All About Wellvis

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We're too old to bother unless it's gonna be worth it. This music is worth it. Matt (Wellvis) Hahn is an award-winning family physician (Maryland Family Doctor of the Year 2025) with a rock 'n' roll singing past from the 1980s, when he was the lead singer of a well-known Washington, DC band, the Young Caucasians. But when rock stardom eluded him too long, he went to medical school. But he never forgot (or let go) of his rock star dreams. Karl Straub is a well-known Washington, DC area songwriting and guitar ace. After recording two albums of his original material with his band, the Graverobbers, Karl went back to school at Howard University to receive a classical, jazz, and music composition training. Karl's songs have been covered by numerous artists in different genres, including Virginia Coalition, Last Train Home, Kelly Willis, Eugene Chadbourne, and the Kennedys. Karl teaches an innovative songwriting method in group classes, and lessons tailored to individual students. He is working on a book that explains his Song Factory system, which is designed to improve a songwriters' productivity and quality control in any style of music. Matt and Karl met when Karl was playing psychedelic honky tonk lead guitar with their mutual friend, Colonel Josh and his band, Paisley Tonk. Matt saw Karl play with the band, and couldn't believe how great he sounded. At the first break, Matt went up to rave about Karl's playing. Matt took guitar lessons from Karl from time to time, but they lost touch for a few years. ​ In August 2020, just as the Covid era was getting underway, Matt was viciously attacked by a dog (true story), suffering a severe injury to his left hand which required emergency surgery and then months of recovery. ​ Matt had always harbored the dream of returning to music, but wanted his next incarnation to be as a singer who could also play a nasty electric guitar. ​ Unfortunately, Matt had never learned to really play the guitar, and now he had come close to losing his chance (and his hand). Matt felt it was a sign. It was time to rock again! ​ So, a few months after the accident, when Matt could finally move his fingers enough to grip the neck of a guitar, he bought his first electric guitar, and started practicing. Matt practiced a lot (as a family doctor during the day, and guitar player at night). In late 2025, having played guitar for hours every day for five years, Matt decided it was time. He was ready to start playing out in the world. He knew he had a lot to learn, but he wasn't going to get better unless he challenged himself to perform in a band. Matt had an idea for what was supposed to be a cover band, playing what he called Glambilly (a cross between glam rock and psychobilly, sort of). He called Karl. Karl and Matt got together and played and sang, and they felt there was a spark. They put together a set of tunes and started practicing. They formed the band, Wellvis. The name Wellvis comes from... Even though the band was intended to be a cover band... Then, Matt took Karl's songwriting class. Matt had never written a song before. But, armed with what Karl taught him. He started writing. The first song Matt wrote was You Gotta Let Go if You Wanna Rock and Roll. Karl said, "Not bad." Karl made a number of suggestions, and Matt went back to work. The next song Matt worked on was SuperHIGH. Karl said, "That's actually good, but let me make some suggestions." ​