Chicago’s Salt Shed was buzzing with anticipation on September 19th as fans poured in for Big Wild’s Wild Child Tour. Celebrating the release of his third studio album, Big Wild (Jackson Stell) returned to the stage with a fresh sound, a new vision, and a performance that showcased his raw, and natural talent and just how far he’s come creatively. For a fanbase that has been waiting nearly three years for new material, the night felt like a long-awaited reunion… and the payoff was immense.

Although many know and love Stell for his electronic roots, his new album Wild Child confidently steps away from that lane, blending indie-pop with psychedelic rock. From producing beats on his laptop to filling a stage with guitars, bass, keyboards, and drums, it was clear from the start that this would be more than just a typical electronic show.

Before Stell took over, the evening warmed up beautifully with opener Shallou (Joe Boston), who set an inviting tone: mellow, atmospheric, loosening up the room, and fueling excitement for the entire crowd. His mix of gentle guitar riffs and soft synths hinted at the fuller sound that Big Wild would deliver later.

When Jackson Stell finally stepped onto the stage, his energy was electric, a mix of gratitude, joy, and unshakable passion. In a recent interview with Carolann Grzbowski from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee, he described Wild Child as “a more colorful, imaginative version of myself,” and that description came alive before the fans' eyes. The stage design was intimate yet dazzling, with vibrant lighting that bathed the crowd in waves of color. Everywhere you looked, fans were smiling, dancing, singing along, and throwing their hands into the air, completely absorbed in the moment. Keeping the crowd engaged was effortless, as Stell mixed in live instrumental performances of some older electronic hits and fan favorites like “When I Get There”, “Crickets”, and “Touch” while also showing off his new sound with new releases like “Too Loud”.

Stell’s full band was a powerhouse. The guitarist (Will Walden) and the drummer (Val Selpulveda) were stars in their own right. Together, they transformed what might’ve been electronic back-drops into something raw, and alive.

The performance itself struck a beautiful balance between new instrumentation and his signature melodic electronic sound. Each track felt like a living, breathing experience that engulfed the audience in a wave of awe. The entire show acted as a reflection of the years Stell poured into creating what he’s called a “labor of love”. This tour was a celebration of transformation, creativity, and connection for Big Wild. If you have the chance to catch them on this tour, don’t think twice. You’ll leave feeling lighter, brighter, and wishing the night never ended.