Mad Tsai Wants You To Sink Your Teeth Into His New EP, ‘CANINES’

Emerging from his roots in experimental indie pop-rock, Mad Tsai steps confidently into a new phase of his career with the release of his EP titled CANINES. At 24, the Chinese-Taiwanese-Peruvian artist is redefining his sound, embracing dance and hyper-pop elements while weaving in a distinctive vampiric theme that sets this project apart.

Mad Tsai’s earlier work, including tracks like “stacy’s brother” and “all-american bitch!,” established him within alternative music circles, but with CANINES, he signals a deliberate pivot toward mainstream pop sensibilities. This shift does not confine him to a single genre; rather, he explores a fusion of styles reflecting his broad musical influences, including K-pop and Western pop.

The conceptual backbone of CANINES is inspired by the artist’s long-standing fascination with vampire lore and horror cinema. Films such as “Blade,” “Jennifer’s Body,” and the “Interview with the Vampire” series have informed the EP’s dark, sensual aesthetic. This thematic choice serves as a metaphorical framework, allowing Tsai to delve into complex emotional landscapes—ranging from intimacy and desire to isolation and personal growth.

The project has been in development for over a year, evolving considerably since the initial release of its lead single “Bite” in mid-2025. Mad Tsai has been meticulous in curating the tracklist, discarding songs that no longer aligned with his vision or emotional state. The final selection balances danceable beats with meaningful lyricism, offering listeners both energetic grooves and introspective narratives.

CANINES explores themes of loyalty, yearning, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Its soundscape oscillates between sultry, club-ready tracks and more contemplative compositions, reflecting Tsai’s own internal contrasts. For instance, “mon chéri…” melds gothic theatricality with pop sensibilities, inspired by the idea of combining the dramatic flair of “Phantom of the Opera” with the catchiness of Britney Spears, resulting in a vibrant and sensual club anthem.

In contrast, songs like “No One’s Son” reveal a more reflective side. Drawing parallels between the loner existence of vampires and the queer experience of alienation, this track probes themes of identity and emotional isolation. Tsai’s introspective approach offers a personal lens on navigating relationships and societal expectations.

One of the EP’s standout moments, “starved,” captures the aftermath of a painful separation, blending emotional intensity with dramatic hooks. The track showcases Tsai’s ability to convey vulnerability through hyper-pop-infused melodies. Meanwhile, “Wisdom Tooth” employs dental imagery as an allegory for difficult personal growth and the necessity of removing toxic influences.

Collaborations also feature prominently on CANINES, with producers and fellow artists helping to shape its eclectic sound. The song “Diet,” co-written with Maria Landi and producer David Balshaw, was initially overlooked but later embraced following enthusiastic feedback from Tsai’s artistic circle, illustrating the organic and iterative nature of the project’s creation.

Beyond the studio, Mad Tsai is preparing for a world tour set to commence in the fall, with a notable focus on European dates, some of which have already sold out. The tour promises a theatrical live experience, enhancing the vampiric and gothic motifs established in CANINES. Tsai is actively honing his performance skills through singing, dancing, and fitness training, aiming to deliver a confident and captivating stage presence.

Central to Tsai’s artistic evolution is a desire to challenge stereotypes surrounding Asian men in Western pop culture. By embracing themes of sexuality and gothic allure, he seeks to present a new image of Asian male identity—one that is confident, sensual, and multifaceted. This personal mission imbues CANINES with additional cultural significance beyond its musical innovation.

While CANINES offers a comprehensive narrative arc beginning with “Bite” and unfolding through subsequent tracks, Tsai hints at future creative endeavors, suggesting that listeners may soon hear new material that continues to explore and expand his artistic vision. For now, CANINES stands as a compelling statement of transformation and self-expression, marking a pivotal moment in Mad Tsai’s career trajectory.