Jacob Collier on Music and Inspiration - 12 Qwestions | INTERVIEW | Qwest TV

Jacob Collier talks about music and inspiration ▼ more info below ▼
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About:
@jacobcollier has the capacity to capture the attention of any audience, but it never feels like learned ability. Instead, Collier’s gifts feel born, simply, from his nature.
Perhaps that’s why journalists often have to resort to platitudes when attempting to describe him: “prodigy,” “effortless,” “genius.” Indeed, when Collier speaks on his favorite subjects - rhythm, harmony and life - his knowledge and engagement astounds listeners of all ages and abilities. But here, the topics are slightly more personal, revolving around his love of particular artists, and his musical memories. As an interview, the Jacob Collier 12 Qwestions provides a different kind of window into the artist’s life.
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Qwest TV is a hand-picked treasure trove of exciting live concerts of the greatest musicians of all time featuring artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Ms Lauryn Hill, Robert Glasper, Bill Frisell, Anderson Paak, Louis Cole and many more. Dive into the culture and history of music with our compelling music documentaries, interviews, and rare archive gems of Chet Baker, Max Roach, or Chuck Berry.
We’re a global hub where the best of jazz, blues, funk and hip hop sit on the same stage as bossa nova, electronic, african music, indian raga and more! Step into a multicultural world curated by the one and only Quincy Jones who has already worked with Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Aretha Franklin. Together with his Qwest TV team as well as legendary musicians from all over the world, Quincy Jones offers a special experience for music lovers hungry to connect to something new and unexpected.
#jacobcollier #Interview #QwestTV #QuincyJones #12Qwestions #jazz #rhythm #blues

[@QwestTV]

We uploaded this interview in several different sections about a year ago, but decided that it was better to share the whole thing in one go. Hope you like it! Please check out more 12Qs on the channel. We will upload one a week. Big love!

[@rowanstandishhayes6703]

A musician sent from another planet

[@QwestTV]

And... what a tremendous gift to the world.

[@thrillcutz2162]

He’s insanely gifted,though i doubt that he’ll ever gave us anything as incredibly crafted and significant for an era as the work of Herbie Hancock,Miles Davis,Dilla or Madlib.Being from another planet is different than being gifted bro.

[@Fred26498]

@@thrillcutz2162 Well think about it he is only 25 years old, there is so much more time for him to develop or change and it might even take a while for people to appreciate his music since it´s quite complex.

[@Applelivebox]

@@thrillcutz2162 his arrangement of Moon River could go down as one of the most important pieces ever written for anyone studying music

[@davidholloway6950]

Can we get Stevie wonder and Jacob Collier to do a collab

[@lucamcardle729]

No. No we can't

[@maryposa1187]

we can

[@cascade9584]

hahaha his is super strange; this was obviously filmed when he was still doing his one man show (early 2018) but the title screens feature music from his albums from later 2018 and even spring of 2019 so someone really took their sweet time editing this footage haha

[@HeadRecieverAtHeadOffice]

makes me think they weren't going to air it, but now his name is getting out they decided to release?

[@_alicia__]

"what was the most difficult time of your life?" "depends on the flavor..."

[@alexanderolsen3831]

"Jacob Collier: Multi-Instrumentalist"...understatement of the century.

[@noneofmynameswork1]

Omni-instrumentalist

[@dylandecker_music]

What a genuis. It's insane to me that not every single person on Earth knows his name. Thank you Qwest TV for this awesome interview!

[@ChronicalV]

All the musos know him

[@mukulvdhiman]

@@TeoMdl You're going through the Anne Hathaway effect my friend

[@Taco_Burrito39]

@@TeoMdl look who's jealus

[@ivanreiss]

The deeper you go in music, the more barriers and tribal prejudices disappear. Everything becomes just... music.

[@leonlawson2196]

T R A N S C E N D E N CE

[@emmanuelniiayihammon]

2:23 .. JACOB: I did an arrangement of this theme tune last year, and it was exciting??? YOU WON A GRAMMY FOR IT BRO!!!!!... he is so humble, i love it!!!

[@alex97594]

I analysed the shit out of Teenage Dream when I was an audio student - and not because it was an assignment! It's a pop masterpiece

[@topologyrob]

Yeah it's a fine piece of work. Another excellent musician who loves it is Owen Pallett.

[@DanneoYT]

Can you share what makes it a masterpiece?

[@topologyrob]

@@DanneoYT Here's one interesting attempt at that by Owen Pallett, the whiz-kid Canadian singer-songwriter/concerto composer/orchestrator: slate.com/culture/2014/03/katy-perrys-teenage-dream-explaining-the-hit-using-music-theory.html

[@nickmasters8474]

It really is an awesome song. I also recall Lorde saying that Teenage Dream is "sacred" (that's the word she used if memory serves) - a "holy thing." It's one of those songs that really fits that time and place so well. A pop masterpiece, as you say. There is a lot of elitism in music, and people belittle pop a lot. But I think there is something to be said for "lowest common denominator" music (that's maybe the elitist way of putting it) - music that really brings a bunch of people together and in such a positive, upbeat way. I think it's a good thing. My wife and I love lots of music that isn't pop, but pop is always close to my heart. We both much appreciate Jacob Collier and his music, too!

[@mogglie]

Max Martin….. what a man.

[@kirjian]

Any genre of music is valid if Jacob listens to Katy Perry

[@MaintainMundane]

Atleast he has the decency to be ashamed about it

[@drewway9599]

@@musopaul5407 tf is that supposed to mean? he's still an incredibly talented musician, more than any person of recent times

[@drewway9599]

@@musopaul5407 Ok boomer. no need to be all high and mighty

[@itsmxrk.9469]

@@musopaul5407 Lmao you must be trolling

[@Temulgeh]

@@itsmxrk.9469 no I get what he means, I love Jacob Collier's works but it's okay not to. I personally find his stuff very emotional but some people don't and that's okay

[@mediawolf1]

2:19 "and it was exciting" - dude you WON A GRAMMY for it

[@codsworth4136]

This was recorded like 2 years ago, before he won the grammy as far as I know

[@noahgodard3338]

"Take 6 as the backing singers - and they're still alive, which is nice, so maybe that's possible." Nice foreshadowing.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Happened in „All Night Long“. And crowned by a Grammy.

[@Rashy225]

Love Take 6

[@Electricalwav]

Hideaway always calms me down. There's something about that song that I just stop and listen in admiration.

[@q.8965]

When they played snippets of all Jacob's songs and performances, they sounded so good and made me marvel at him all over again

[@jowibe]

Wow! I‘m really honored that you‘ve mentioned our encore „Blackbird“ jam session in Hamburg! Truly it was one of the craziest musical experiences in my life - I‘ll never forget that! Hope to meet you again one day! Bless you, Jacob!

[@mariacopley2128]

I love Jacob's music and he such a huge inspiration to me, and to so many others, but on top of being so incredibly talented and hard working and all of that, he's also just??? The loveliest and sweetest person??? Just so endearing and incredible??? Also that gig where people got onto the stage with him sounds like the best gig ever

[@daniellamcgee4251]

No question about it.

[@joecastro6523]

He is just such a beautiful person, what a pure heart, not many like him in the world.

[@OfCatsAndWomen]

Unbelievable musician, so honoured to be able to listen to the utter magic he creates and presents, I can't wait to see him live 😍

[@GoofBallProdigy]

greatest thing youll ever do!!!

[@achenarmyst2156]

Unfortunately to be postponed 😔

[@OfCatsAndWomen]

@@achenarmyst2156 this comment really didn't age well did it!! Would have been next Tuesday 💔 bring on September!

[@isabelalazzarotto7397]

tbh sometimes I cant believe he's real he's so amazing

[@bensmiling]

Feeling needlessly possessive (from UK not USA!). He’s obviously a gift to the universe but lift off was from London. Much love ❤️✌️

[@clausstudioproduction]

understatements aside, did he just said he remembers the feeling of sitting on her mother lap while she was playing violin? that explain the genius

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I remember the feeling of my mother singing me a lullaby. Unlike Jacob, I am no genius.

[@sophier4334]

Honestly I didn’t realise how much Jacob loves Joni Mitchell’s music as I’m a firm fan of both artists work and melodic style... and that made my day :)

[@mariacopley2128]

I was going to see him live for my birthday, but unfortunately the gig got cancelled because of Coronavirus, but I can't wait for him to reschedule so I can actually experience him live

[@rg-ed5fr]

Maria Copley Happy Birthday!

[@wolf-dietergrabner9762]

One of the most sympathetic people alive. Thanks for your wonderful work Jacob.

[@Proghead88]

He's from London, not USA...

[@Music-pq3dq]

Ufffff .Thank you...

[@fotuoflordsafioae9299]

Duhhh...who said he’s from the US?

[@damianoradaman]

@@fotuoflordsafioae9299 In 0:01

[@meissonr10]

Maybe the interview was in the US

[@yuritavares1916]

No Mr. Prohead88, actually he's from North London (I swear, check all of his lives, interviews and lectures)

[@junebermingham9300]

Jacob you are a great young musician yourself!! Your taste in music is excellent,, from Joanie , to the wonderful Stevie Wonder! Good luck in your future work!! Thank you Qwest!! ☘️💚☘️

[@QwestTV]

He is a genius. Thank you ❤

[@flazefeeds381]

The footage for this interview must have been recorded some time ago. Wonder if any of his answers would have changed since then.

[@callospaziale]

Music is a vast art. You can be Jacob Collier and still enjoy pop artists. Music is music. Get over it❤

[@greymtn12]

to see someone as young as Jacob be that excited about music shows how much potential he has

[@beccajane._]

I can totally agree with Jacobs thoughts about Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”. Honestly the orchestral accompaniment in her most recent performance of the song is just something else!

[@azadehfa]

He's our jewel.

[@slovek90]

Blue note Tokyo! I’m so glad to hear that! Hope he will play there again.

[@Bacontats]

Ok. Guess he’s got good taste. He loves Both Sides Now, from Joni Mitchell. Love it!

[@TKSnatch]

The fact Jacob got to play that song with Joni at the grammy's must be one of best memories after this comment from him 3 years prior!

[@giuliaostoni6235]

Im absolutely in love with him

[@samuelele]

10 other people on stage. You‘re the boldest person ever

[@markwelcome2079]

I was floored when you answered some of these questions,...because I was thinking that same thing right before you said it,...it was like you where taking the answers from my head,....man you have good taste!! Jaco, Joni, Lately........

[@PaulsonJeanty]

Inspirational. Genius ❗

[@blanquis1824]

I love his mind

[@morgan-qc8ce]

the teenage dream album as a whole is pop PERFECTION. the best pop album ever and it basically set the tone for “bubblegum pop”. it’s literally crazy.

[@karliharden728]

Too bad bubblegum pop is so grating and horrid to listen to. It's like covering shit with perfume.

[@gogo_crunchy8926]

3:54 Thats sooo crazy!! The guy in green with the microphone studies music with me !

[@guineverealcaraz]

I think im falling in love with Jacob Collier

[@louiserobinson410]

Anyone who admires Joni Mitchell has my vote. Even better that it is Jacob Collier from my home town of Finchley. I get a vicarious thrill from that!😂

[@davidsonnow]

I love this kid

[@AndyChamberlainMusic]

why wasn't this uploaded until now? It was clearly filmed a long time ago

[@leonwaves]

Andy Chamberlain Music I don’t remember where, but I have seen the all star band question miniclip as well as the guilty pleasure pop song one too. Probably two years back. I was confused too, but it seems like the interview has always been available on Quincy Jones’s subscription network.

[@QwestTV]

We uploaded it a while ago in several videos, cut into different questions. We recently decided to upload the whole thing in one go!

[@leonwaves]

Qwest TV thanks for clearing that up!

[@Thomas-gm3bd]

My biggest regret was that i was actually thinking to go the concert in Hamburg jacob was talking about but at the day of the concert i had an exam for my A-levels so i had to cancel it. A day later i saw the news about how ppl joined him on stage. I was so frustrated i couldnt be there :D

[@willnash8614]

I've gotta say, I love everything from classical to jazz to rock n roll....but I still enjoy Teenage Dream!

[@zitchaden]

legend

[@MelloCello7]

A love from afar, all the best to you my friend

[@colinmichaelroberts]

"Stevie on the drums is underrated I think, but he can sing too." bruh what

[@testadalord01432]

something i am surprised ISN’T BULLSHIT WTF

[@kashgarinn]

He meant for his fictional band

[@luisaschroder470]

Well, a gig i can't believe i didn't go to must be that exact Jacob Collier concert in Hamburg. Some friends of mine went there and three of them were on stage. I regret that so much.

[@TheKittyGirl]

im screaming, stevie on the drums is the most underrated ever.

[@pianomarianopiano]

2:15 look at his eyes! He 's a child again !

[@jazzblossom4122]

I can't believe some musicians dared to ask to come on stage I'm so impressed haha

[@samholder196]

totally agree w/ his assessment of young v old Joni. Both are magical, but there is visceral heartbreak in the later years one

[@lomanx]

Haha! Teenage Dream is also my guilty pleasure song! Great! Now, as I share the affinity for this song with Jacob I can finally admit it :D

[@merlinmediagroup]

Not going to that Prince gig is one of my biggest regrets too. I almost went. Prince and Solomon Burke.

[@SuqMadiq7]

I knew he had to mention Take 6 as one of his influences. Jacob Collier is a True Musical Genius & Phenomenon!!! ******7

[@leavethebasket7435]

This dudes music just makes me anxious

[@gcsusetyo]

I love Teenage Dream too!

[@paulaberga2120]

Both sides now orchestral edition. I agree, Jake

[@ManCaveStudio]

I would have liked to hear his all-star band of living musicians.

[@edstud1]

Did you see that music room, no wonder he's a virtuoso on dozens of instruments!

[@juancpgo]

My dream band would be Kenny Garrett (as), Joshua Redman (ts), Chris Thile (m), Julian Lage (g), Chick Corea (p), Oteil Burbridge (b), Ranjit Barot (d). Two saxophones, two strings, and a rhythm section. They'd play jazz, country, bluegrass, rock, blues, funk, the whole deal of American music.

[@Kerwintv]

If you haven't yet, check out the cover of Teenage Dream Theo Katzman did with the Scary Pockets guys. Really shows off just how well written that song is in a very barebones presentation.

[@notalily]

Any video that leads with a bass trombone solo has my vote.

[@Mustang_G]

If he even mentioned Kenny G in this video, the internet would implode.

[@celestinel.872]

Thank you for the interview! Wish it lasted 6 hours (The Flintstones arrangement dates back to 2016 though, not last year...maybe Jacob lives in a different time and space ?)

[@diadrite]

He also referred to his one man shows as though he still did them, when he has a band now. This must have been filmed 2-3 years ago.

[@flooey580]

It's been explained in a few comments here - these are from an older interview originally aired in smaller clips, now uploaded as a single file.

[@andx4024]

2:51 nice!

[@txroshow]

1:44 excuse me what?

[@wertj3977]

Lately I've been staring in the mirror

[@marzh1073]

I don’t mean to sound dumb but isn’t he blind?

[@wertj3977]

@@marzh1073Yes and Its a metaphor. He means it as he has been reflecting upon himself and letting himself be consumed by negative emotions. You have to look at it in the full context.

[@marzh1073]

Tee so it wasn’t difficult for you to explain for txroshow in the first place 😅I knew what Stevie meant but I was just voicing what they were trying to say

[@wertj3977]

@@marzh1073 I took it as he couldn't pick apart what words Stevie was trying to say. As it wasn't very clear. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[@thecloutcumber4933]

Stevie stared in the mirror

[@johanleemeyer2626]

0:20 skylark 🥺

[@angelikatanstudies1182]

💚

[@maxmissingham]

does anyone recognise the kit Stevie Wonder is playing at 4:39? never seen shells like that and haven't seen the logo before 🤔

[@postpukepeace5412]

Does anyone know what song is playing at 4:43?

[@superhivetool6307]

Once You, by Jacob Collier. It’s on Djesse vol. 1

[@cashews1016]

0:20 Never seen Jacobs mom before

[@kriang_0]

does anyone know where I can find the version of Hajanga played at 1:54?

[@Salamanderman1112]

Kriang_0 probably from his performance w MIT

[@miriangraafsma9732]

How does one translate Audiovisual memory from a circulair concept into a linear one without compromising the visual aspect for educational purposes?

[@pakiaoo7]

multi-instrumentalist doesn´t make justice to this man, he is like omni-instrumentalist or all powerfull music person or music master I mean I dont know

[@MauriceMossisitnot]

I've always wondered what he thinks of kpop. There's actually some Red Velvet, Shinee and NCT songs with interesting harmonies and progressions that I think he may enjoy.

[@MyNameIsNeutron]

A favorite of mine is "Night Rather Than Day" by EXID. The melody and the chords are not that extraordinary taken separately, but they keep rubbing against each other and producing some DELICIOUS dissonance!

[@karliharden728]

@@MyNameIsNeutron You can say the same for many bossa tunes. The melodies aren't incredibly unique alone, but with the harmony it's incredible. You can take "How Insensitive" for example. That song uses repetition of melodic phrases, which sound quite boring without the harmony due to the lack of dissonance. Once you bring in the chords, it completely lays out the melody to sit on tensions throughout the piece. I'll have to look up the song you listed because I've never heard it to my knowledge.

[@lalofierro]

He´s from England, not USA.

[@poppyseed5056]

i recently rediscovered firework and teenage dream by katy perry and thought damn i've really been sleeping on ms perry. this is how i know jacob is my soulmate (i reccomend one of the boys by katy perry. it feels like getting a new crush)

[@sanjayyethipathi]

imagine how honoured katy would feel after watching this!

[@glittergirl1133]

Does anyone know the name of the song playing at 4:44

[@je-pq3de]

what version of hajanga is tha being played at 1:57

[@kriang_0]

I wanna know too >.>

[@Salamanderman1112]

Probably the Performance he did at MIT

[@malanhemal6574]

What song of Jacob Collier is played at 4:45 timelapse

[@swan6488]

Imagine Jacob Collier pick you as an all star pick for his band

[@gangsterleo1]

What are these versions of jacobs songs in berween the questions - dobt seem like the album versions, no?! Thanks for help :) :)

[@daniellamcgee4251]

They sound like the music he has uploaded onto his 'Jacob Collier' KZbin channel. I don't have his albums so I don't know if there is a difference.

[@keithpearson6900]

Was that Skylark on the violin?

[@iDunnoRadioWIDK]

Was wishing he'd say "Louis Cole" on drums

[@yaboi-km2qn]

I laughed when Stevie Wonder said ‘lately I’ve been staring in the mirror’, I’m sorry.

[@Ravenh00d]

What’s the song at 4:43?

[@bilbobaggins4403]

Lately I've been staring in the mirror.? Stevie

[@antonylinteau3408]

Wonder why he choose Hendrix for guitar. Don’t get me wrong I love him, just wondering what he finds about him to call him the best.

[@McBobtheruggaman]

Cause he's the best!

[@reedervyain]

Antony Linteau probably due to the creativity of hendrix

[@Monomonmamon]

Hendrix has probably one of the best songwriting skills, he can write from blues to hard rock to soul/r&b

[@jenbo111]

00:00 multi-instrumentalist sure but... shouldn't it say UK, North London or is that where the interview was? bit vague / wrong : P

[@michakuczynski2987]

intro song anyone?

[@stairfall12345678900]

Ye and he won a grammy for his Flintstones arrangement lol

[@605gbird]

Darrothan I know! How humble of him not to feel the need to mention it

[@helicopter_traffic]

Gordon Bird pretty sure this was recorded before his Grammy

[@605gbird]

Agastya Chaturvedi Oh duh! I think you're right

[@PlayingNathan]

J'aime ce type.

[@melodiebilodeau]

Also, haven't read all comments and maybe someone pointed this out already, but it says "Jacob Collier - multi-instrumentalist - USA"... Just wondering if they did the interview in the US or they think he's American? Just wondering why it says that!