Jacob Collier on the Songs That define a Life in Music
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A celebrated musician reveals the soundtrack to his life, from childhood memories sparked by Stevie Wonder to the song he hopes will play at his funeral – a vibrant party of life by Earth, Wind & Fire.
The power of music to transport us is universal,but for some,itS a deeply ingrained part of their very being. For Jacob Collier, a multi-award-winning artist whose innovative approach to music has captivated audiences worldwide, songs aren’t just sounds; they’re portals to memory, emotion, and inspiration. His new album, The Light for Days, is out now via Fontana/Interscope/Hajanga, and upcoming tour dates are available at jacobcollier.com. Collier recently shared a deeply personal exploration of his musical journey, revealing the songs that have shaped him.
The First Spark: A Childhood melody
Collier’s earliest musical memory is inextricably linked to a specific song. “so many songs hit me as a child, they were like windows opening up new worlds,” he recalled. “But the first I truly loved was ‘Did I Hear You Say You Love Me,’ by Stevie Wonder, which I remember clearly when I was around two years old.” This early exposure to Wonder’s genius clearly left an indelible mark, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion.
A Harmonic Revelation
As he grew older, collier’s musical tastes continued to evolve, leading him to discover the intricate harmonies of Take 6. “The first single I bought was an iTunes single by Take 6 when I was 13,” he explained.”They are a six-part a cappella, gospel, jazz group, and they completely exploded my creative inventiveness. The song, ‘He Never Sleeps,’ has the moast amazing harmonic journey.” This experience proved pivotal, igniting a captivation wiht complex harmonies and vocal arrangements.
The challenge of Immersion
despite his profound connection to music, Collier admits it can be difficult for him to enjoy it in certain contexts. “If music is playing my brain will measure it and participate in it,” he explained. “So honestly, I’ve never listened to music in this scenario and would never dream of doing it. I have had to ask to turn the music off before, because I get so distracted.” However,if forced to choose something minimal,he suggested Tristan Perich’s “Section 6” from his Open Symmetry album.
The Power of Vulnerability
Music’s ability to evoke emotion is perhaps its most profound quality. For Collier, Laura Mvula’s “Like the Morning Dew” is a particularly moving example. “Like the Morning Dew, by Laura Mvula, is just sublime, it has it all for me,” he stated. “I find myself moved to tears by hearing someone declare themselves in such a full way. she is so cozy with her own depth and darkness, even tho the song shines with beautiful harmony. There is something euphoric about it.”
A Celebration of life
Looking ahead, Collier has already chosen the song he wants to accompany his final farewell. “At the end of every show,I always blast ‘September’ by Earth,Wind & Fire at full volume as people leave,” he revealed. “It is indeed the best song in the world and has a sense of total positivity, community, friendship, physicality and memorability. It feels like an remarkable human experience, a sense of joy and celebration that we are lucky to be here at all. It reminds me why I am alive, and I’d like to give people that. The ultimate end to my big gig on earth!”
