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Tattoo Talk: Talkless Discusses His Ink, Being a Tattoo Artist, and the Worst Tattoo He’s Given

Celebrating his latest single, “Talking To Myself,” we connected with musician and tattoo artist Talkless to discuss his music and ink work at LOOSENEEDLE. #tattootalk

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There’s a certain lightheartedness at play when it comes to new artist Talkless, and you can for sure hear it in his latest single, “Talking To Myself.” Released on June 30th, the song is dancy yet also features a certain modern post-punk sound. It’s an upbeat tune featuring jangly guitars, but one that also touches on the anguish of heading down a mental spiral.

As of late, Talkless has been on a roll, consistently releasing singles, building his catalogue, and making people aware of who he is and what he’s all about. “Talking To Myself” follows his previous single “Mind Games,” featuring Marwang, and “Why,” which came out last summer. It’s been a steady climb for an artist that just released his debut single, “While I’m In It,” a little over a year ago. Altogether, Talkless has amassed over one million total streams in that time, a rising artist who is demonstrating a lot of range in his musical abilities.

Outside of writing and recording, Talkless is also a licensed tattoo artist. It’s been his second love, besides music, for several years, and it’s become so much more than just a hobby. We recently spoke to the artist for our latest Tattoo Talk, in which we discussed his early interest in drawing, his professional work as a tattoo artist, his own tattoos, and what ink he’s got planned for the upcoming months.

You developed an interest in drawing at an early age. How early, and how did it all begin?

Talkless: “Really early, like since I can remember. My dad and my brother liked drawing, so I just followed their footsteps.”

What did you enjoy about drawing, and what, specifically, did you enjoy drawing?

“I think it’s cool that you can draw anywhere; all you need is a pencil and a piece of paper. I like drawing a bunch of faces and creepy smiles; I have a specific face I’ve been drawing forever!”

For about seven years now, you’ve been working as a licensed tattooist in various shops. What are some of these shops, and what has that seven-year road looked like?

“Fuck those shops, I’m not giving them no clout. But tattooing opened so many doors and got me to travel; I was able to do a lot of cool-looking stuff and meet new people. I met (fellow producer and labelmate) Kelly through my tattooing career; I never would’ve been able to meet him if it wasn’t for tattooing.”

What was the first tattoo you ever did? Give us insight into the experience.

“I went to a party, and I tattooed the same tattoo on like 27 different people because that was all I knew how to do at the time!”

Where are you currently working; how can people find you?

“I currently work at a private studio called LOOSENEEDLE doing my own thing. You can find me on Instagram and send me a DM with a reference picture, and we can get something started!”

Talk to us about your new single, “Talking To Myself.” How was the track conceived, and what are the lyrics all about?

It’s a catchy song, super upbeat, and you have to listen to it to find out about the lyrics.”

“Talking To Myself” follows previous singles “Mind Games,” “Why,” and “While I’m In It.” Is there a content or lyrical theme to your music?

“I don’t know… I have no idea. I try not to stick to themes and make each song different in its own way.”

Do you have any new tattoos planned or underway? Give us the dirt, dude!

“Yes, I’m currently working on a couple projects right now. I’m actually working on doing a big tattoo and Kelly’s head.”

Have any tattoos that were painful. Like made you cry, see white light, and regret being born?

“Definitely! My sternum tattoo of a scarab’s beetle.”

Artwork for the single “Talking To Myself” by Talkless

Tattoo artists are similar to bartenders in the sense that people confide in them. What’s the most personal story you’ve shared (or been told) while getting work done.

“SO many I can’t even pinpoint one right now… too many to count. I like to keep those stories private because I like that they’ve been entrusted to me, and out of respect for that person.”

If someone is thinking about a career as a tattoo artist, what’s the most important advice you could give them?

“Don’t buy an Amazon machine! Practice makes perfect. Good luck.”

In your opinion, what’s the worst tattoo you’ve ever been asked to give?

“The weirdest one I’ve given is a tattoo on Asspizza’s hand. He’s a designer in New York. He wanted to get the phrase ‘I’m gonna cut this hand off in a few years,’ and I thought it was sick. The worst one is anyone who asked for praying hands or rosaries because they’re common and pretty easy to do.”

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