INTERVIEW: Big Wild — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Big Wild

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AMERICAN producer Big Wild...

has been telling me about his new single, Heaven, and its story. I was eager to know about the upcoming album, Superdream, and what sort of themes inspired it; the kind of music he grew up around the albums he loves the most.

Big Wild talks about his plans and who he’d like to support on the road; a rising artist we should all look out for and whether there are any tour dates in the diary – he ends the interview by selecting a great song.

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Hi, Big Wild. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m doing well! This week has been busy. Just finished two co-headline shows at Bill Graham in San Francisco and WaMu Theater in Seattle. Now, I can finally decompress a little bit.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My music is fairly diverse but often falls into Electronic, Indie and Dance genres. I produce, sing and write it myself so my songs are very much a representation of me.

Heaven is your latest track. Is there a story behind it?

Heaven was inspired by a photograph I found online of rain in the ocean with a man floating in the centre with the biggest grin. It seemed as if this person was in total bliss. I wanted to write a song capturing that feeling; of witnessing something so special, euphoric or breathtaking that it feels like ‘Heaven’.

Your album, Superdream, is out in February. What sort of themes inspired the songs?

Superdream covers a variety of topics that are all rooted in my own personal experiences. Existentialism, falling in love and moving across country are some of the things I sing about. The album is largely a reflection of moments in my life.

You have received support from the Electronic duo ODESZA. How important is that support and faith?

Their support early on was really helpful in getting exposure, understanding the music industry better and putting together a live show. Their role in my career was invaluable.

Are there particular artists that inspired you to get into music?

I first got into music by producing hip hop instrumentals. Artists like Dr. Dre, Pharrel, and Timbaland were my favourites and inspired me to have my own unique sound. Since then, my inspirations have evolved a lot but Hip-Hop producers formed my foundation for understanding and producing music.

Do you already have plans for 2019?

Lots of plans. Superdream drops February 1st; I embark on a headline tour in March and then there are lots of shows planned throughout the summer and the rest of the year. I’m also working on some live sessions and stripped back versions of my new songs so people can hear them in a different light and understand my voice a little better.

2019 is going to be a busy year.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

Co-headlining Red Rocks. Such a beautiful venue and a perfect night. Definitely a life highlight.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Dr. Dre - 2001

Tame Impala - Currents

Gorillaz - Demon Days

All three are super unique especially in terms of production. Finding your own production and songwriting style is such an amazing form of self-expression and I feel these albums embody that.

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?

A Neumann U 67 microphone. That’s what I used on this record and I love the way it captured my voice. It isn’t cheap though. Haha.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would want to go on tour with Paul McCartney. Give me a fridge full of kombucha and I’m all set.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Before anything else, focus on having a unique style and sound that is true to who you are. The more my career progresses, the more I realize how the ultimate artistic goal is to create art that is a perfect representation of yourself, vulnerabilities and everything. Establish this as your goal and then build your business and success around it.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I’ll be at Decadence in Denver on N.Y.E. and then Holy Ship! in January. After that, I’ll be working on the set for Superdream and then starting the Superdream tour for pretty much all March. I’m hoping to begin playing the new set overseas in 2019 as well...