If you haven’t heard “Jesse Plays Bass” by KOLEY yet, stop what you’re doing and press play. This track is a must-hear, blending grunge sensibilities with a deeply introspective twist that you won’t see coming. From the first note, you’re pulled into KOLEY’s world—a world where smooth, soft vocals collide with raw, powerful instrumentation. The guitars and drums come crashing in during the chorus, giving the song an explosive energy that will leave you wanting more.
At first, you might think “Jesse Plays Bass” is a classic grunge exploration of a crush, a dreamy tale of someone admiring a person from afar. With its soft verses and pounding chorus, it feels like the perfect soundtrack for that giddy excitement that comes with the early stages of infatuation. But then, as the track unfolds, it takes an unexpected turn. The singer and “Jesse” aren’t two separate people at all, they’re one and the same.
KOLEY’s lyrics explore a more profound theme: the idea of manifesting the future you envision for yourself. It’s not just about a crush on someone else; it’s about the relationship you have with your own potential and the struggle to realize that potential. The song’s narrator watches an idealized version of themselves, someone they yearn to be, embodied in the character of Jesse. The tension lies in the gnawing fear of never fully reaching that potential. The narrator sees this idealized version of themselves as someone separate, someone to crave, but the truth is they are one and the same. It’s a powerful exploration of self-actualization, identity, and the internal battle we all face when striving to become who we know we’re meant to be.
And let’s talk about that bass line. If there’s one thing that’s undeniable about “Jesse Plays Bass,” it’s that the bass totally rocks. It’s the heartbeat of the song, driving the rhythm forward and grounding the track in that classic grunge vibe. The groove is infectious, and it complements the track’s themes perfectly. It’s as though the bass isn’t just playing an instrument, it’s playing a part in telling this larger story of self-discovery and self-expression.
KOLEY reflects on the song’s creation, saying:
“Jesse Plays Bass came together over the course of a year. I started with the riff back in 2023 and pieced it together over time, bringing in friends to play drums and bass. As for inspiration, the song came from a time when I felt pretty stuck. To me, the narrator and ‘Jesse’ are the same person. The narrator is basically watching this idealized version of themselves (Jesse) from the outside. It’s that gnawing fear of not reaching your potential, seeing it externally in this case in another person, and feeling like it’s separate from you—something to crave. But meanwhile, you’re one in the same.”
What makes “Jesse Plays Bass” even more fascinating is its emotional depth and relatability. Many of us have felt that moment where we look at ourselves from the outside, wishing we could become something greater, something more confident or successful. The yearning for a version of ourselves that we feel is just beyond reach. But KOLEY flips the script, making it clear that this version of ourselves isn’t some unattainable dream; it’s already inside of us.
So, whether you’re in the midst of a personal journey or simply enjoying the powerful rhythm and grunge-infused sound, “Jesse Plays Bass” is a track that speaks to the heart. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, who’s ever looked at their potential and thought it was out of reach, and for anyone who’s ready to take that leap toward becoming the person they know they’re capable of being.
KOLEY’s “Jesse Plays Bass” is more than just a song—it’s a reminder that you are your own idealized version.
Listen to it on Spotify now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
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