Mad Tsai Makes Waves in Pop Music with New EP 'CANINES'
The young artist expands his musical style with a vampire-themed EP.
1Mad Tsai's Musical Journey
24-year-old Chinese-Taiwanese-Peruvian artist Mad Tsai has reached a significant milestone in his career, which began with alternative indie pop-rock. Known for hits like 'stacy’s brother' and 'all-american bitch!', Tsai is now on his way to becoming a full-fledged pop star. His new EP CANINES showcases his willingness to experiment with different music genres.
2The Birth of CANINES
The foundations of the EP were laid with the release of the single 'Bite' in June 2025. Tsai reshaped the album concept after significant life changes. Some songs initially planned for the album were left out as they no longer reflected his current emotions. Tsai describes this process as 'a period of musical maturation.'
3Thematic Depth
CANINES explores themes of 'loyalty, human connections, longing, hunger, intimacy, heartbreak, and growth.' Tsai states this is his most personal project to date. The album aims to create a deeper connection with listeners, drawing from his own life experiences and relationships to tell an intimate story.
4Vampire Aesthetic
Tsai approached CANINES with a vampire-themed concept. Inspired by horror films and vampire mythology, the artist incorporated influences from works like 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'Blade'. Tsai also drew inspiration from the Korean animation 'Mignon', reflecting its 'sexy, gay, and vampiric' atmosphere in his music.
5Lead Single: 'mon chéri…'
The album's lead single 'mon chéri…' blends sounds reminiscent of Britney Spears and Phantom of the Opera. Tsai composed this song to capture 'the energy felt in underground clubs while dancing.' He added French lyrics to give the track extra allure. His collaboration with producer ShyKid strengthened the song's dynamic structure.
6Impact of 'Bite'
The first single 'Bite' became a turning point in Tsai's career. The song goes viral every few months, creating new trends. Tsai notes this track served as a catalyst for the EP's narrative. While 'Bite' establishes the starting point, the rest of the album evolves in a different direction, showcasing Tsai's storytelling growth.
7Musical Diversity
Tsai blends genres like pop, hyper-pop, and dance music in CANINES. A self-proclaimed K-pop fan, he emphasizes not wanting to be confined to one genre. This approach gives each song on the album a distinct character. Tsai views this diversity as 'a natural outcome of musical exploration.'
8Recording Process
The album was recorded at Tsai's home in Los Angeles. The artist states he 'explored himself musically, sonically, and thematically' during this process. In Zoom interviews, he emphasized this project represented a growth opportunity. Tsai used the album to establish a more personal connection with his audience.
9Tour Plans
Tsai is preparing for the CANINES tour this fall. The tour will feature live performances of the album's tracks. The artist particularly looks forward to the stage energy of songs like 'Bite' and 'mon chéri…'. Aiming for direct interaction with fans, Tsai sees this tour as 'the next step in his musical journey.'
10Artistic Growth
Tsai describes CANINES as a turning point for him. The album reflects his development as an artist. 'I love growing as an artist,' says Tsai, noting this project gave him the chance to explore different facets of himself. The album presents both a personal and professional growth narrative.
11Industry Impact
CANINES aims to bring a fresh perspective to the pop music industry. Tsai's experimental approach challenges traditional pop conventions. The album particularly targets significant impact within the LGBTQ+ community. Tsai's intimate storytelling and bold themes are setting new standards in the music industry.
12Future Projects
Tsai states CANINES has motivated him for future projects. 'This album excites me for what I want to write and talk about in the future,' says the artist, who's preparing to explore new horizons in his music career. Tsai's next step will be to further expand his musical world.
Original article: Forbes - Business — Mad Tsai Yeni EP'si 'CANINES' ile Pop Dünyasında Fark Yarattı