A Life Like Mine

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "A Life Like Mine" by Welles from the album Red Trees and White Trashes, getting their Zoo Freaks hyped. This track, released in 2017 on the Codeine EP before landing on the 2018 debut album, is a raw slice of rock with a personal edge. In a 2018 interview with Pancakes & Whiskey, Jesse Wells, the man behind Welles, shared that the song is “definitely autobiographical,” painting vivid scenes from his life in Arkansas. He described its original tempo as “twenty clicks slower,” with lyrics like “I caught a sermon on the mount of Fairy Hill” flowing smooth and easygoing, almost turning a phone interview into a private concert as he sang it at half-speed. The song’s imagery, rooted in his Ozark upbringing, captures a gritty, nostalgic vibe, blending sermons, old cars, and a sense of restless freedom.

Another tidbit about "A Life Like Mine" comes from its music video, released in May 2017, which Welles used to tease the Codeine EP. The track’s raw energy and storytelling resonated with fans, earning praise on platforms like Reddit, where a 2023 post on the listentothis subreddit sparked debate about its lyrical depth. Some fans lauded its metaphorical complexity, while others saw it as more straightforward, with one commenter humorously noting they barely noticed the lyrics, treating the vocals as an instrument. The song’s ability to stir discussion reflects its evocative power, tying into Welles’ knack for crafting music that feels both personal and universal. On social media, Welles has shared glimpses of his creative process, though specific posts about this song are scarce, as his recent focus on platforms like TikTok leans toward folk protest songs addressing issues like capitalism and the fentanyl crisis.

Jesse Wells, known professionally as Welles, kicked off his musical journey in Ozark, Arkansas, where he was born on November 22, 1994. Under the name Jeh Sea Wells, he started around 2012, posting homemade recordings on SoundCloud and Bandcamp. That same year, he formed the band Dead Indian with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing two albums. By 2015, he moved to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb, a pivotal step that shaped his debut album. He also formed Cosmic American with Simon Martin, Skyler Greene, and Blake Foster, performing on Fayetteville Public Television in 2016, though the band split before releasing their album. Welles’ early career was marked by relentless DIY hustle, from self-released tracks like “Summer” and a cover of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” to building a local following through raw, unpolished performances. His shift to the Welles moniker in 2017 marked a new chapter, blending rock with introspective storytelling.

Fans can connect with Welles through his official channels: his website at jessewelles.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. While specific fan websites are hard to pin down, Welles has a growing community on platforms like Reddit, where fans share and discuss his work. There aren’t prominent Facebook groups dedicated solely to Welles, but his social media presence, especially on TikTok, has exploded with his 2024 folk protest songs, drawing in new Zoo Freaks who vibe with his authentic, rebellious spirit. Keep an eye on his Instagram for tour updates and raw, unfiltered posts about his life and music.