British musical sensation Jacob Collier has opened up about the soundtrack to his life in a remarkably candid interview, revealing everything from his first musical love at age two to an unforgettable karaoke session with tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
Early Influences and Musical Awakening
The multi-Grammy award winner recalls that Stevie Wonder's 'Did I Hear You Say You Love Me' was the first song that truly captured his heart as a toddler. "So many songs hit me as a child, they were like windows opening up new worlds," Collier reflects on those formative early experiences with music.
By age 13, Collier made his first music purchase - Take 6's 'He Never Sleeps' on iTunes. The six-part a cappella gospel jazz group completely exploded his creative imagination, with Collier describing the track as having "the most unbelievable harmonic journey" that profoundly influenced his musical development.
Surreal Moments and Party Anthems
One of Collier's most memorable musical experiences occurred this year when he found himself singing karaoke with Novak Djokovic. "He wanted to sing 'Livin' on a Prayer' by Bon Jovi," Collier explains, "but he said he would only do it if I got up with him. So we sang it in harmony - that was a memorable moment."
When it comes to setting the mood at parties, Collier points to a magical moment at the 2020 Grammys afterparty where Alicia Keys was DJing and played Sérgio Mendes' 'Magalenha'. Collier describes the Brazilian jazz track as "like instant serotonin" and an "absolute certified banger" that he now uses as walk-in music at his own shows.
Personal Connections and Emotional Depth
Collier demonstrates an extraordinary connection to music's emotional spectrum, from Laura Mvula's 'Like the Morning Dew' which moves him to tears with its sublime declaration of self, to his practical approach to intimate moments. "If music is playing my brain will measure it and participate in it," he admits, revealing he often asks to turn music off in romantic scenarios because he finds it too distracting.
For his final musical sendoff, Collier has chosen Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September', which he describes as "the best song in the world" with its sense of "total positivity, community, friendship, physicality and memorability." He already blasts the track at full volume as audiences leave his shows, seeing it as "the ultimate end to my big gig on earth."
Jacob Collier's new album 'The Light For Days' is out now via Fontana/Interscope/Hajanga, with upcoming tour dates available through his official website.
