Rising Stars: Meet Edgar Welch of Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar Welch

Hi Edgar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in 1997 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, and adopted into a loving family at 7 months old. Growing up in a small Michigan town, I often felt out of place, but my upbringing shaped who I am today. Raised Catholic with strict parents, I played the flute in church every Sunday—something I hated then but appreciate now. Fashion, music, and creative expression kept me grounded. My love for electronic music began at 16, after attending my first festival, and I quickly immersed myself in Detroit’s underground rave scene.

After high school, I worked a retail job to support my festival travels and picked up leather crafting to create unique outfits. In 2018, I attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where I studied fashion accessory design but soon realized I wanted a different approach to break into the fashion world. The pandemic gave me time to refine my craft, leading to my leather work being showcased in New York showrooms and featured in magazine editorials and music videos.

In 2022, I traveled the world as a personal assistant, exploring global nightlife in places like Berlin, Ibiza, Tulum, and Miami, which fueled my inspiration. Returning to Detroit in 2023, I focused on DJing, leather craft, and social media, debuting various DJ personas before creating UR_IN, where I specialize in sounds beneath the underground.

Currently, I’m involved with Queer Detroit (now on hiatus) and the Chaotic Neutral party series, where I contribute to event logistics, artist relations, and art installations. I aim to continue my work in Detroit nightlife while expanding UR_IN to new cities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up gay in a small town gave me thick skin and a strong sense of independence. While I often felt alone, it taught me to rely on myself. In adulthood, my biggest struggle has been balancing work life with creative endeavors. I’ve witnessed friends fall into the traps of drugs, alcohol, and the toxic sides of internet fame and money. It’s tough being the one to say “no” when people around them constantly say “yes.”

I live by my morals and ethics, even though this approach has sometimes slowed my progress—especially in my dream of building a fashion brand. Ethical production and consumption are increasingly difficult in today’s world. While my path is slower than my peers’, I’ve learned to focus on my journey without comparing myself to others.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Lately, I’ve focused more on music and content creation, but at my core, I’m an artist. My creativity extends beyond fashion- I want to craft a full experience, from what I wear to how I present myself in any space, especially when I have the opportunity to play music for people. I think I am best known for my presence in Detroit’s nightlife, particularly at Movement, the city’s annual techno festival. People recognize me for my outfits, which stand out in a city like Detroit. In a place like New York, people are used to it, but it’s a lot easier to stand out here. No matter where I am, I make sure to dress to the nines. People are often surprised when I say I’m from Detroit, and I remind them the city is more than the reputation it sometimes carries.

I’ve been called a “party whisperer.” If people see me at an event, they know it’s going to be a good one. Techno has inspired me since I first discovered it, filling me with energy from its dark, industrial aesthetic. I take great pride in the wardrobe I’ve built over the years, particularly my custom leather pieces. Each piece I create is one-of-a-kind, designed for myself or those who want something truly unique.

What makes me most proud, though, is inspiring others to express themselves through fashion and music. I also encourage people to make more ethical clothing choices, which has always been a priority in my work.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I hope the fashion industry takes meaningful action on sustainability. There’s a lot of talk, but not enough change. I’ve noticed more people moving away from fast fashion and turning to second-hand shopping or supporting smaller designers. This shift could continue, with consumers prioritizing personal style over fleeting trends. I also see the potential for more people investing in high-quality staples rather than low-quality, disposable items.

In the dance music scene, there’s still much work to be done. We’re drifting further from the original ethos of house and techno as money becomes a bigger focus in the industry, which was never about that. However, rising operating costs make it increasingly difficult for many to succeed without compromising their values.

Additionally, I’d like to see the U.S. government recognize parts of nightlife as cultural institutions, much like they do in Europe. Nightlife plays a significant role in shaping culture and community, and it deserves the same respect and protection.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgarpuked/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/urinethemix