Jay Putty’s raw authenticity is a hallmark of his songwriting, and his latest project, Mountains and Valleys, is no exception. Set to drop tomorrow, the EP delves deep into themes of love, loss, and the quiet yet powerful ways grief manifests in our everyday lives. With anthemic choruses and emotionally charged lyrics, Putty reflects on the pain of losing loved ones while capturing the subtle, often fleeting moments where memory and sorrow collide.
A native of rural Indiana, Putty’s path to music was shaped by hardship. After a promising sports career was derailed by injury, he channeled his emotions into songwriting, a process that became a form of therapy. Along the way, he faced the devastating loss of his father, the death of a close friend to cancer, and survived a house fire at just 15. These life experiences are woven into Putty’s music, making his songs deeply relatable and grounded in reality.
More recently, Putty has developed a love for tattoos, using them as a way to memorialize those who have shaped his life. In this edition of Tattoo Talk, Jay Putty discusses his tattoos, the significance behind them, and the story of the compass tattoo on his arm.
What was the first tattoo you ever got?
Jay Putty: “The first tattoo I got was actually two. This past October, I had my dad’s handwriting inked, ‘Hey Jaybird,’ which is what he used to call me. The second one was the Rosewood symbol, a tribute to my friend group back home. After Brendan passed away, we all got the same tattoo as a way to honor him and to solidify our bond as friends for life.”
How many tattoos do you have?
“I have four tattoos, but I’m planning on getting more soon.”
How did you get started with tattoos?
“I’ve always been interested in tattoos, but I was indecisive for a long time. It wasn’t until recently that I started getting them as a way to memorialize my loved ones.”
Do you have a favorite tattoo?
“‘Hey Jaybird’ will always be my favorite. Every time I see it, I hear it in my dad’s voice.”
What inspires your tattoo designs?
“I’m really into minimalism and fine-line tattoos. All of my tattoos have been done by Snappy Tats, who’s amazing at creating these kinds of pieces. I think it allows my story to be told through the art.”
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo?
“Your body is a canvas—an extension of your art, your expression, and your memories. Treat it like one.”
What might surprise people about your tattoos?
“The most surprising thing would probably be that I waited until I was 30 to get my first tattoo. In the music industry, tattoos often feel like a rite of passage, and most people get them when they’re younger. I never did.”
Do you have a memorable tattoo experience you’d like to share?
“The compass on my arm is designed after the one from my song ‘On My Way.’ I got it the week it hit its 20th consecutive week on the Billboard ‘Adult Airplay’ chart, which was a huge accomplishment for me as an independent artist. It was such a surreal moment, and getting the tattoo right then felt like the perfect way to commemorate that achievement.”
Jay Putty’s tattoos are more than just body art—they’re symbols of his life’s journey, his struggles, and the people who have shaped him. With his heartfelt songwriting and personal ink, he continues to share his story in a deeply meaningful way.
Related topics: