Big Wild Reaches For a Feeling of Connection on New Single "Touch"
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Today, Big Wild releases "Touch" (Counter Records), a euphoric and eerily prescient new single that captures the lingering reminiscence of physical contact. Created entirely before the pandemic - and originally set to premiere during a pivotal, prime-time performance at Coachella last month - singer, songwriter and producer Jackson Stell built the song around the feeling of yearning born out of being separated from his partner during months on tour. That personal experience has since turned global, and the music of Big Wild continues to "flip the script on everything" (NPR).
Watch the lyric video for "Touch" here, taking visual cues from Quentin Tarantino as it channels the warm, Western landscapes that influenced the track's summer-ready sound.
And read more in Jackson's interview with Office Magazine.
As Stell explains, "I'm sure with the current state of the world 'Touch' will take on a different meaning than I intended but that's the best part of writing music, seeing where a song goes. I can't claim any foresight, but the feeling of deep longing and desire is universal. It's interesting because I was writing from a personal place but this theme is something we're feeling on a societal level right now. People need connection."
"Touch" marks a poised shift in creative direction for Big Wild, as his first new song since 2019's Superdream, the debut album that showcased Jackson Stell as his own vocalist, lyricist, and instrumentalist for the first time ever. Since then, the project's divergent and rapid ascent has surpassed hundreds of millions of streams, and evolved into an unparalleled live show, accompanied by an all-female backing band that sold out Red Rocks in one day, and jumped to headlining amphitheaters & playing key sets at all of the major festivals, including Bonnaroo, Coachella, Hangout, Firefly, Osheaga, Electric Forest and more that would have been announced for 2020.
In Jackson Stell's transformation from Massachusetts-bred, hip-hop beatsmith to Spotify chart-topper, to now Portland-based bandleader and creative visionary, Big Wild has been heard everywhere from Shrill and Love Island to Apple commercials, NPR Weekend Edition, and remixes for artists like CHVRCHES and Gallant.
With the Big Wild moniker being inspired by a trip to Big Sur and "Touch" mirroring textures of the desert, Jackson remains rooted in the natural world; furthermore, he is devoted to making the project as green as possible. He's partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council for a campaign urging action on climate change, he sources sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives for merch, and his deluxe Superdream LP is now available on 100% recycled vinyl and packaging, manufactured domestically without shrink wrap, measures that are largely unprecedented in the space.
Stay updated on Big Wild's rescheduled tour dates, festival appearances, and more here: https://bigwildmusic.com/shows
Praise for Big Wild
"Big Wild's infectious and uplifting production explodes into an exotic pop extravaganza"
Complex
"The kind of album that makes itself a part of your life on first listen. There's funk guitar, synth-pop sheen and disco house hooks at every turn."
Billboard, on Superdream
"Superdream sees [Jackson Stell] featuring his 'voice and songwriting as the main focus for the first time ever.' It turns out that he thrives in his role...delightfully upbeat tunes that beg to be danced to."
UPROXX
"Big Wild melds the best practices of a gospel choir and dance music to create a song that flips the script on everything. It will turn your 6's to 9's."
NPR Music, Heavy Rotation
"Big Wild engineers an unparalleled live performance - regardless of the venue at hand."
Flaunt
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For more information, contact Matt Hanks or Greg Jakubik at Shore Fire Media,
(718) 522-7171