Why Brandon Lake Has 23 Strangers' Names Permanently Tattooed on His Leg

Brandon Lake revealed the unique way he financed his first album.

The singer admitted, "I was willing to do anything short of sin to get this record done. Anything short of sin," during an interview withCBS Mornings that aired on Tuesday, June 30.

His first album, Closer, was published independently in 2016 with the help of an unconventional fundraising method that left him with a permanent reminder.

"I decided, 'I'm going to have to ask people for money and raise this money,'" Lake said.

"I said, 'If you give me a certain amount of money, I'll tattoo your name on my leg,'" he continued. "I have 23 last names tattooed on my thigh - 23 to get the record done."

The 36-year-old singer also spoke about the "panic" and "dark thoughts" he experienced after finding success. He looked to religion while struggling with this huge change.

"I'm like, 'This is not who I am. I'm on the mountaintop right now. My dreams are coming true and it's just crazy.' I guess I'd say a lot of people's lowest moments come from a low moment," Lake shared. "Mine came from a high moment."

His latest album, King of Hearts - in the Room!, was recorded live during his most recent tour. Lake took to Instagram to celebrate after the record was released on Friday, June 26.

"I could try forever to describe the presence of God in the room during these nights. This tour is one of those markers on my life that I'll tell the stories of for decades. Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the hundreds of thousands of lives changed. Thank you that you're not finished yet," he wrote on the social media platform.

The singer came out with King of Hearts in April 2025. He shared his inspiration behind the record on Instagram after it was released.

"I'm not sure if I knew who this record was for when I started writing it, but as the songs came the more I realized it was not for the seemingly put together, but rather those who are honest about their brokenness, but also have a desire to connect with their creator and experience Him in everyday life," Lake wrote.

"This creator is King of the universe, King of Nations, King of creation, but none more important than King of hearts. ♥️" he added.

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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 11:30 PM.