Jacob Collier: The multi-instrumentalist, musical maximalist talks collaboration

78,834

1,703 0

Published 2024-03-03

To follow his 2016 debut album "In My Room," in which he played every instrument, and recorded every vocal track, all inside a small room in his childhood home in North London, Jacob Collier didn't record one album – he recorded a four-album cycle. Using the editing software Logic, the six-time Grammy-winner made himself sound like an orchestra and choir, blending R&B, pop, jazz and everything-in-between while working with some of the biggest acts in music. With the latest installment, "Djesse Vol. 4," Collier collaborates with such artists as Brandi Carlile, Camilo, Chris Martin and John Legend. Correspondent Conor Knighton talks with Collier about the "emotional, chemical reaction" that comes from his musical alchemy.

"CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS News Sunday Morning broadcast times.

Subscribe to the "CBS News Sunday Morning" YouTube channel: youtube.com/CBSSundayMorning
Get more of "CBS News Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Instagram: instagram.com/cbssundaymorning/
Like "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Facebook: facebook.com/CBSSundayMorning
Follow "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Twitter: twitter.com/CBSSunday
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsnews.com/newsletters/
Download the CBS News app: www.cbsnews.com/mobile/
Try Paramount+ free: paramountplus.com/?ftag=PPM-05-10aeh8h

For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]

All Comments (21)

@indylux 4 months ago

We are EXTREMELY lucky to have Jacob sharing his gifts right now.
@uscitizen3252 4 months ago

I was fortunate enough to see Jacob perform at the Quincy Jones' 90th Birthday Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl last summer. He performed "Human Nature" with an orchestra, conducted by his mother. I'll never forget that performance. It was exquisite.
@1lady4lads 4 months ago

“It’s going to sound like a mess because the world is a mess” So it sounds familiar :) I went to the Hollywood Bowl concert and it was a beautiful experience the sights and of course the amazing sounds. Love this interview!
@AGoodVibe 4 months ago

Been a fan since “In My Room” and haven’t looked back. What an absolute legend
@yvonnecamperriovista225 4 months ago

He’s a genius…I love his spirit
@mountainmusic77 4 months ago

This is one of my favorite interviews of JC. Very well done capturing the nuances succinctly!
@jjj0026 4 months ago

Love his new album. So cool he collaborated with Kirk Franklin on a couple of songs.
@cactustree505 4 months ago

I 💖 Jacob Collier's music. A fan since he first started, I'm now happier than ever that many others will get to know the joy of his music through this interview. He has a lot of very uplifting positive music from every generation and genre.
@marshalmcdonald7476 4 months ago

His music has it all--groove, tonality, complexity, intellect, simplicity.....
@robertskolimowski7049 4 months ago

He's very lucky to have had his Mum who, I'm sure, noticed and then helped him develop his amazing talent👏 Sadly, I know many parents actively discourage their kids from pursuing their potential music career thinking they're caring for their kids' future, coaxing them instead into 'safe' professions.
@NateGH36O 4 months ago

“Which was a big jump” I hate bad journalism. My man literally composed an entire album with the Metropole Orkest
@innerlocus 4 months ago

Kids these days… are beautiful.
@MarthaMiller-tq3dr 4 months ago

Jacob has been my favorite musician for 2 years! So grateful he is being recognized for his abilities. Such a blessing for our planet. ❤❤
@mickylawless1941 4 months ago

Pure magic!
@coragon42 4 months ago

Great video, I felt like I learned something as a fan of Jacob
@bluepieouo 4 months ago

His wisdom bro… how is he this legendary
@TeddyLeppard 4 months ago

I do like that his personal philosophy seems to be intertwined with his musical style perfectly.
@NicholasRadina 4 months ago

An incredible, unmatched, creative, generous human.
@ec8687 4 months ago

He is truly wonderful
@wolfgangwalk337 4 months ago

The man isn't anything below the world's greatest musician of our time. And he's just 29. Saw him in Munich last year, will see him in Düsseldorf this November. You do not have to be a musician to listen to him (though it definitely helps with the inside jokes). You just have to have an open heart and open ears willing to listen to the totally unexpectable.