Braden Bales, a rising talent from Toronto, has garnered swift recognition for his unique musical style that effortlessly fuses indie, pop, and alternative elements, transcending traditional genre boundaries. His breakout single, "Chronically Cautious," struck a chord with audiences, resonating deeply with its relatable themes of anxiety and self-reflection, while subsequent tracks like "Heaven Again" and "I Write Songs About You" continued to showcase his prowess in capturing unfiltered emotions.
Braden fearlessly delves into the complexities of human experiences, a quality that truly sets him apart. He fearlessly tackles subjects often considered taboo, infusing his work with clever wordplay and metaphors that offer a fresh perspective. His recent creations, including the compelling “Cinnamon Twists,” bravely delve into personal struggles with an honesty that has become his signature. Braden remains firmly rooted in his origins, often captivating audiences through live looping, creating an immersive and spontaneous performance. Braden remains steadfast in his vision throughout his artistic journey, crafting deeply personal songs that resonate and connect with listeners through shared experiences.
Your recent music has been described as candid and reflective. Can you share details about your upcoming singles and your songwriting approach? I've been focusing on being more open in my lyrics, even if that means addressing topics that aren't usually discussed in songs. I have a song titled, “Semi-Platonic” that’s a ballad about a breakup, and it gets pretty real—like, I mention masturbating as a way of coping with depression. I know that might be too much information, but I believe in putting those raw, unfiltered moments into my music. It's not just for shock value; it's about capturing the genuine, often messy human experience. When you listen to a song that discusses something you've felt but maybe never heard expressed, it validates your feelings. I think that's important—to acknowledge emotions, not just gloss over them. I really focused on what wasn’t going well in my life. I stopped on a drive from Toronto to LA, sleeping at rest stops, just trying to figure out what was bothering me. That song became my way to diagnose and scream out those frustrations. The lyrics might sound simple or even trivial—like mentioning cinnamon twists in my kitchen—but they carry the weight of my everyday struggles and the honesty of how I felt at that moment. It's not about making things sound perfect; it's about letting the words carry the realness of my life.
You’ve been teasing a song on social media for the past few weeks called "Cinnamon Twists." Can you tell us more about the single? "Cinnamon Twists" is my way of silencing the voice in my head. I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to negative self-talk, and I needed to put all of it into a song to take away the ammunition my mind was using against me. In the song, I talk about my struggles in the pursuit of happiness as a way to console myself. It’s a letter to myself acknowledging the struggles I’m going through while reassuring myself that it’s okay to not be okay.
With all the intense recording sessions you've had in Los Angeles, how do you maintain a connection to your music when you're no longer the sole person mixing and producing it? It’s been quite a shift for me. In the past, I handled everything from production to mixing and mastering my music. Now, I find myself in LA collaborating with different producers, which is an amazing experience but can also make me feel a bit disconnected. I stay connected by focusing on the writing process and clearly communicating my vision for the song. I work closely with producers to ensure that the final product aligns with my initial vision. To maintain a personal touch, I have also started producing some of my own music again.
You've released several singles this year. Is there a possibility of an EP or album on the horizon? Right now, I’m focusing on singles, but I think they’ll eventually come together into an EP. Each song I write reflects a particular phase in my life, so they naturally fit into collections. I like looking back and seeing how the songs form a narrative about what I was going through at the time. It’s like a musical snapshot of my life .
The announcement of your tour with Games We Play came together rather quickly. How did this opportunity arise, and what was the process behind the scenes to make it happen so fast? I posted a story on Instagram asking which cities I should play a headline show in this fall, and Emmyn Calleiro, the singer of Games We Play, responded, saying that a tour would be fun. I replied, “Yeah, it would be fun.” He followed up with, “I've got a couple of dates in September if you want to do it. We’ve also got these Canadian shows in November. Would you want to do those with me too?” It was such a random, kind of happenstance thing that came together.
Did you already know the band before this opportunity? We had mutual friends and acquaintances and had met briefly at a show in Nashville. After that, we started interacting online, commenting on each other's posts and stuff. That's pretty much how it all started - just meeting at a mutual friend's show in Nashville.
The tour will take you to various places across the US and into Canada, with stops in states like Alabama, Missouri, Indiana, and New Jersey, as well as Quebec and Ontario. How do you feel about performing in places you may not have played before? Are there any specific stops you are especially looking forward to? I'm really looking forward to the show in Quebec because my family will be there. As for the other shows, whether they're in new cities or places I've been to before, I'm equally excited for each one. For me, it's all about the human connection and interaction. As an artist whose main outlet is through the internet, I don't get as much face-to-face interaction. I'm honestly just really looking forward to whichever show has the most people who know my music or are enthusiastic about getting to know my music. I think it's great to visit new cities because it's a fresh start, but revisiting cities like Indianapolis, where I did a show during the tour with Ryan Caraveo, can be a lot of fun too.
How do you anticipate this tour with Games We Play will differ from your previous tour experience with Ryan Caraveo? Are there specific changes or improvements that you're planning to bring to your performance this time around? The show will be different because the audience is different. Ryan Caraveo and Games We Play have vastly different music styles, while Games We Play is more of a rock artist with a live band feeling, Ryan is currently more pop but has a lot of rap history and roots. Their brands as artists are very distinct, and I feel they represent two different elements that I incorporate into my music. The main difference will be that I will be performing for an audience that is more inclined towards rock and the sound of Games We Play. Therefore, my show will reflect that kind of sound, with more live performances and upbeat songs, rather than live tracks and groove music. I aim to highlight the elements of my sound that align more with the audience I’m playing for.
When performing in new cities, how do you interact with the audience to make each show feel special and personal? I don't use a script when I perform, which is unusual. My setup involves a lot of live looping, and I handle everything on stage. Sometimes I play the drums; other times I play the keys and various other things. Some artists plan out every detail of their shows and perform the same set every time. Instead, I like to leave space between my songs to talk about them. My songs are based on my life experiences, and I enjoy sharing different perspectives and stories from my past during each performance. I can speak freely from the heart, and each show can be influenced by how I'm feeling that day. If I'm having a great day, I'll focus on the happier aspects of my stories, but if it's a tough day, I might share some of the sadder parts with the audience. If someone yells something, I'll play into that. I like to have conversations with the audience. I enjoy crowd work and hanging out with everyone, creating a big group hangout instead of a set show.
Braden Bales has become a powerful force in the music industry, showcasing an unparalleled fusion of vulnerability and audacity. His relentless commitment to authentically portraying life experiences through music has firmly positioned him as a compelling voice for those who prioritize sincerity in their music. Braden's unwavering dedication to engaging his audience through candid storytelling ensures that his music will undeniably resonate with listeners, offering solace and a profound sense of connection amidst life's shared complexities.
INTEVIEW, WARDROBE, AND PHOTOS BY: HEATHER KOEPP
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