The Musical Journey of Jacob Collier: A Rising Star

Once upon a time, a teenager in the suburbs of North London uploaded videos to YouTube, which became a global sensation, leading to the emergence of Jacob Collier as a prominent musical figure. His extraordinary a cappella performances caught the attention of music legends Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock, marking the beginning of his remarkable career.

Jacob Collier's multi-instrumental skills have garnered him multiple Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. He is recognized for his unique ability to blend various musical genres, from pop to jazz to classical, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Jacob made music history by becoming the first artist ever to win Grammys in each of the categories he was nominated for, a feat not even achieved by The Beatles, highlighting his exceptional talent and the impact of his work in the music industry.

When not touring, Jacob resides in a small room in his family's home, which he describes as the legendary space where he learned to walk and developed his musical skills. This room is filled with an array of guitars that represent different stages of his life, including his first nylon string guitar and bass guitar, both acquired around the age of 14.

Jacob's arrangement of Stevie Wonder's classic 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' went viral, showcasing his innovative approach to harmonization. He utilized his knowledge of chords and piano to create a unique interpretation of the song, incorporating microtones and complex harmonies that captivated audiences and contributed to his rise in popularity.

Jacob discusses the nuances of musical notes that cannot be played on a piano, emphasizing the importance of ear training to capture the essence of music. He marvels at the inherent knowledge of musicians to navigate the complexities of the Western scale, particularly highlighting the use of quarter tones that are beyond his own capabilities.

Jacob describes the dense, jazz and classical-inspired chords he employs in his music, focusing on how the notes interact melodically. He reflects on the emotional impact of the music, questioning whether it feels good to the listener, and acknowledges the influence of Stevie Wonder in his arrangements.

Jacob showcases his multi-instrumental talents by performing 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' using various instruments including guitar, mandolin, double bass, and djembe drums. He shares the personal nature of the arrangement process, expressing uncertainty about sharing his work with the world.

After releasing his arrangement on Bandcamp for £1, Jacob experiences an unexpected surge in popularity, reaching 100,000 views within days. He recalls his astonishment at the rapid success and the email he received from Herbie Hancock, who purchased his arrangement, encouraging him to continue expanding his musical craft.

Jacob reflects on his admiration for Herbie Hancock, recalling how he was inspired by Hancock's harmonic complexity. He shares the excitement of receiving a personal message from Hancock, who expressed his belief in Jacob's potential and the importance of music beyond just the notes.

Jacob recounts the moment he shared his work with Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in the music industry. Jones, impressed by Jacob's talent, insisted on finding him, leading to a pivotal moment in Jacob's career as he prepared to meet with Jones at the age of 19.

The speaker expresses admiration for Jacob's extraordinary musical abilities, stating that whatever he does is mind-blowing and unbelievable. Jacob's talent as a multi-instrumentalist is highlighted, showcasing his ability to make music work in various contexts.

Jacob recalls his first musical memory of sitting on his mother's lap in the music room, watching her play the violin. This early exposure to music was significant, as his father encouraged playing lullabies to him from a young age, indicating a nurturing musical environment.

Jacob reflects on his experience learning the violin, noting that he began playing at around 18 months old. By the age of four or five, he was eager to produce sound, but he acknowledges the patience required to master the instrument, as it takes time to produce a good note on the violin.

Suzie Collier, Jacob's mother and a classical conductor, is recognized for her exceptional teaching skills. Jacob learns from her methods and insights, often wishing he had received similar guidance earlier in his musical journey.

A memorable incident involving a Hoover illustrates how Jacob's mother fostered his curiosity about sound. She encouraged him to identify musical notes in everyday sounds, enhancing his awareness of music in his environment.

Jacob discusses his musical heritage, mentioning that both of his parents were violinists. He shares a personal connection to his father's violin, which was passed down to him, symbolizing the family's musical legacy and the influence of his Chinese Canadian mother.

Since moving into his house in 1989, Jacob has engaged in music creation, experimenting with various composers and styles. He mentions influential figures like Mozart, Herbie Hancock, Bach, and Benjamin Britten, emphasizing how Britten's work profoundly impacted his understanding of music.

Jacob highlights the significant influence of Sting on his musical development, recalling how he admired Sting's ability to blend singing and playing bass. This realization opened Jacob's eyes to the possibilities of being a versatile musician.

Jacob expresses his appreciation for complex harmonizations, particularly those inspired by gospel music. He cites Take 6 as a major influence, noting their innovative modulation techniques that captivated him from an early age.

The discussion opens with a sentiment emphasizing the need for more love in the world, setting a positive tone for the conversation.

At around six years old, Jacob began exploring music through a queue-based software program, showcasing his early fascination with technology and music. He recalls being 11 years old in 2006, expressing his obsession with mathematics and how it influenced his approach to music.

Jacob shares a nostalgic moment of recording himself singing the three times table, demonstrating his playful engagement with music and learning. He recalls the family’s mixed reactions to his recordings, hinting at the challenges of pursuing creativity in a family setting.

The conversation shifts to Jacob's mother, Suzie, who reflects on her journey as a single mother. She discusses the importance of harmonizing family life and the challenges they faced, emphasizing the positive energy that permeated their household despite tough times.

Jacob reminisces about his brief foray into acting at the age of nine, where he played Tiny Tim in a film adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol.' This experience sparked his interest in performance, leading him to take singing lessons that continued until he was about 14.

At around 14, Jacob discovered the guitar, which became his next instrument. He describes the transformative experience of learning to play, particularly a James Taylor song that he believed would unlock many other songs for him, highlighting the pivotal moments in his musical journey.

Jacob recounts a significant moment when he attended a gig by family friend Gwilym Simcock, which profoundly impacted him. He approached Simcock after the performance, expressing his desire to learn, marking a turning point in his musical education and aspirations.

The speaker reflects on a conversation with a mentor who emphasized the importance of technique in music. The mentor stated that having technique allows one to play what they hear, but the speaker realized that true musicality involves more than just technical skills; it requires a deeper understanding and growth beyond mere auditory recognition.

In 2011, the speaker released an album titled 'Serendipity,' marking a significant moment in their musical journey. This album represented a time of exploration and absorption of various musical influences, leading to a natural progression from basic music theory to harmonizing jazz tunes, all while uploading videos that garnered increasing attention.

The speaker discovered Jacob Collier through a playlist and was captivated by his unique musical style. This led to an immersive experience on YouTube, where the speaker watched Collier's performances and covers, likening his talent to that of a magician. The speaker noted that Collier's rise in the music industry was characterized by direct communication with his audience, without intermediaries.

The speaker recounts an encounter with Quincy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where they were introduced to Jacob Collier. During this meeting, Collier showcased his musical skills, particularly discussing the complexities of a Stevie Wonder song, 'Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing,' which features microtones that cannot be played on a standard piano. This interaction impressed Quincy Jones, who expressed admiration for Collier's talent.

The speaker describes an unforgettable night of unscheduled jam sessions with notable musicians, including Herbie Hancock. This experience allowed the speaker to appreciate Hancock's jazz skills, leading to a moment of realization about their own place in the music world. The speaker felt a sense of belonging and excitement, recognizing the significance of the connections being made.

After a night of jamming, the speaker had a candid conversation with Adam, expressing uncertainty about their artistic direction. They articulated a desire to avoid being pigeonholed into specific genres like jazz or pop, indicating a need for time to explore their identity as an artist. In contrast, Jacob Collier seemed to have a clear vision of his artistic goals, prompting the speaker to reflect on their own aspirations.

The speaker recalls a pivotal moment when a call was made regarding a potential collaboration with Quincy Jones. They emphasized the importance of maintaining their individuality in the process, stating a desire to work independently while still fostering a friendship with Jones. This call marked the beginning of a significant relationship in the speaker's career, highlighting the balance between collaboration and personal artistic integrity.

A couple of months after a pivotal moment, Adam facilitated Jacob's first-ever gig, which was an opening performance for the legendary Herbie Hancock at the Montreux Jazz Festival. This opportunity provided Jacob with a clear direction in his musical career.

Jacob was inspired by a video from Ben Bloomberg, a music and technology innovator known for his work on the 'Opera Of The Future' and collaborations with pop stars. After sending a Facebook message expressing his interest in building things, Jacob discovered the message in his spam folder weeks later. This led to a Skype conversation where Jacob shared his innovative idea of performing live with a harmoniser that would allow him to sing multiple voices simultaneously.

Following their discussion, Jacob and Ben Bloomberg arranged for Jacob to fly to Boston, where they would create a prototype of the harmoniser. This prototype was designed to accompany Jacob during his performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, marking a significant step in his artistic journey.

At just 20 years old, Jacob's performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival was a defining moment. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he stood on stage, successfully executing his musical parts while feeling as if he was still in his room. The audience was captivated, and Jacob expressed gratitude for the experience, which ignited a newfound confidence in his abilities.

Inspired during a flight, Jacob conceptualized an album that would reflect his personal ideas and experiences. He envisioned incorporating a beloved song that represented a safe and beautiful world. To make the album more interactive, he decided to invite fans to send him 15-second melody clips of them singing or improvising, offering $100 in return for their contributions. This innovative idea was a brainwave that Jacob eagerly pursued.

Jacob's approach to music involved taking contributions from fans and transforming them into something joyful and meaningful. He appreciated the generosity of those who participated, as their input allowed him to magnify their creativity into a collective experience that brought joy not only to the original creators but to everyone involved.

The discussion begins with a reflection on the joy of discovering music in different languages, highlighting a song titled 'Vengo del otro lado' and its challenging yet captivating nature. The speaker recalls a moment of singing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' with a young child named Soley May, emphasizing the universal appeal of music that transcends age and background.

The atmosphere shifts to a live performance of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' where the audience responds with applause, showcasing the engaging nature of the event. The performers, including Jacob, harmonize beautifully, creating a memorable experience that resonates with the audience.

The conversation transitions to the production of Jacob's new album, discussing the complexities involved in the mixing process. The speaker mentions the involvement of Hans Zimmer's studio, known for its high-profile projects, and reflects on the collaborative efforts with Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock, who frequently visited the studio, contributing to the creative environment.

An anecdote is shared about a surprising encounter with a familiar figure in the studio, illustrating the vibrant atmosphere where legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones would engage in late-night jam sessions. The speaker describes moments of musical discovery, where Jacob's innovative ideas would lead to unexpected and exciting musical developments.

The discussion culminates in a reflection on the collaborative spirit between the speaker and Jacob, characterized by a shared enthusiasm for music theory and composition. The speaker recalls a pivotal moment when Jacob identified a unique chord progression, leading to a magical musical exchange that deepened their creative bond. The conversation ends with gratitude towards Jacob for allowing the use of the studio, marking a significant moment in their collaborative journey.

Jacob Collier, after finishing the mastering of his first album, landed a Hollywood gig working on music for a new animated feature. His debut album, released in July 2016, featured eight original songs, all of which he arranged and produced himself, including a notable arrangement for 'The Flintstones.'

With the help of Ben Bloomberg, Jacob embarked on a US tour, performing daily shows with just the two of them as the entire crew. The experience was overwhelming, with Jacob managing eight checked bags while feeling exhausted and ill, yet he found joy in sharing his music with audiences.

One morning, Jacob received the exciting news of his Grammy nominations, which were for his arrangements and the song 'The Flintstones.' The announcement led to a jubilant reaction from Jacob and his team, culminating in him winning two Grammy Awards during the ceremony, including one for 'You And I' and another for 'Flintstones.'

Jacob expressed a desire to collaborate more deeply, moving away from genre isolation. He aimed to stretch his creative boundaries by working with a 50-piece orchestra for his next album, which involved orchestration and a performance with the Metropole Orchestra in Holland, marking a significant milestone in his musical journey.

Jacob's ambitions for his music career expanded as he planned a series of albums, with the first being orchestral, the third focusing on pop, and a fourth album intended to explore new themes. By 2020, he had collaborated with over 50 artists globally, including Ty Dolla $ign and UK R&B singer Mahalia on his third album.

The speaker reflects on their collaborations with prominent artists such as Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Mariah Carey, expressing enjoyment in the creative process, particularly during the lockdown period. They mention the song 'All I Need,' highlighting its emotional resonance and the fun they had while working on it.

The song 'All I Need' was nominated for an award, and the album 'Djesse Vol 3' also received a nomination, which the speaker describes as a significant honor in the music industry, emphasizing the respect musicians have for such accolades.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about Jacob's collaboration with his childhood idol, Quincy Jones, which left them in awe. They recall a performance of the Lionel Richie track 'Party, Karamu, Fiesta, Forever' by Take 6, who have been touring globally.

The speaker recounts the excitement of Jacob's concert at the BBC Proms, describing it as a monumental event for the Collier family. They express their nervousness and pride as they witnessed Jacob perform on stage, surrounded by a diverse group of musicians, creating a thrilling atmosphere.

During the concert, Jacob aimed to honor his musical idols by featuring various artists, including his mother, who also took the spotlight. The speaker reflects on their feelings of gratitude for being part of the orchestra and witnessing Jacob's performance, which showcased his talent and the collaborative spirit of the evening.

The speaker reminisces about Take 6's performance at the Royal Albert Hall, noting the significance of returning years later. They describe the experience as amazing, highlighting the powerful sound and the creative freedom it provided Jacob to express himself fully during the performance.

Jacob's first appearance on stage in 1964 was a significant moment for him, as he felt overwhelmed and excited to be performing. He expressed a sense of nostalgia, wishing his own Prom could have been shared with someone special, acknowledging that in spirit, that person was present with him. The experience was marked by applause and cheers from the audience, which he described as unforgettable.

Jacob derives immense pleasure from exploring the world and values the support of his family, which serves as an anchor in his life. He currently resides in London, frequently returning home, indicating a strong connection to his roots despite his aspirations to move out eventually.

Jacob reflected on the pressures of creativity, noting that this year felt particularly intense. He mentioned the challenge of maintaining curiosity and inspiration amidst expectations, suggesting a desire to pursue new interests rather than settling for easier, 'low-hanging fruit' options.

In discussing his long-term future, Jacob expressed a desire to remain defiant and maverick in his creative pursuits. He acknowledged that while the music industry can be intimidating, he feels a deep connection to music that guides him, especially during times of confusion or aimlessness.

Jacob recounted a memorable encounter with Stevie Wonder, where he introduced himself and received a warm response from the legendary musician. This meeting left a lasting impression on Jacob, marking a highlight in his life and career.

Jacob expressed profound gratitude for his family and friends, emphasizing the importance of his original family home as a source of inspiration. He anticipates traveling, touring, and recording in the future, but he cherishes the moments spent reflecting on his journey and planning his next steps.

Just as the documentary filming was concluding, Jacob received a phone call informing him of his nomination for a Grammy for R&B Song. His excitement was palpable as he reacted to the news, highlighting the significance of this achievement in his career.