Jacob Collier, the English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, is no stranger to the Grammy Awards. Despite being the least famous name in the Album of the Year category this year, Collier has already made waves with his ambitious Djesse series. His latest album, Djesse Vol. 4, has earned him a nomination alongside heavyweights like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish at the 67th Grammy Awards.
This isn’t Collier’s first rodeo. In 2020, his album Djesse Vol. 3 was also nominated for Album of the Year, competing against projects by Post Malone, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay. (Taylor Swift ultimately won with Folklore.) This time, Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4 is in the spotlight, a sprawling and intricate project that blends R&B, jazz, folk, and even touches of death metal. The album features collaborations with artists like Brandi Carlile, Michael McDonald, Shawn Mendes, and John Mayer, and its opening track, 100,000 Voices, incorporates recordings from thousands of audience members at Collier’s live shows.
In addition to Album of the Year, Collier is nominated for two other Grammys: Best Global Music Performance for A Rock Somewhere and Best Arrangement for his rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water featuring John Legend and Tori Kelly.
The Journey of Djesse
Collier recently shared insights into his creative process and the evolution of the Djesse series. His debut album, In My Room, was a solo endeavor, recorded and mixed entirely by himself. After that, Collier craved collaboration, leading to the creation of the four-part Djesse series.
- Vol. 1: An orchestral record with a broad, explosive sound.
- Vol. 2: A folk-inspired, acoustic album.
- Vol. 3: A quarantine project that explored the experimental and introspective.
- Vol. 4: A celebration of the audience, inspired by the energy of live performances.
Collier described Djesse Vol. 4 as a culmination of his musical journey over the past decade. Unlike his debut, which was rooted in naivete, this album reflects his growth and mastery as an artist.
On André 3000’s New Blue Sun
When asked about André 3000’s experimental jazz album New Blue Sun, Collier praised its nonconformist approach. While he admitted the album doesn’t inspire him to make music, it does encourage him to think differently about life. Collier also expressed curiosity about how André 3000 views the album’s place in the Grammy landscape, given its unconventional nature.
Collaborating with Joni Mitchell
Collier’s collaboration with Joni Mitchell has been a highlight of his career. He first met Mitchell in 2021 during the early days of the Joni Jams, intimate gatherings where musicians performed her songs at her home. Collier was struck by Mitchell’s artistry and resilience, especially as she continues to push creative boundaries despite physical limitations.
At the Hollywood Bowl, Collier and Mitchell performed Both Sides Now, a moment Collier described as magical. He admired Mitchell’s jazz-inspired phrasing and her ability to infuse each performance with spontaneity.
Remembering Quincy Jones
Collier also reflected on his mentor, the late Quincy Jones, whose influence extended far beyond music. Jones’ ability to connect with people on a human level left a lasting impression on Collier. He recalled Jones’ knack for disarming admirers and turning moments of adulation into genuine interactions.
Collier’s favorite Quincy Jones track is Razzamatazz from The Dude, a song he described as “perfectly funky and fun.”
Looking Ahead
With the Djesse series complete, Collier is unsure what’s next. After years of working on large-scale projects, he’s drawn to the idea of creating something simpler, perhaps a piano or guitar-focused album.
Who He’d Prefer to Lose To
When asked which fellow nominee he’d be happy to lose to, Collier didn’t hesitate: Beyoncé. He praised her album as courageous and bold, applauding her for taking risks and staying true to her artistic vision.
