Hold Me Like I'm Leaving

The song "Hold Me Like I'm Leaving" by Welles from the album Red Trees and White Trashes carries a distinctive creative spark, inspired by a blend of classic and modern influences. In an interview with Billboard, Jesse Wells, the frontman of Welles, revealed that the song was crafted with the Beatles' "Cry Baby Cry" from The White Album in mind, a melody that had lingered in his head for years. He combined this with a misheard lyric from Foxygen’s "Oh No 2," where he thought the line was "I ain’t cut out for love" instead of "I’m not one for love." This misinterpretation shaped the song’s dramatic hook, "I ain’t cut out for love," giving it a raw, emotional edge. Wells described the songwriting process as a deliberate act to meet his management’s request for more tunes, blending a Beatles-inspired ditty with his own lyrical flair.

Another layer of the song’s story comes from its production and reception. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, known for his work with artists like Chris Stapleton, the track features a hard-rocking energy that The Aquarian praised for its roaring electric guitar and emotive vocals. The music video, premiered on Billboard in June 2018, further amplified its reach, showcasing Welles’ gritty, authentic rock aesthetic. On social media, fans on platforms like Reddit have celebrated the song, with a 2022 post on the r/listentothis subreddit garnering positive votes and comments for its classic rock vibe. These elements highlight how "Hold Me Like I'm Leaving" resonates with listeners as both a nod to rock’s roots and a fresh expression of Wells’ personal artistry.

Jesse Wells, known professionally as Welles, began his musical journey in Ozark, Arkansas, where he was born on November 22, 1994. Growing up in a small town, he immersed himself in music, spending hours at the local library exploring albums, books, and movies. His grandfather played a pivotal role in shaping his taste, gifting him a Beatles album for each birthday, which instilled a deep love for classic rock. As a teenager, Wells started releasing homemade recordings under the name Jeh Sea Wells around 2012, sharing them on platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. That same year, he formed the band Dead Indian with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing two albums before the group disbanded in 2015. His early experiments with music included playing a washboard, acoustic and electric guitars, a flute, and recorders, using software like Sony Acid 6 to craft his sound.

In 2015, Wells moved to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb, a turning point in his career. There, he recorded songs that would later form the Codeine EP, released in 2017 under the Welles moniker. He also briefly fronted a band called Cosmic American with Simon Martin, Skyler Greene, and Blake Foster, performing on Fayetteville Public Television in 2016. By 2017, Wells adopted the stage name Welles, adding an extra "e" to his surname, a decision he made with a friend to create a band identity without straying far from his personal roots. His debut album, Red Trees and White Trashes, released in 2018 by 300 Entertainment, marked his arrival as a force in alternative rock, blending psychedelia, grunge, and blues. In recent years, Wells has gained attention for folk protest songs under his full name, Jesse Welles, addressing issues like capitalism and the fentanyl crisis, shared widely on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Fans can connect with Welles through several official channels. His official website, Welles Official Store, offers merchandise and updates. On social media, he’s active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares music and engages with followers. Fan communities also exist, notably on Reddit’s r/FolkPunk, where a 2024 post praised his acoustic work, and on Facebook groups like those supporting his folk protest songs. These platforms reflect a dedicated fanbase, dubbed "Zoo Freaks" in the context of THE ZOO radio station, who continue to champion Welles’ evolving musical journey.