From the quiet corners of Indiana to the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Jay Putty's story is a testament to resilience and transformation. What began as a sports career derailed by injury blossomed into a profound musical journey, shaped by profound personal losses and the challenges of mental health. Putty's music, marked by its genuine and relatable nature, resonates deeply with audiences, as seen in his latest single "Adventure Awaits" featured in Rolling Stone India. His record The Compass, invites listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, offering a beacon for those seeking their own North Star.
Photo Credit: Lina Young | Hairstylist: Montana Daniels
Hi Jay! Thanks so much for chatting with us today, looking forward to hearing more about your new release!
JP: I'm incredibly grateful to be here! Slainte.
1. SJ: You’ve overcome so many challenges already from losing your father and friend to cancer, surviving a house fire at age 15, and mental health struggles. What party of this healing journey led you to music?
JP: It was actually when I was in middle school, I was attacked by a bully and needed surgery to basically "fix my face" and being cooped up all summer led me to getting a guitar and when I started writing songs. Being able to write, without getting graphic, literally kept me alive. Music as a whole has been incredibly therapeutic.
2. SJ: Your new EP, The Compass, tackles the existential questions that dominate a quarter-life crisis. Can you tell us how this song was inspired?
JP: Yeah I just turned 30 this year and in the last 2 years I think I've had more big life changes than I had the previous 28, and I really struggled figuring myself out. The compass is kind of my way of finding myself. It represents a literal compass, a moral compass, and a life compass. It's about finding my North Star again. Struggling with grief and alcohol. Losing faith. Having to ask the God, or the universe why? And not hearing anything back. Learning that the answer is the silence. Whether it's "These Are the Moments" or "War With Myself," I think this record encapsulates the questions you start to ask yourself once you realize that becoming an adult means you are no closer to the answers than you were at 16, or 18, or 21.
3. SJ: The track, “War with Myself” dives into grappling with faith, and keeping a positive attitude. Can you talk about what experiences drove you to want to write this song? What do you feel you accomplish with this song?
JP: What a great question honestly, during 2020 I was watching here in Nashville people like Greg Locke proudly, boldly, and loudly spew the most poison-laced vitriol. A pastor. And people loving it. Christians, that in the same pews I sat, would gladly let someone starve if it meant they wouldn't get taxed a couple more cents. "War With Myself" was such a hard song to write for me, because I grew up Catholic, learning about how to be selfless, loving, giving, and how Jesus should live, only to find out the older I got that Jesus would probably be labeled a communist today by his congregation. For me, I hope that this song is cathartic as it was for me. Those who feel lost in what is written but being acted on.
4. SJ: What did your songwriting process look like for these songs? Was each song the same, or did it, or the collaborators, differ from each track?
JP: I think the first two songs completed for The Compass were done in 2020 (I Won't Let Go & War With Myself), but I wasn't an artist then, it didn't feel right. It took the next 4 years of writing and rediscovering myself as an artist to start piecing together this album. It was actually going to be a combination with my previous EP Rosewood. A full length. But that didn't feel right either. It felt like these songs I was putting together were telling 2 different stories. Writing sessions for me are somewhere that I go full bones exposed so I'm grateful I have writers like Michael Mcquaid, Maggie James, Donkers, Tim Riehm, Corey Horn, and Kevin Gates who really let me dig deep because without them I wouldn't have the songs.
5. SJ: Recording process? How did this process differ from that of your previous releases?
JP: I think this process was the most focused I've ever been. I was really really hands-on with production. Co-producing "Adventure Awaits," "Let's Celebrate" and producing " Won't Let Go." I worked alongside Kevin Gates who has been a mentor and a friend in my career since I was 17. So this one felt like we locked in to try and elevate the songs not have cool production with a cool song.
SJ: What is one song you wish Jay Putty wrote?
JP: I always thought one day I would be asked this question and it ALWAYS changes haha I think "Marry Me" by Thomas Rhett is one of the best-written songs of all time. But Lewis Capaldi's "Wish You The Best" would be second.
SJ: What’s next for Jay Putty?
JP: I'm currently writing this at BNA getting ready to head to a writing trip in Europe, so getting more songs ready (I might already have the next EP already done), but next is honestly playing a lot more shows. I finally get to really do a Christmas song this year. But the plan for next year is to do this in a big way, however that looks.
SJ: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us!
JP: Honestly the pleasure is mine. Remember to build a longer table. Not a taller fence.
Listen to The Compass below!
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