With Big Wild’s debut project Invincible EP right around the corner, we now have the premiere of "Empty Room" feat. Malaysian vocalist Yuna. Leading up to the EP, he’s shared singles "I Just Wanna” and the title track “Invincible”, which was accompanied by an epic music video.
His latest single has an uplifting energy throughout as he combines shuffling percussion with mellow keyboard melodies, glitchy vocal chops and gentle distorted horn bursts. To celebrate Big Wild's upcoming debut EP, we’ve asked him a few questions about the release and his Big Wild project as a whole. You can also view his EP tracklist and tour dates below. Enjoy!
Big Wild – Empty Room (Ft. Yuna) | Purchase + Preorder EP
What instruments did you play prior to producing?
I played trumpet, but it wasn't until I started producing and writing songs that I really connected with music.
How did your relationship with ODESZA and their Foreign Family Collective start?
They initially heard my music on SoundCloud and from there they asked me to do an official remix for Say My Name. I opened up for them for three shows in California and then they asked me to go on tour with them early the next year. During that tour, ODESZA was just starting FFC and I showed them Aftergold as a potential single to release. It was a big break for me.
Has your relationship with ODESZA helped shape you as an artist?
ODESZA has definitely given me good advice and support on how to represent myself as an artist. That's super important and they have a great eye for that.
Your music seems to capture a unique sound with percussion elements that are non-traditional. Where do you find inspiration to explore and experiment with your sound?
It really comes down to listening to all different types of music, having an open ear, and stepping outside your comfort zone. This allows you to make connections between styles and sounds that you wouldn't otherwise have made.
What is the story and meaning behind your “Invincible” EP?
Invincible EP is a culmination of many things. I wanted to begin working more closely with vocalists and put my own ideas for vocal melodies and lyrics to the test. I really wanted to get more involved with songwriting. Having a generally positive and uplifting theme throughout the project was important to me as well. The Invincible EP is an important artistic step for me and putting it together was a huge learning process.
Is there a particular song on the EP that you enjoying making the most?
Crickets might have been my favorite to create simply because it was the quickest. All of the songs on this project except for that one went through a ton of renditions for months but Crickets was very straight forward. I love it when things click quickly.
Can you tell us a bit about your live setup and how it came together?
My live setup consists of a hybrid drumset, a cajon, a MIDI controller, a keyboard and me whistling. It came together because I wanted to have live elements while also keeping things electronic and dance focused. Combining elements of performance with production is what I focused on to create my setup. I also have a few surprises for the Invincible tour this spring 😉
What’s been the most exciting thing about your Big Wild project so far and what’s coming next?
This EP is the most exciting thing so far for me. It's a big milestone and I'm so stoked to put this music out. I also have plans to keep the music coming throughout the year. The Invincible Tour is next and that's something I've put a lot of time and effort into. It's definitely a step up from the last tour.
Invincible EP tracklist:
1) When I Get There
2) Empty Room (feat. Yuna)
3) I Just Wanna
4) Invincible (feat. iDA HAWK)
5) Crickets
Big Wild Tour Dates: (Purchase tickets here)
Fri. March 10 – Sat. March 11 – New Orleans, LA @ Buku (Festival)
Thu. March 16 – Vancouver, BC @ VENUE
Fri. March 17 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
Sat. March 18 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
Sun. March 19 – Eugene, OR @ W.O.W. Hall
Fri. March 24 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
Sat. March 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
Sun. March 26- San Diego @ Quartyard
Wed. March 29 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
Fri. March 31 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
Sat. April 1 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
Wed. April 5 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Café
Thu. April 6 – Madison WI @ Majestic Theatre
Fri. April 7 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
Sat. April 8 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Sun. April 9 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme
Wed. April 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry
Thu. April 13 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
Sat. April 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
Thu. April 20 – Washington, D.C. @ U Street Music Hall
Fri. April 21 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
Sat. April 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
Wed. April 26 – Tuscaloosa, AL @ Druid City Music Hall
Thu. April 27 – Tallahassee, FL @ Club Downunder
Fri. April 28 – Orlando, FL @ The Social
Sat. April 29 – Tampa, FL @ Crowbar
Tue. May 2 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
Wed. May 3 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
Thu. May 4 – Fayetteville, AR @ George’s Majestic Lounge
Fri. May 5 – Sun. May 7 – Todd Mission, TX @ Middlelands (Festival)
Wed. May 24 – Mon. May 29 Lightning in a Bottle Festival
Thu June 15 – Sun June 18 – Firefly Music Festival
Thu. June 22 – Sun. June 25 – Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival
Fri. June 23 – Sun. June 25 – Bonzana Campout
Thu. June 29 – Sun. July 2 – Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival