New Zealand songwriter Jesse Will embraces his feelings on new single ‘Hold My Skin’.

The singer caught attention a decade ago, with his soulful take on Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ being shared by the American icon on her social channels. Swiftly – pun intended – going viral, fans quickly picked up on his 2013 debut EP, before Jesse took a step out of the limelight after 2015 follow-up ‘Every Thread’.

Sharing a live EP in 2021, he’s kept the creative fires burning softly, easing himself into his next chapter.

Often compared to Ben Howard or Damien Rice in the understated nature of his approach, Jesse recently went into the studio with revered producer Chris Bond, and the two elevated his songwriting.

Out now, ‘Hold My Skin’ is his triumphant return – the sound of someone plaintively in their feels, it deals with conflict, but also the numbing aftermath.

Carefully etched, Jesse Will’s painterly qualities come to the fore on this beautifully assured piece of songwriting. He comments…

“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.”

A stunning video also accompanies it, choreographed by Sofia Pomeroy – tune in below.

Photo Credit: Birute Paukstyte