Junior Jack Welch creates punk music

Left: “Anarchy’s Eve” is about a society without a strong central government. Welch published the album Oct. 22. “A lot of times, punks will bring ideas of non-discourse in society, and worker ownership of the means of production,” Welch said. (Image courtesy of Jack Welch)

Center: Junior Jack Welch smiles at the skatepark. Welch was introduced to music at a young age. “I’ve been writing songs ever since I started learning guitar.” Welch said. (Photo by Ginger Schulte)

PASSION FOR PUNK PUNK Junior Jack Welch makes album of punk music

KANISHK SHANMUGAM

opinions staff

P P unk rock is an often misunderstood music genre, but junior Jack Welch sees it as an art.

Punk rock is different from traditional rock because it is a resistance to corporatism, often expressed through screaming vocals, loud drums and electric guitars. Welch, who has played punk rock on his guitar for almost two years, first learned about the genre from his family. “That’s how I got into punk rock,” Welch said. “[It] was from CDs from my uncle when I was 13; besides him, I mostly got into it myself.”

Although he had minimal exposure, Welch began learning and understanding the ideals of punk on his own. As he immersed himself further in the genre, Welch developed a deep connection with the punk community.

“I definitely think that the punk rock community really fits my personality,” Welch said. “It’s a community that I can connect with just based on their ideas and their goals.”

Along with anti-corporatism, punk also promotes opposition to authori- strong messages of Welch’s music. ty. Independent thinking is a crucial However, in addition the the themes theme of the genre. explored, Kamath also recognizes the

“Punk rock is a genre about think- musical value of Welch’s work. ing for yourself and questioning “I think quality-wise and objectively, authority,” Welch said. “When I was it’s got great composition. It’s unique; growing up, I was always told to it sounds good,” Kamath said. “I think ‘follow the Prophet’ he’s got potential.” and to ‘follow the With support president.’” from his friends, Jack feels as if this early demand to respect authority had a major impact on his musical taste. Welch became inspired to make his own band, “ “ I want [people] to think for themselves. JACK WELCH | JUNIOR Jack has come a long way from days of listening to his uncle’s CDs; his music is now showcased on platforms like Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube. Through named Post-Gue- immersing himself rilla, producing songs that spread his in the punk community and including views and messages on issues plagu- important social topics that he feels ing society. strongly about in his music, Jack be-

“All his music is very clearly politi- lieves that his music can make people cally driven,” Evan Svoboda, a Ladue think more critically about the world alumni and Welch’s friend, said. “He’s around them. always going to protests. I’ve heard all “I want [people] to think for themof Jack’s music and I like it a lot.” selves,” Jack said, “[and] not be held

Junior Avi Kamath, another one back by the standards for what music of Welch’s friends, appreciates the [is].” p