Big Wild (aka Jackson Stell), known for his lush, narrative-driven production, brought his evolving sonic vision to life with a sprawling setlist that spanned dreamy anthems, kinetic moments, and quiet interludes - a masterclass in tension, release, and emotional pacing. From opener Farewell through climactic showstoppers like City of Sound, Joypunks, You Belong Here, and Strangeland, Big Wild’s set felt like a deeply personal journey.
The energy swelled in Love Any Longer and Awaken, only to settle into more introspective moments in Purple Sand (My Home) and When I Get There. He closed with a powerful encore of 6’s to 9’s, sending the crowd home electrified and contemplative. Throughout, Big Wild switched seamlessly between live vocals, synths, drum pads, and layered backing tracks - a testament to his evolution from behind-the-scenes beatmaker to front-and-center performer.
Shallou, as opener, set the mood with emotional, melodic electronica that blended beautifully into the larger narrative of the evening. His softer textures and introspective moments served as a gentle lead-in - an invitation for listeners to lean in. In this context, The Sound itself proved an ideal home for the performance.
Shallou, as opener, set the mood with emotional, melodic electronica that blended beautifully into the larger narrative of the evening. His softer textures and introspective moments served as a gentle lead-in - an invitation for listeners to lean in. In this context, The Sound itself proved an ideal home for the performance.
Designed with amplified rock and electronic shows in mind, the venue has been praised for “fantastic acoustics” and a layout meant to support clarity and immersion. Many concertgoers echoed that sentiment, saying the space delivered crisp sound, an open floor that allowed for connection, and a relatively intimate scale that made the massive stage feel within reach.
By the end of the night, Big Wild had proven that his sophomore phase is not a retreat from his past but a deepening of it. His newer tracks carried weight without forsaking the euphoric energy that first captured fans in Superdream. Combine that with a strong opening set from Shallou and a venue built for sonic immersion, and you had a night that felt less like a concert and more like a shared moment.
By the end of the night, Big Wild had proven that his sophomore phase is not a retreat from his past but a deepening of it. His newer tracks carried weight without forsaking the euphoric energy that first captured fans in Superdream. Combine that with a strong opening set from Shallou and a venue built for sonic immersion, and you had a night that felt less like a concert and more like a shared moment.
Del Mar’s The Sound may be one of San Diego's newer venues, but it already lives up to its name.
Originally published on October 6, 2025. Photos by Tom Searcy of Zilla Media.
