Oct 15, 2015 - Things to Do

Big beats and big dreams: DJ “Big Wild” live this Saturday

Erin Cribb

Over the last decade or so, electronic dance music (EDM) has become more infused into pop culture. The songs we listen to on the radio are sounding more produced, and less about instrumental quality. Or is that just how it seems? 25-year-old Jackson Stell, aka “Big Wild”, talks about the rise and possible fall of EDM, his goals for the future, and what makes him unique in this ever changing industry.

Axios Charlotte: How does it feel to be so young and on your way to stardom?

Big Wild: I wouldn’t go that far, but it feels pretty new. It’s a constant learning experience.

CA: What got you into the electronic music scene?

BW: I started making hip-hop beats in eighth grade and continued through high school. Got really into EDM in college and I started to try making my music stand on it’s own without a vocalist. Experimenting was important to make something unique, which has kind of evolved into what I’m doing now. I’ve been producing for about 10 years now.

Thanks for vibing with me Chicago

A photo posted by Big Wild (@bigwildmusic) on

CA: Did you play music growing up?

BW: I played trumpet and piano. When I got into high school I dropped that and decided to produce. I was much more into producing than playing instruments, but now I’m getting back into it and starting to play them during my live performances.

CA: EDM artists sometimes get a bad rep for being “button pushers” on stage. I’ve read that you play keys & drums during your performances. How do you think this translates to your audience vs. what other producers are doing?

BW: I definitely think EDM is going to become more performance based and less “DJ” based. Playing instruments and being active on stage definitely adds a certain energy to the performance. They can see your love for the music, which makes them more engaged.

CA: You’re on tour with Griz right now, how did that come about?

BW: He hit me up to do a remix of For The Love, really was digging it, and asked me to join him on tour.

Me and @mynameisgriz recording in the stu’….can’t wait to show u! Photo: @adamsonfilms A photo posted by Big Wild (@bigwildmusic) on

CA: Yeah, you’ve remixed some of my favorite artists like Odesza and Sylvan Esso. How do you decide which artists to remix or collaborate with? Who has been your favorite?

BW: Well Sylvan Esso was an artist I was really into at the time and remixed on my own. Odesza actually contacted me and asked me to do a remix after hearing the Griz one, and of course I said yes. Most of them are a combination of what people offer to me, and the rest reflect songs that I’m digging at the moment.

CA: What is your current music obsession?

BW: Tame Impala, Beatles, Chet Faker. I am getting more into solo vocal artists. Been searching for a nice catchy vocal line.

CA: What makes you most nervous about performing?

BW: I definitely still get nervous, especially when the crowd that night isn’t much of a dancing crowd. It can make the performance a little harder for sure. It’s always hard to tell if people like your music or not, but you just have to learn to keep your energy up regardless.

CA: It’s apparent that the EDM scene is on the rise and is overtaking pop culture. But like every musical movement (punk, hip hop, grunge) there is an undoing. Where do you see EDM in 10 years and where do you see yourself?

BW: I think that electronic music is a little different, and not comparable to grunge or punk. It is less of a genre and more of a different way of approaching music. I feel like it’s not something that is going to die out like a genre. Now, it will always be changing in its style – house, drum and bass – but I’m very confident that it’s here to stay. It’s a way to continue being innovative.

CA: What’s been your favorite stop while touring and why?

BW: Birmingham was pretty sweet. We killed it at Zydeco. Pretty small venue but the crowd was packed out and had great energy.

CA: What separates you as an artist? Describe your music in three words.

BW: It’s hard to put into words, but if I had to say it would be unique, organic, and groovy. My music is kind of a blend of hip-hop and electronic.

CA: What artists (besides you, obviously) do you think are going to be the next big thing?

BW: The support on my tour, Louie Lastic. He is killing it.

CA: Do you have anything to say to get the music fans of Charlotte excited about your show?

BW: I have lots of new music to share. I will be playing live keys, the cajon, drums, and even do some whistling. Come early before Griz to get down before the show, you won’t want to regret it.

Tuscaloosa : Jared Davis