Elite

5 favorites: Welcher’s travel tunes

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David A. Brown
In his third year on the Bassmaster Elite Series, Kyle Welcher has proven himself a focused and capable angler. Proving that was a second-place finish at the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. Part of his mental game is keeping a calm, low-key demeanor, and choosing travel music that fosters this mood is important.
Welcher shared a look at the playlist that he and his wife, Hunter, enjoy while traveling throughout the Elite schedule. As he explained, he likes songs with enduring appeal — something that’s easy on the ears and the mind. Basically, during long drives, he avoids songs that demand a lot of thought or emotional investment. His rule of thumb: Chose songs you can comfortably hear three or four times during a trip.
Sinners Like Me (Eric Church). His original walk-out music from the rookie Elite season, Welcher often reminisces when he hears the song. The tune reminds him of when his dream of becoming a full-time professional angler became a reality in 2020.
Welcher also notes that Sinners Like Me blends a catchy tune with a resonating message. “It shows that every person is kinda the same, no matter who they are or where they came from.”
Walk In the Park (Jack Harlow). The key line “Ain’t (nothing) to me, it’s a walk in the park,” inspires Welcher to take the challenges, difficulties and disappointments of his career in stride. Not everything’s a big deal and often, this song motivates him to push through and persevere.
This one also instills a sense of appreciation for the path he walks. “I think about that whenever things get tough. I get to be a fisherman; I get to do what I want to do.” 
Pursuit of Happiness (Kid Cudi). Welcher says he’s been drawn to this song’s unique sound and vibe ever since its 2009 release. He’s literally had this song in his playlist since he was 18 (11 years ago).
Welcher said the title truly defines the life he and Hunter have undertaken — “Driving around the country trying to figure out a way to be as happy as possible.”
Knock Knock (Mac Miller). Welcher recalls listening to Mac Miller when he was growing up. The artist started rapping in high school and signed his first recording contract at age 18.
Miller, who passed in 2018, wasn’t much older than him and, even though they never met, Welcher considers Miller part of his youth and therefore deserving of a spot in his playlist. While Knock Knock doesn’t hold any deep meaning or theme that Welcher embraces, it definitely fits his basic criteria for an engaging tune and a unique style.
Nail Tech (Jack Harlow). There’s a humorous and a serious side to this one. First, with the funny: The song hints at the artist’s relationship with his nail technician, and lauds her ability to keep a secret. (Welcher’s wife Hunter was present for this interview and everyone was clear that this is just a song.)
On the serious side, Welcher said: “The one line that’s stuck in my head says, ‘I don’t wish for my success, I speak it.’ Everybody wants to be a bass pro, but in life, you don’t just sit around and wish for something, you go get it. You have to go for it at all cost.”

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