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ROCK
SPREAD DESIGN BY KANISHK SHANMUGAM I NICO SKAPOF
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
Junior Jack Welch makes album of punk music
also promotes opposition to authoristrong messages of Welch’s music. ty. Independent thinking is a crucial However, in addition the the themes opinions staff theme of the genre. explored, Kamath also recognizes the “Punk rock is a genre about thinkmusical value of Welch’s work. unk rock is an often misundering for yourself and questioning “I think quality-wise and objectively, stood music genre, but junior authority,” Welch said. “When I was it’s got great composition. It’s unique; Jack Welch sees it as an art. growing up, I was always told to it sounds good,” Kamath said. “I think Punk rock is different from tradi‘follow the Prophet’ he’s got potential.” tional rock because it is a resistance and to ‘follow the With support to corporatism, often expressed from his friends, through screaming vocals, loud drums president.’” Jack feels as if Jack has come and electric guitars. Welch, who has this early dea long way from played punk rock on his guitar for mand to respect days of listening almost two years, first learned about I want [people] authority had a to his uncle’s CDs; the genre from his family. to think for themmajor impact on his music is now “That’s how I got into punk rock,” selves. his musical taste. showcased on platWelch said. “[It] was from CDs from JACK WELCH | JUNIOR Welch became forms like Bandmy uncle when I was 13; besides him, inspired to make camp, Spotify and I mostly got into it myself.” YouTube. Through Although he had minimal exposure, his own band, named Post-Gueimmersing himself Welch began learning and underrilla, producing songs that spread his in the punk community and including standing the ideals of punk on his views and messages on issues plaguimportant social topics that he feels own. As he immersed himself further ing society. strongly about in his music, Jack bein the genre, Welch developed a deep “All his music is very clearly politilieves that his music can make people connection with the punk community. cally driven,” Evan Svoboda, a Ladue think more critically about the world “I definitely think that the punk rock community really fits my person- alumni and Welch’s friend, said. “He’s around them. always going to protests. I’ve heard all “I want [people] to think for themality,” Welch said. “It’s a community of Jack’s music and I like it a lot.” selves,” Jack said, “[and] not be held that I can connect with just based on Junior Avi Kamath, another one back by the standards for what music their ideas and their goals.” of Welch’s friends, appreciates the [is].” p Along with anti-corporatism, punk
KANISHK SHANMUGAM
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