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14 hours ago
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The first song I fell in love with
So many songs hit me as a child, they were like windows opening up new worlds. 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.
The first single I bought
I bought an iTunes single by Take 6 when I was 13. They are a six-part a cappella, gospel, jazz group, and they completely exploded my creative imagination. The song, He Never Sleeps, has the most unbelievable harmonic journey.
The song I do at karaoke
This year I had a surreal experience singing karaoke with Novak Djokovic, of all people. He wanted to sing Livin’ on a Prayer, by Bon Jovi, 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.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
There are so many I know every word, every note, every chord, every sound. But the first time I was proud to learn every lyric was to Photoshop Handsome by Everything Everything, one of my favourite groups. The lyrics are crazy, quick and random – it’s extraordinarily vivid. I learned it religiously, until I knew every word, and then I felt very clever indeed.
The best song to play at a party
I was with Quincy Jones at a party after the Grammys in 2020 and Alicia Keys was DJing, which was insane, she played Magalenha by Sérgio Mendes, it is like instant serotonin – this is a song for everyone, an absolute certified banger. It is the first song I play in my walk-in music at my shows.
The best song to have sex to
If music is playing my brain will measure it and participate in it. 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. If I wasn’t a musician, I would want something minimal, like Tristan Perich, perhaps Section 6 on his Open Symmetry album.
The song that makes me cry
Like the Morning Dew, by Laura Mvula, is just sublime, it has it all for me. I find myself moved to tears by hearing someone declare themselves in such a full way. She is so comfortable with her own depth and darkness, even though the song shines with beautiful harmony. There is something euphoric about it.
The song I want played at my funeral
At the end of every show, I always blast September by Earth, Wind & Fire at full volume as people leave. It is the best song in the world and has a sense of total positivity, community, friendship, physicality and memorability. It feels like an extraordinary 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!
Jacob Collier’s new album The Light For Days is out now via Fontana/Interscope/Hajanga. Upcoming tour dates available at jacobcollier.com
