold tonal shift “from post-disco synths to indie-pop.” The single balances funky rhythms with dreamy, reflective vocals from Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel, creating a sensual and immersive listening experience.
Speaking on the track’s creation, Stell shared:
“I first made the demo while working on The Efferusphere. It had a sexy, ethereal energy I couldn’t shake. When I got connected with Sarah from Phantogram, her voice completed the song perfectly. We had to finish it in a week to make the vinyl deadline—it was a wild, last-minute push, but it came together beautifully.”
Barthel added:
“This song makes me want to roll the windows down and turn the volume all the way up. Working with Jackson was a blast—we can’t wait to perform it live with everyone dancing.”
To celebrate the new album, Big Wild will hit the road this fall for the Wild Child Tour, a North American run kicking off on September 4 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, TN. The tour includes major stops at Mission Ballroom in Denver on September 27, The Wiltern in Los Angeles on October 4, and wraps up on October 11 in Troutdale, OR.
In support of community access to music education, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Ethos Music Center, a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable music programs to youth across Oregon.
With ‘Wild Child’, Big Wild invites listeners into a kaleidoscopic world of sound—one that’s brave, curious, and unafraid to feel. The album drops August 29, with the new single “Too Loud (feat. Phantogram)” available now on all major platforms.
