Big Wild, the project of producer and multi-instrumentalist Jackson Stell, has carved out a unique space in the electronic landscape since emerging in the mid-2010s. What started as an experimental project rooted in sample-based beats quickly evolved into a fully realized live act, with Stell stepping out from behind the laptop to sing, play keys, and even guitar alongside his productions.

His breakout moment came in 2015 with Aftergold, a euphoric track that cemented him as one of the brightest rising talents in the indie-electronic space. Tours alongside ODESZA, festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, and two acclaimed albums (Superdream in 2019 and The Efferusphere in 2022) have only solidified his reputation as a versatile artist who can bridge the gap between electronic music and live-band energy.

Known for weaving themes of nature, renewal, and connection into his music, Stell has built Big Wild into more than just a sound but instead into a world of color, curiosity, and emotional release. With the release of his third album Wild Child on August 29th, Stell embraces this ethos more fully than ever, exploring indie-pop, psychedelic rock, and ‘60s-inspired textures while still holding onto the euphoric electronic roots that first drew fans in.


That spirit is about to come alive in Colorado, where Big Wild has lined up three nights of shows to introduce Wild Child to some of his most loyal fans. The run kicks off at the Boulder Theater on September 25th, followed by a stop at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on September 26th, before wrapping up in Denver at the Mission Ballroom on September 27th. Each performance promises a different flavor of Stell’s expansive live vision, blending live instrumentation, soulful vocals, and the kind of boundless energy that makes every Big Wild show unforgettable.

For Stell, Wild Child isn’t just another record but rather a reminder to let go of control and rediscover play. Across collaborations with Phantogram, Daily Bread, HEYZ, Little Stranger, and more, the album radiates color and exuberance, mirroring the journey of an artist who’s found a balance between maturity and childlike wonder.

Before the Colorado run, we caught up with Big Wild to talk about the new album, his creative reset, and why performing here always feels like a homecoming. Check out conversation below!

[Rooster]: Your new album Wild Child drops August 29. What does this project represent for you, and what inspired you to reconnect with your “inner child” during the process?

[Big Wild]: Wild Child represents a more open minded, intuitive, and collaborative creative process for me than previous albums. I wanted the process to ultimately be more natural. It wasn’t until the album was essentially completed that I realized this was my inner child taking the creative helm.

This record pulls away from purely electronic production into indie-pop, psychedelic rock, and even some ‘60s-inspired textures. How did stepping into that new sound palette change the way you approached making music?

I find those styles of music inspire experimentation, so naturally they seeped into the sound of the album. A big part of my approach is trying new things, so in that sense this felt natural. The sound of pop music from the 60’s is so melodically interesting and was really rewarding incorporate into my own music.

The single “Too Loud” with Phantogram has this funky yet ethereal energy. How did that collaboration come together, and what did Sarah bring to the song that shifted its direction?

“Too Loud” was a demo on my hard drive for the longest time with the main beat, the verse, and the chorus. I always knew something was there and with some gentle nudging I committed to actually finishing it. However, the song needed another voice. Someone to carry the momentum and contrast my voice in the first verse. Nate Albert, the head of my label, Giant, recommended Sarah from Phantogram. She loved what I had so far and then immediately recorded. The process was really quick since this was the last track to finish on the album. She nailed the hazy, sexy vibe and we all knew this was it!

You’ve described Wild Child as a way of rediscovering curiosity and joy. Was there a specific moment in the studio where you felt like yep, this is it, this is the spark again?

Well, I wouldn’t say I ever lost it. Every song I’ve ever finished has always had some kind of euphoric “AHA” moment. That’s really how I can tell it’s worth pursuing. That being said, I got into a weird habit of robbing that joy quickly by immediately trying to control the music coming out of me. By trying to control, analyze, and force a meaning, I was solidifying the song way before it was ready to take form. This led to less inspired music and a more forced process. I knew something had to change and this album was a response to that.

Colorado has always shown you a lot of love, and you’re set to play three shows here at the end of the month. How does performing here compare to other cities on tour?

Colorado is arguably my favorite place to perform and we make sure to do something special there. The crowds are always really energetic and fun. There are so many great venues that keep us coming back pretty much every year!

This is your biggest tour yet, with stops at some legendary venues. Any cities you’re especially hyped to hit for the first time or old favorites you can’t wait to get back to?

I’m really looking forward to playing the amphitheater in Vail, the Greek in Berkeley, and McMenamins in Oregon. I’m such a sucker for outdoor venues, especially amphitheaters. I’m looking forward to the whole tour though, we’ve got a lot of special things in store.

Your music often reflects your connection to nature and the outdoors. Has that relationship shaped Wild Child in a different way than your past records?

I consider nature and the outdoors to be “reality”, so in that sense they help ground me during the creative process. As much as I love fantasy and the imagination, I want everything I create to be rooted in real feelings and experiences I’ve had.

Looking ahead, what do you hope fans walk away with after listening to Wild Child and experiencing it live?

I hope fans let loose and let their inner child shine a bit brighter.