Yes a pretty talented musician and video editor but also its also a nod at how good Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and plug in's have got. Creators can now do on a budget that could only be dreamed of a few years ago - actually that's probably not true as its likely they couldn't then even imagine what can now be done!!

Thanks for the introduction to Jacob. How can this young guy have such a huge output of material? It is like the musical version of the Mandelbrot Set. How does he keep sane? He has turned on a creative tap like a dam bursting. This is almost overwhelming. it is like wading into the sea, and suddenly feeling out of your depth. I hope I can swim. I am 75, and do multi-track harmonies for my own amazement (lol)

The beauty of a single voice melody seems to elude most of the exceptionally gifted.

Mr. Blain, you were already my FAVORITE among NewAtlas writers—I never intentionally miss one of your stories, especially as I’ve always been interested in motorized two-wheeled vehicles—but this article is eye-popping. In introducing many of us who’d had only a taste of Mr. Collier’s music, to date, you’ve also shown many of us a new side to you. The subject of the article is, indeed, an amazing talent, but give yourself a pat on the back, too! I’m delighted to learn of the musical side of your artistic gifts.

Keep up the good work, sir!

"Personally, I found a lot of his stuff absolutely unlistenable to begin with; nobody likes a show-off, and after attending one of his shows a few years ago I walked out feeling like I'd just been beaten about the face with a cacophony of genius."

I really got the quoted statement, and I had the same initial reaction. But like you, I warmed to him because of his unbridled joy about what he does. He is one of those rare geniuses who bring us along with him instead of seeing how far ahead of us he can get. What a delightful human being.

I'll be this guy is frustrated by the fact that humans only have two ears to listen with at a time... 😁

This is such an unusual topic and the writing so colorful, I wondered who wrote it. I was not surprised to see your picture at the end. I wish we could "like" comments... What DavidB said, and more! Thank you for introducing me to Collier. I'd never heard of him. He's clearly an incredibly gifted, hyperkinetic sonic artist. Setting him aside, I'm not sure Collier could write an article like this better than you. Where his talent lies in the sonic realm, yours is in the written; although it wouldn't be surprising to discover that you're also musically talented. The best writing "sounds" delicious when read and a musician can appreciate that. Spacing, phrasing, timing, tempo, texture; it's all there for us to enjoy. You have a gift.

@Brian M, yeah aphex twin and squarepusher had to sit down and actually invent the equipment to make their songs. Being at the forefront of "intelligent dance music" a term they both dont like, I can only imagine what they could have done inventing whole genres with processing abilities at this level.

I get why he's considered a "once in a lifetime" genius level musician, I can see the talent and dedication.

But to me he's just meh. Now if this was about Snarky Puppy ... I'd be fanboying. lol

While being incredibly talented, his style is monoplaner, in that after you hear a few of his creations. they all begin to sound alike. Does anyone remember Todd Rundgren from the 70's? He did the same thing but without the benefit of the level of digital editing available today. All his work was manual analog overdubbing. His music covered a broad spectrum of moods and is to this day incredible. Give him a try if you have time...........