Jesse Will blends alt-pop with a heartfelt, folk-infused twist on the vibrant new single ‘Hold My Skin’.
With raw, stripped-back production helmed by Chris Bond (Ben Howard, Nick Mulvey), Jesse’s storytelling takes centre stage. Drifting through it’s atmospheric introduction, ‘Hold My Skin’ quickly establishes a melancholic tone through Jesse’s whispering vocals, gradually unfurling layers of piano, distant echoes of drums and warming bass.
Capturing a raw vulnerability intercut with quick shouts of tribalistic vocal shouts, the artfully blends its folk tones with alt-pop melodies to create a track which is accessible yet strikingly alternative. Ending with a climactic and atmospheric swell of layers of vocals and strings which dance with a beautiful sense of freedom, Jesse’s creativity and abilities shine bright.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Jesse shares: “I was drawn toward the conflict that when someone is fragile, human touch can comfort but also cause further harm – that was eventually reflected in Sofia’s choreography when it came to making the video. Opening up is a struggle for me, which feels at odds with being a songwriter. So, male vulnerability is central – a man traumatised and longing for love, but unable to reciprocate.”
Adding her perspective on the video, choreographer Sofia Pomeroy explains, “Jesse’s lyrics had an intense physicality that led me to craft equally intense movements, evoking themes of emotional suffocation and self-loathing. The hands in the video symbolize an inner voice—at times comforting, at times tormenting—mirroring the song’s exploration of how our thoughts both define and confuse us.”
With a rich history of success and acclaim, the new single demonstrates that Jesse is still striving for more creative boundaries and create some stunning new music.
Watch the new video below:
