Boston’s Exit Fame Reflects on Permanent Stains Reaching No. 7 on iTunes: “Hope Is Powerful”

Boston artist Exit Fame has reached a milestone that many independent artists only dream about. The project climbed to No. 7 on the iTunes charts, a testament to years of dedication, consistency, and grassroots promotion. Recorded at Phoenix Down in Somerville, Massachusetts, Permanent Stains was executive produced by Eli alongside Clockwork Studios. The album also features production from two producers who contributed to Iceman by Drake. Following the releases of Exit Hell and Kill Judas, Exit Fame continues to build momentum. From sharing stages with artists like Jadakiss and Millyz, to being aired on Jamn 94.5 and other radio stations, to now earning a Top 10 iTunes placement, his journey reflects years of persistence and belief in his craft. We caught up with Exit Fame to talk about the success of Permanent Stains, the stories behind the music, and the message he hopes listeners take with them.

Q: What does the title of the album Permanent Stains represent to you personally? And what would you say separates this album from previous albums like 'Exit Hell' or 'Kill Judas' ?

Exit Fame: "The album Permanent Stains is symbolic for unhealed trauma, resentments, mistakes. The wreckage of our past. Things that are hard to move on from. Internal scars so to speak. It brings the question, does forgiveness truly exist. The cover of Permanent Stains is the house my little brother died in. My first introduction to real pain. This album is different from the other albums because it is not all about my me. My other albums have been more like diaries. I really tried to make an album that all can relate to."

Q: Seeing Permanent Stains hit No. 7 on the iTunes charts, did you expect this kind of response?

Exit Fame: “No. Honestly, I was hoping to land somewhere around the 200s. You can’t buy these things—it takes a lot of legwork and really getting out there and doing it.

We had a sales number in mind, and by the end we hit around 89 or 92 sales.

That exceeded my expectations.

I prayed on it, but I also put the work in, so I was really happy about it.”

Q: Who was the first person you heard from after seeing the chart position? Did someone call you or text you?

Exit Fame: “I got two texts—one from another artist congratulating me, and another from Stack Gold Entertainment.

It was around 12:30 at night when it happened.”

Q: If you could recommend just one song from the album for someone hearing your music for the first time, which would it be?

Exit Fame: “My favorite is ‘Over.’ I love that record because it explains the real me throughout Permanent Stains.

I’d definitely tell people to listen to ‘Over.’”

Q: Were there any moments while recording the album that really stands out to you?

Exit Fame: “The song ‘Relapse’ stands out because I wrote it from the perspective of what it would be like if I relapsed.

Even the intro to Permanent Stains is me reflecting on my life.

I’ve lost so many people over the years of being Exit Fame—some have passed away, and with others the relationships are just completely different now.”

Q: What message do you hope people walk away with after listening to Permanent Stains from beginning to end?

Exit Fame: “Hope is powerful. I want people to understand that life is short—too short to hold onto resentment or the things that make you bitter.

It’s about doing the work to heal yourself, freeing yourself, and knowing that with God, everything is possible.”

With Permanent Stains, Exit Fame delivers more than just another album. He offers an honest reflection on loss, healing, faith, and perseverance. Judging by the response and the album’s impressive climb to No. 7 on iTunes, it’s clear those messages are resonating. As his career continues to grow, Exit Fame is proving that authenticity, hard work, and purpose can make a lasting impact.