Fear is the Mind Killer

Jesse Welles’ “Fear Is the Mind Killer,” from his album Middle, has struck a chord with fans, including the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from a Reddit post on the r/JesseWelles community, where fans noted its studio recording features a nod to Masayoshi Takanaka’s riff from “Tengo Suerte.” This unexpected fusion of folk and a Japanese guitarist’s influence sparked excitement, with one fan on r/MasayoshiTakanaka sharing how they discovered the song purely for its Takanaka connection. The song’s title, as some fans speculate on social media, may draw inspiration from Frank Herbert’s Dune, reflecting Welles’ knack for weaving literary references into his work. In a 2025 American Songwriter interview, Welles described the track as one that resonates deeply live, with audiences singing along to its refrain, amplifying its message of overcoming fear.

Another layer to the song’s story is its role in Welles’ 2025 Fear Is the Mind Killer Tour, which sold out every show, as noted in a Saving Country Music article. Fans on r/JesseWelles shared their frenzy to snag tickets, with one recounting how they scored a signed tour poster at a Madison show, where Welles stayed to meet half the crowd. The song’s raw energy, paired with its introspective lyrics, has made it a centerpiece of his live performances. A Glide Magazine review praised its steady tempo and audience engagement, noting how it balances Welles’ topical edge with universal themes. Social media buzz, particularly on Instagram, shows fans posting clips of Welles performing the song acoustically, highlighting its versatility from studio to stage.

Jesse Welles, born Jesse Wells on November 22, 1994, in Ozark, Arkansas, began his musical journey under the alias Jeh Sea Wells around 2012, as detailed on his Wikipedia page. Growing up in a small town with a turkey plant and a few gas stations, Welles initially shared homemade recordings on platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. He formed the band Dead Indian in 2012 with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing two albums. In 2015, he moved to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb, recording a cover of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” and later releasing his debut album Red Trees and White Trashes in 2018 under the mononym Welles. That same year, he co-founded Cosmic American with Simon Martin, Skyler Greene, and Blake Foster, though the band dissolved before completing an album. A pivotal moment came in 2023 when, after his father survived a heart attack, Welles reevaluated his path, as he shared in a 2025 American Songwriter interview. This brush with mortality spurred him to focus on folk protest songs, which gained traction on social media, amassing over two million followers across platforms.

Welles’ career took off in 2024 when his topical songs like “The Poor,” “Cancer,” and “War Isn’t Murder” went viral on TikTok and Instagram, earning praise from outlets like The New York Times for blending whimsical and serious themes. His unapologetic style, often performed with a guitar bought on Facebook Marketplace, resonated with fans, leading to his current status as a folk sensation. You can follow Welles on his official website, wellesmusic.com, and his social media accounts: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X. (Note: No official Facebook page was found, but Welles is active on other platforms.) Fans connect on the r/JesseWelles subreddit, a vibrant community sharing tour updates and song discussions, and some join the r/FolkPunk subreddit to discuss Welles alongside similar artists. While no dedicated fan websites were identified, his Linktree provides links to his music and updates, making it a hub for Zoo Freaks and beyond.