I'm Sorry

The Zoo Crew is spinning "I'm Sorry" by Jesse Welles from his album Middle, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this raw, toe-tapping track. According to a review from Glide Magazine, "I'm Sorry" is a bit repetitive with its heartfelt refrain of “I’m sorry, I’m sorry/I feel so goddamn bad,” which can wear on some listeners but carries an undeniable emotional punch. Welles has described the songs on Middle as “self-indulgent,” a shift from his usual topical protest songs, suggesting this track digs into personal guilt or regret rather than societal critique. In a New York Times interview, Welles recorded parts of Middle, including the introspective "Simple Gifts," in a sparse East Nashville basement studio, hinting that "I'm Sorry" might share that intimate vibe despite its full-band energy. His producer, Eddie Spear, aimed to honor Welles’ viral, woods-filmed acoustic roots, so the song likely balances polished production with his gritty, authentic style.

Welles’ social media presence, especially on Instagram and TikTok, offers glimpses into his creative process, though he hasn’t shared specific stories about "I'm Sorry" on these platforms. Fans on Reddit’s FolkPunk community have praised his lyrical depth and guitar work, with some speculating that songs like "I'm Sorry" reflect his knack for channeling raw emotion, akin to his heroes Bob Dylan and John Prine. While no direct quotes tie to this track, Welles told Rolling Stone that his album Middle avoids the “hot-button topics” of his viral hits, so "I'm Sorry" might be a window into his inner world, a contrast to his usual “singing the news” style that tackles issues like capitalism or war.

Jesse Welles, born Jesse Wells in Ozark, Arkansas, around 1994, kicked off his music career in 2012 under the alias Jeh Sea Wells. As noted on Genius, he started by posting homemade recordings on SoundCloud and Bandcamp, raw tracks that showcased his gritty voice and guitar skills. That same year, he formed the band Dead Indian with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing singles like “Summer” and “Xmas 97” by 2014. In 2015, Welles moved to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb, a pivotal step that led to his debut album Red Trees and White Trashes in 2018, released under the mononym Welles via 300 Entertainment. Before that, he fronted another band, Cosmic-American, and even covered Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box,” showing his grunge influences alongside his folk and rock roots.

His early career wasn’t all smooth sailing. Saving Country Music recounts how Welles dropped out of the music scene during the pandemic after being released from his label, only to reinvent himself in 2023 by posting cover songs on TikTok. A personal turning point—his father’s heart attack in 2024—sparked his shift to folk protest songs, which exploded on social media, amassing over 2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok. Tracks like “War Isn’t Murder” and “United Health” turned him into a viral sensation, blending sharp social commentary with catchy hooks. Now, with Middle, he’s balancing that topical edge with personal introspection, as seen in "I'm Sorry."

You can keep up with Jesse Welles on his official website, Instagram, and TikTok. He doesn’t appear to have an active Facebook page or X account under his name, but fans are buzzing elsewhere. Check out the r/FolkPunk subreddit for lively discussions about his work, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits. There aren’t dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups explicitly tied to Welles yet, but his massive social media following suggests it’s only a matter of time before more fan communities pop up.