Braden Bales maps out emotional loss and healing on his new EP, “5 STAGES OF GRIEF”.
Braden Bales continues his upward rise with the release of 5 STAGES OF GRIEF, a stunning new EP released via Capitol Records. Blending introspection with stark lyrical honesty, the project cements Bales as a singular voice in emotionally driven alternative pop.
As Bales explains: “The ‘5 STAGES OF GRIEF’ project is a map of all the places my mind went to while I was struggling to let go of someone I cared about deeply. It’s raw and honest and vulnerable to the point of self-deprecation.”
The five-track release includes “I DON’T (BUT I DO),” “SUBTITLE,” and a new offering titled “WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT.” Each song contributes a different emotional shade to the project’s larger story — one of pain, processing, and ultimately, acceptance. 
Fresh off his first headlining tour and a North American run with Livingston, Bales brings live experience into the studio. His ability to translate raw human emotion into accessible art makes this EP not only listenable, but deeply cathartic.
From the melodic restraint of “I DON’T WANNA KNOW” to the lyrical punches of “YOU LIED,” 5 STAGES OF GRIEF offers both heartbreak and healing in equal measure. Bales proves that honesty and art can co-exist beautifully, even when the subject matter is anything but easy.
