How Jacob Collier Convinced The World He's A Genius

Summary

Jacob Collier, a seven-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, has earned a reputation as a modern-day musical genius, though this title may be more about perception than inherent genius. His intentional use of confusing language, deep dives into niche topics, self-taught background, and prolific output contribute to this image. Despite his extraordinary talent, much of what Jacob does involves demystifying complex music theory, often making it seem more magical than it really is. Ultimately, the video explores the idea of genius in music and whether it’s about skill, perception, or a combination of both.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jacob Collier is a seven-time Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist, often considered a modern-day musical genius.
• 😀 One reason for his 'genius' image is his ability to intentionally confuse language and explain music in a mystical way, often leaving listeners perplexed.
• 😀 Jacob frequently uses confusing terms like 'undertone series,' which is essentially the overtone series renamed, and 'negative harmony,' which was originally coined by Ernst Levy as 'inversional symmetry of harmony.'
• 😀 Jacob emphasizes that the piano is 'out of tune,' but this claim is based on the fact that equal temperament tuning differs from the natural overtone series, though it is well-documented.
• 😀 Another key to Jacob's genius image is his ability to hyperfocus on niche topics, such as microtonality or complex polyrhythms, which seem magical to those unfamiliar with these concepts.
• 😀 Jacob uses these niche topics to give the impression of possessing magical or near-supernatural musical powers, playing on the fact that these topics are unfamiliar to most listeners.
• 😀 Despite claiming to be self-taught, Jacob did attend the Royal Academy of Music and was influenced by his mother, a teacher and conductor at the Royal Academy.
• 😀 Jacob's prolific output of music—releasing multiple albums in quick succession and playing every instrument on his first album—further enhances his 'genius' reputation.
• 😀 The sheer variety of Jacob's musical collaborations and the diversity of genres he explores contribute to his image as an exceptional, boundary-pushing artist.
• 😀 The notion of a 'musical genius' may be more about perception and the aura of mystery around an artist, rather than simply a measure of technical skill. Jacob’s work and excitement for music play a significant role in this perception.

Q & A

What are the four big things Jacob Collier does to cultivate the image of being a genius?

Jacob Collier cultivates his 'genius' image through four main strategies: intentionally confusing language, hyperfocus on niche topics, presenting himself as self-taught, and having a prolific and diverse output in music.

How does Jacob Collier intentionally confuse language in his discussions about music?

Jacob often uses complex or mystical descriptions to convey music theory, such as renaming the overtone series as the 'undertone series' or describing the piano as 'out of tune' with the overtone series, even though it is tuned to equal temperament. These convoluted explanations create an air of mystery and make him seem more advanced than others.

What is Jacob Collier's take on the piano being out of tune?

Jacob claims that the piano is out of tune with the overtone series, arguing that it’s a 'lie' because the equal temperament system adjusts the ratios for each semitone to make all keys usable. While he acknowledges the piano’s tuning is slightly off, he suggests this limitation is what makes it fascinating.

What is the 'undertone series' Jacob Collier talks about, and is it scientifically valid?

Jacob refers to the 'undertone series,' which he claims is a reflection of the overtone series. However, this concept does not exist in nature as described. He is essentially using a system where he switches notes from the overtone series to create a new 'undertone' set, a concept closely related to negative harmony.

How does Jacob Collier's focus on niche topics contribute to his 'genius' image?

Jacob deep dives into obscure or highly specialized musical topics, such as tapping complex polyrhythms with one hand or modulating to half-sharp keys. This creates the illusion of him having almost magical abilities, making it seem as though he has mastered skills that are otherwise incomprehensible to the average listener.

What role does 'self-teaching' play in Jacob Collier's public persona?

Jacob presents himself as largely self-taught, which adds to the perception that his abilities are innate and untouchable by others. This enhances his 'genius' status, as it suggests that no teacher could replicate what he does, though in reality, he did study at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Music.

Is Jacob Collier really self-taught?

No, Jacob is not entirely self-taught. While he may have developed many of his skills independently, he did study at institutions like the Royal Academy of Music, and his mother was a music educator at the Royal Academy, which played a significant role in his formal musical development.

How does Jacob Collier's prolific musical output contribute to his genius status?

Jacob’s prolific release of music, playing every instrument on his first album and collaborating across diverse genres, adds to his genius persona. His frequent output and musical versatility mirror the practices of historical geniuses like Mozart, making his productivity seem extraordinary and unmatched.

Why does Jacob Collier's genre diversity enhance his reputation as a musical genius?

Jacob’s genre diversity allows him to constantly push boundaries and experiment with different sounds and techniques. This versatility, combined with his frequent releases, contributes to the perception that he is not only skilled but also highly innovative and groundbreaking in the music world.

What does the speaker believe about the nature of musical genius in the modern era?

The speaker questions whether true musical geniuses exist in the modern era. With access to resources like YouTube tutorials, the mystery and novelty around composers like Mozart would be diminished today, making it harder for modern musicians to achieve the same aura of genius.