Kai M, now based in Hong Kong after years performing in Singapore’s night scene, released his debut 5-track EP Electric on April 1, 2025. This 22-minute project reinterprets iconic Japanese and Chinese ballads through Kai’s unique electric guitar style, defined by emotive slides, vibrato, and subtle tremolo. Covering songs like Yutaka Ozaki’s “I Love You,” Teresa Teng and Ann Lewis’ “Goodbye My Love,” Southern All Stars’ “真夏の果実,” Wan Fang’s “新不了情,” and Toshinobu Kubota’s “Missing,” Kai honors the originals while adding his distinct voice. Likely the only artist to cover four of these tracks on electric guitar, Electric resonates with fans of instrumental music.
Kai’s expressive guitar work, paired with warm keys, captures the heart of each song. “I played most of these live in Singapore, now reimagined in the studio,” Kai says. Each track respects the originals while showcasing his unique style.
Here’s a look at the tracks:
- “I Love You” (Yutaka Ozaki Cover, 1987): This Japanese hit opens with a tender, cinematic tone. Kai’s emotive slides and vibrato evoke nostalgia, delivering a fresh yet faithful take on Ozaki’s romantic classic.
- “Goodbye My Love” (Teresa Teng/Ann Lewis Cover): A soulful track, likely the only electric guitar cover, uses Kai’s expressive vibrato and tremolo to blend melancholy and hope, honoring the original’s emotional depth with a bright, uplifting touch.
- “真夏の果実” (Midsummer Fruit, Southern All Stars Cover, 1990): From the film Inamura Jane and covered by Jacky Cheung, this track showcases Kai’s melodic and precise guitar technique, highlighted by notable melodic guitar solos. This likely unique cover captures the song’s nostalgic beauty through expressive slides and vibrato.
- “新不了情” (Endless Love, Wan Fang Cover, 1993): A hit from the Hong Kong film C’est la vie, mon chéri, this probable one-of-a-kind guitar cover features notable melodic guitar solos with precise technique, fluid slides, and tremolo to convey warmth and wistfulness, creating an uplifting experience.
- “Missing” (Toshinobu Kubota Cover, 1986): Closing the EP, this introspective cover, likely the only of its kind, uses Kai’s gentle vibrato and tremolo to echo the original’s longing while adding a reflective depth.
Electric blends pop, soul, and rock to create a concise, impactful debut. Each track carries emotional weight, reimagining classics with respect and originality. Stream Electric on Spotify and follow Kai M on Instagram for more.