SIGN INEdition ININUSDownload AppFollow Us On: NewsEntertainmentMusicSinger Jacob Collier on India tour, Grammys, collaborations with BTS, RosaliaSinger Jacob Collier on India tour, Grammys, collaborations with BTS, Rosalia In an exclusive conversation with India Today, music composer Jacob Collier spoke about his fondness for visiting India, collaboration with BTS, Cldplay and others. Advertisement Jacob Collier taks about his fondness for India (Credit: Instagram/jacobcollier)Bhavna AgarwalMumbai,UPDATED: Nov 26, 2025 17:01 ISTSinger and songwriter Jacob Collier have always lived slightly outside the frame. The 31-year-old British multi-instrumentalist, long celebrated as a “musical scientist” of harmony, has built a career on the idea that music should be boundless. In an exclusive chat with India Today, the musician shared his fondness for India and how the place continues to surprise, anchor, and energise him.
“It’s one of the most scintillating and exciting places to make music ever. When I hear the sound of an Indian audience, it sounds unlike any other there’s such a deep musical history and lineage.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier)
As he prepares to return to India with his Djesse Vol. 4 World Tour, Jacob reflects with equal parts affection and awe.
Jacob’s relationship with India didn’t begin when the world suddenly discovered the country as a booming tourist market. He came here earlier, back in 2019.
“I made sure that at the first opportunity I had, I would go. I’ve been very blessed to have people in India who, since day one, championed my musical journey,” he told us.
He has played in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, each with its own energy but connected by something deeper. “Every show has been a life-changing experience,” he recalled. “It’s striking how differently the musical lineages have evolved in different cities but there’s always this strong musical and spiritual connection.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier)
One of Jacob’s signatures is turning audiences into living, breathing harmonies. Not just a quick sing-along but multi-part choral arrangements conducted in real time. It feels effortless, almost instinctive, but it wasn’t planned.
“I didn’t realise what was possible with audiences until I got on stage and tried things,” he said. Growing up watching his mother conduct orchestras shaped him early. “It was such a joyous experience to see someone communicate with a group and get magic out of them,” Jacob said. Later, artists like Bobby McFerrin and Freddie Mercury expanded that vision. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier)
“Once you have a taste of it, it’s almost impossible to imagine doing it any other way,” he said. From the stage, the massed chorus of imperfect human voices becomes something transcendent. “The sound of all those voices together It’s such an emotional sound.”
For someone who blends styles so seamlessly, the explanation to avoid getting boxed is surprisingly simple. “I don’t really believe in genre people exist, and music has different approaches to the same principles,” Jacob said. Jazz, to him, isn’t a category; it’s a feeling. “Jazz is freedom improvisation.”
“There’s a difference between music that’s complex and music that’s complicated,” he said. “Complicated is from the mind. Complexity is natural, like nature. Something can have depth and layers but still feel organic.”
The Coldplay x BTS x Jacob Story, and why ‘My Universe’ felt special
Jacob’s collaborative footprint spans continents, but few fans know he played a key vocal role in Coldplay and BTS’s global hit My Universe. His trademark stacked harmonies appear in the backing vocals, another example of how his sound quietly shapes global pop moments.
“It was so inspiring to see that song come to life with the very little contributions that I made,” Jacob says modestly.I was so honoured to contribute some vocals to this epic song. It just debuted at number 1!!! Thank you @coldplay and thank you @BTS_twt https://t.co/OvRZapr9Lg— Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier) October 6, 2021Coldplay performing Magic with @jacobcollier at night six of #ColdplayWembley | via @FMarran pic.twitter.com/KSAQ0mJiFt— CPing Media (@CPingMedia) August 22, 2022
Working with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, he says, is like witnessing someone build musical bridges in real time. “Chris has this amazing sense of bringing people together,” he said. When asked about BTS, Jacob said, “One of the things I love about BTS is how every member has different influences and fascinations.”
Asked whether he sees himself collaborating with someone like Kim Taehyung (V), whose love for jazz aligns naturally with Jacob’s universe, he doesn’t hesitate. “That would be lovely. I’m so open to people who are open and I think that group is amazing. I hope one day it can happen,” he added.
With over five Grammys in his accolades, Jacob still sees himself as a work in progress.
“What I love about the Grammys is that they’re voted on by musicians. But all award shows are strange in their own ways.” His guiding principle to remain relevant has remained steady, “I’ve tried to be fearless, open and not take myself too seriously,” he says. “I just want to stay a student of life and music.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier)
Before sold-out venues and global collaborations, Jacob was simply a teenager in his London bedroom, layering hundreds of vocal tracks into massive harmonies. Has anything changed since? He replied, “It’s the same Jacob,” he says with a smile. “Back then my only resource was myself now I have thousands of people. But it’s the same fascination — harmony, joy, resonance.”
Jacob has already worked with a constellation of greats including the likes of Hans Zimmer, Stormzy, John Mayer, Chris Martin, Anoushka Shankar, but he has his eyes on one artist, in particular.
“Rosala,” he said instantly. “She has a sense of radical freedom and experimentation that I really respect. I hope we can make music together one day.”
Jacob returned in Bengaluru on November 28, 2025, followed by Mumbai on November 30, 2025, and the final show scheduled for Delhi NCR on December 2, 2025.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Nov 26, 2025 17:01 ISTALSO READ | Grammy 2026 nominations: Kendrick Lamar leads with nine, Lady Gaga scores seven