March 25th, 2025, at the Moroccan Lounge was an unforgettable experience. It was the final night of Braden Bales’ tour with support from Ezra, and both artists brought the energy of headliners. It was the kind of show where even the saddest songs left you feeling energized. Beyond the music, there was also a strong sense of community, making the night even more special.

Ezra hit the stage with confidence, immediately hyping the crowd with his song “Gauze.” Despite some technical mishaps, he kept the energy high and the audience engaged. He even brought out special guests, including Scro on guitar and Jomie for their song “Another Sad Song.” One of the most touching moments came when the crowd lit up the room with their phone flashlights during “Better On Mute”—a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has struggled with communication or social anxiety. Ezra also treated fans to unreleased music, including “Intermission,” and delivered a killer mash-up of Modern Baseball and Paramore, which had the whole room singing along.

What stood out most about Ezra’s performance was his incredible crowd control. Engaging an audience isn’t easy, but he made sure everyone felt welcome, no matter who they were. The energy in the room was electric—fans were dancing, responding to him, and even starting mosh pits. “The Pessimist in Me Is Always Right” was an emotional highlight, a beautifully written song that can hit close to home. Personally, I remember discovering it when I was stuck in a creative slump due to imposter syndrome, and it helped me push through and finish a script I had been struggling with. Ezra may have been the opener, but he delivered a performance that easily deserved an encore. It’s clear his music means a lot to his fans, and his impact is undeniable.

Then came the headliner, Braden Bales, who seamlessly blended emotional depth with humor. He’s the kind of artist who can make you laugh one moment and cry the next. His song “You Lied” struck a chord with many in the crowd, and hearing him open up about his journey to California was truly inspiring—a reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the road may be.

Braden’s set was filled with personal touches that made the experience unforgettable. He had the audience choose a code word—"watermelon"—which he cleverly wove into his performance in unexpected and entertaining ways. His song “Mr. Hyde” was an earworm that stuck with you long after the show, and “Me, Myself, and You” had the entire crowd singing and clapping along. A breathtaking moment came when the venue lit up with phone flashlights, creating a sea of lights that added even more emotion to his heartfelt performance.

The chemistry between Braden and his bandmate also led to some amusing moments, and one of the most touching gestures was when he passed the mic to a fan, giving them a chance to share their thoughts. These interactions made it clear how much he values his fans—not just as listeners, but as part of something bigger.

One of the most electrifying moments of the night was when Ezra returned to the stage to join Braden for “Glasshouse.” The energy was unreal, and Braden even jumped into the mosh pit, proving just how powerful it is when two talented artists come together. Another standout moment was when he brought a friend on stage and sang “I Don’t Wanna Know” to them—a fun and unexpected surprise. He closed out the set with “Chronically Cautious,” leaving the crowd wanting more. While many may know him because of that song, his music goes so much deeper than just one hit. Braden Bales is so much more than just the “Chronically Cautious” guy. His discography is filled with depth and emotion, and if you haven’t explored the rest of his music, you’re truly missing out.

March 25th was an iconic night, and it’s just the beginning. It won’t be long before Ezra and Braden Bales are headlining world tours, continuing to make an impact through their music. If you haven’t been paying attention to them yet, now is the time—because you won’t want to miss what’s next.