A Life Like Mine (in Studio 2018)

The song "A Life Like Mine (in Studio 2018)" by Jesse Welles carries a raw, autobiographical weight that resonates with listeners. In a 2018 interview with Pancakes & Whiskey, Welles shared that the song is deeply personal, reflecting his own experiences. He explained that the original tempo was much slower, allowing the lyrics to unfold smoothly, but during a phone interview, he spontaneously sang the opening lines at half speed, turning the conversation into an impromptu performance. The lyrics, starting with “I caught a sermon on the mount of Fairy Hill, in a Mercury or a Lincoln, I can’t see it,” paint a vivid, almost cinematic picture of his life, rooted in his Ozark, Arkansas upbringing. Welles noted that the song’s storytelling was inspired by his knack for diving straight into soulful, unfiltered narratives, a trait that defines much of his debut album, Red Trees and White Trashes.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production. Welles revealed in the same Pancakes & Whiskey interview that the recording process for Red Trees and White Trashes, which includes "A Life Like Mine," was a whirlwind. He hadn’t met the studio musicians before recording, and producer Dave Cobb assembled a team of top-tier players. Welles recalled being told, “These guys are gonna be the best of the best, so don’t you worry,” which allowed him to focus on delivering the raw emotion of the track. The song’s release in March 2017 as a promotional single for his upcoming EP and album marked a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to blend rock with introspective lyricism, earning praise for its authenticity.

Jesse Welles, born Jesse Wells in Ozark, Arkansas, around 1994, began his musical journey early. Growing up in a small town with a population of about 3,590, he was surrounded by a gritty, working-class environment that shaped his songwriting. According to a 2024 Soundwave Music Media profile, Welles started releasing music in 2012 under the pseudonym Jeh Sea Wells, sharing self-produced singles and EPs on platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud. That same year, he formed the band Dead Indian with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing singles like “Summer” and “Xmas 97” and two albums, Lead Me to the Sky and When We Live. His early work was raw and unpolished, reflecting his DIY ethos and passion for unprocessed rock.

Welles’ career took a significant turn when he moved to Nashville in 2015 to work with renowned producer Dave Cobb. This collaboration led to the release of his debut album, Red Trees and White Trashes, under the mononym Welles in 2018, which included "A Life Like Mine." Before that, he fronted another band, Cosmic-American, and performed under various aliases, showing his versatility. A 2025 New York Times article highlights how Welles nearly quit music during the pandemic after being dropped by his label but found renewed inspiration by his father’s bedside after a heart attack, prompting him to embrace his authentic self under his full name, Jesse Welles. This rebirth fueled his recent folk protest songs and viral social media presence.

Fans can connect with Jesse Welles through his official channels. His official website offers updates and contact info, while his Facebook and Instagram accounts share tour dates, new releases, and glimpses into his creative process. On X, Welles engages with fans, often posting about his music and social commentary. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities like the Jesse Welles Fans Facebook group provide a space to discuss his music, share concert experiences, and celebrate tracks like "A Life Like Mine." While no official fan websites were found, Welles’ growing following on platforms like TikTok, where he’s amassed over a million followers, shows the strength of his fanbase.