Blake Proehl has announced his debut EP, Hearts Don’t Break, which will be released October 2 via MCA. The six-track project arrives during a year of new music from the singer-songwriter and includes his latest song, “If He Ain’t Up.”
Proehl said Hearts Don’t Break reflects several parts of his life and the artist he has become. “I’m really excited to finally announce my first EP,” he said. “Making this project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and each song represents a different part of my story and who I am as an artist today.” The record moves between upbeat, feel-good material and more vulnerable writing, with relationships and personal experiences providing much of its subject matter.
Proehl signed with MCA in June 2026, with the deal announced during MCA Presents: Live At The SkyDeck at CMA Fest. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of activity. On June 5, he released “She Got It,” followed by “Wild Magnolia” on July 24. Proehl previously appeared on Season 22 of American Idol in 2024, advancing to the Top 24 after auditioning with Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know.” The Charlotte, North Carolina native signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted wide receiver in 2021; a torn ACL cost him his rookie season, and his rehabilitation period became an important part of his move into music.
