The multi-award-winning musical polymath Jacob Collier releases a new single, ‘Wherever I Go,’ today, Friday 26th October. A succulent slice of uplifting pop-soul featuring the US group Lawrence alongside the blue-eyed soul legend Michael McDonald, the track is a tantalising taster from his forthcoming album Djesse Vol. 4, released next February.
Originally from London, 29-year-old Collier, who has been hailed as a genius, is also a history maker: he was the first British artist to grab a Grammy for each of his first four albums, a feat that is yet to be equalled.
Talking about his new single, Collier says: “This is a song I wrote inspired by so much of the music I loved growing up – the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and many other funky soulful pocket-based superheroes. I finished it with some of my best friends in the world – Clyde, Gracie, and Jordan from the band Lawrence – who I’ve grown up alongside and been jamming with for the past six years. To have the maestro Michael McDonald involved as well means the whole world to me – he was a great inspiration for this song, and has been an immense inspiration to me growing up.”
Reflecting on his collaboration with the young Englishman, Michael McDonald says: “Jacob Collier is one of contemporary music’s most innovative artists. It was nothing short of a thrill for me to be invited to participate in the recording of his original song, “Wherever I Go”. It was an opportunity to witness Jacob’s unique genius up close and the chance to perform again, (this time virtually), with Clyde and Gracie Lawrence. Two very talented recording artists in their own right.”
Lawrence are similarly enthusiastic about their hook-up with Collier: “Jacob has been one of our favorite artists and closest friends for years, and we’ve been so lucky to share not only several stages with him, but also many late-night hangs, internet rabbit holes, and a heated badminton rivalry. When he mentioned the idea of us working on a song together, we were honored, and when we heard his early demo, we were blown away by how perfectly it sat in the Venn diagram between our projects, as it felt like such a great homage to the ’70s soul music that we all grew up on. To have Michael McDonald, an absolute hero of all of ours, join us on the track makes the whole thing an absolute dream come true. We’re so excited for it to be out in the world!”
Hear ‘Wherever I Go’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUJhHk4OKP0
‘Wherever I Go’ is released today via Hajanga/Decca/Interscope. The album Djesse Vol. 4 follows on February 29th, 2024
