Ashley Purdy 

Born: January 28, 1979

Birthplace: Fort Hood, Texas

Current City: Nashville, Tennessee

Occupations: Musician, Songwriter, Fashion Designer, Home Renovator, Marketing & Merchandising

Genres: Rock, Metal, Glam, Goth, Synth, Alternative

Former Bands: Orgasm, Children of the Beast, Stolen Hearts, Black Veil Brides

Record Labels: Standby, Lava, Universal Republic, Morningwood Records

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Early Life & Education

Ashley Purdy was raised in Berger, Missouri—a small rural town with just 200 residents. From an early age, he showed talent in the arts, winning local and junior college art competitions while still in grade school. His interests ranged from drawing and drama to music, modeling, and sports. Inspired by California’s vibrant creative scene, Purdy set his sights on the West Coast.

At 18, he moved to San Francisco, enrolling at the Academy of Art College while working retail jobs and landing an acting/modelling agent. A year and a half later, he transferred to Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles, where he found his true creative home. In an interview with AP Magazine, Purdy described his early days in California as a period of self-discovery, hustle, and grounding.

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Career in Music

Purdy’s early music career included stints in bands like Orgasm, Children of the Beast, and Stolen Hearts. In 2009, he joined Black Veil Brides, helping the band rise to international fame over the next decade. After leaving the band in 2019, Purdy launched his solo music career and founded Morningwood Records.

His debut single, “Nowhere”, released in December 2019, drew from deeply personal experiences of loss and grief. The track resonated with fans old and new, marking the start of his journey as an independent artist. Since then, he has released multiple singles including “Happy Birthday,” “King For A Day,” and his EP NashVillainin 2020, followed by “Sever the Ties,” “Not OK” (for Mental Health Awareness Month), and “After Midnight” in 2021.

After a brief hiatus, Purdy returned in 2023 with “No Easy Way Out,”a heartfelt tribute to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. His debut solo album is currently in development.

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Ashley Purdy Fashion Inc. (APFI)

In 2013, Purdy launched his fashion brand Ashley Purdy Fashion Inc. (APFI) with a debut retail event at Forgotten Saints in Los Angeles—coinciding with his grandmother’s birthday. APFI offered bold, custom-designed clothing with themes like “Outlaw” and “Purdy Girl,” merging glam rock with rebellious fashion.

Later, APFI transitioned to platforms like Depop and then into the official Ashley Purdy Store, offering exclusive apparel, music memorabilia, and art pieces. Purdy’s passion for fashion lies not only in the style but in branding—creating aspirational lifestyles, much like music does.

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Tattoo Artistry & Personal Symbolism

Ashley’s love for tattoos began as a child when he’d draw on his arms during school. Over the years, he meticulously designed his full arm sleeves before committing to ink. His left arm features traditional sailor imagery—pinups, ships, family symbols—while his right arm embodies a Western/biker theme with cowgirl pinups, skulls, and fire backgrounds.

All of his tattoos were done at Sunset Strip Tattoo in Hollywood, a shop known for its rock legacy. His most iconic piece, the “Outlaw” tattoo on his stomach, represents not just his fashion line and signature bass guitars, but his rebellious identity.

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A New Chapter in Nashville

In 2017, Purdy moved to Nashville seeking a fresh start after a series of personal losses, including the passing of close family members. Tragically, his grandfather passed away just as he arrived for their first Christmas together since his grandmother’s death. These events deeply impacted him, leading to a period of depression and eventually, intensive grief therapy.

That experience changed his outlook on life. He found renewed strength and direction through music, art, and therapy. Nashville became not just a home, but a place of healing and reinvention.

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The Purdy Posse

Through his solo journey, Ashley has cultivated a loyal global fanbase—The Purdy Posse—a community that supports one another through art, music, and shared experiences. His transparency and authenticity continue to inspire fans around the world.

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Discography Highlights

    *    Nowhere (2019)

    *    Happy Birthday (2020)

    *    King For A Day (2020)

    *    NashVillain EP (2020)

    *    Sever the Ties (2021)

    *    Not OK (2021)

    *    After Midnight (2021)

    *    No Easy Way Out (2023)

    *    Ride Like The Wind (2024)

Debut album coming soon.