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Rising Toronto Punk Powerhouse Chinese Medicine Release Single "AceTone" And Announce Sophomore EP, The Trans Agenda, Out May 16, 2025

Writer: Crucial RhythmCrucial Rhythm

THE TRANS AGENDA EP 

ARRIVES MAY 16 | PRE-SAVE HERE

 

Announce Tour Dates In Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & More

Full Routing Below

Surreal art with two green faces, a blue skull with halo, and a book titled "The Trans Agenda." Background of clouds, hands, mystical vibe.

Today, BIPOC/Trans-fronted Toronto punk powerhouse—Chinese Medicine—announces their sophomore EP, The Trans Agenda, arrives May 16 via Twin Fang Records. Blending punk, 80s new wave, and a heavy pour of queercore, Chinese Medicine’s upcoming EP doubles down on their uncompromising ethos, thrashing through themes of otherness, systemic corruption, and trans identity with razor-sharp precision.

 

PRE-SAVE THE TRANS AGENDA HERE

 

Alongside the announcement comes a new music video for lead single and blistering pop-punk banger, “Acetone”. Exploring the strange and visceral ways we process trauma, “Acetone” draws deep from personal stories, blending vocals from front-woman Juno Hailey and guitarist Andrew Pearson in a way that sounds like a conversation between friends. Watch the “Acetone” music video HERE.

 

The announcement and single arrive today in celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.

 

“It felt like the perfect time to announce this album,” shared Juno. “Beyond the obvious connection to its name and content, this is also a moment for me to share my journey in my own voice—making myself visible, so to speak. I’ve always been scared of being a visibly trans woman in public, and this album represents me reaching the top of that hill and standing tall, proud to be seen.”

 

Following their blistering 2021 debut EP, Die Aspora, produced by Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire, Dooms Children, Pig Pen) and recorded by Ian Romano, Chinese Medicine have built a reputation for their explosive and politically charged live shows. In 2023, they were ranked #3 on CBC Music's ‘9 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadian Musicians to Listen to’, leading to opening slots for international acts such as Spaced and Pink Shift. In 2024, they supported Protest The Hero on their Ontario tour alongside Bad Waitress.


The BIPOC/Trans-fronted post-punk quartet consisting of front-woman Juno Hailey (vocals/guitar), Andrew Pearson (guitar/vocals), Jack-James Lemaire (bass), and Stefan Hegerat (drums), Blend influences from '80s and modern post-punk, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshing, and unlocking a primal fury in their listeners. 


The band will also have 12” vinyl available, marking the first time their music is available on any physical format. Side A will feature The Trans Agenda, and Side B will showcase Die Aspora. These 10 thrashing tracks are pressed on Frankenstein vinyl and stitched together from a carcass pit of decayed records (aka 100% recycled). A pre-order link is available HERE.


A Chinese Medicine show is more than just a performance - it’s a full-throttle experience. With an electrifying stage presence and an unshakable punk ethos, they command attention no matter where they fall on the lineup. More than anything, they are dedicated to fostering a space that is as fierce as it is inclusive, ensuring that whether on stage, online, or in the crowd, their community always has a place to scream, thrash, and belong.

 

The Trans Agenda Tracklist:

01. Gospel

02. Total Happiness Feat. Shiv and the Carvers

03. Project Runway

04. Speaking in Silence

05. Acetone

06. The Trans Agenda

 

Upcoming Tour Dates:

 

April 24 - Toronto, ON @ Houndsfest

May 10 - London, ON

May 15 - Ottawa, ON @ The 27 Club (Supporting Wine Lips)

May 17 - Montreal, QC @ Pouzza Fest (Theatre St. Catharines)

May 31 - Kingston, ON @ Spring Reverb

August 15 - Elora, ON @ Riverfest Elora

 

More shows to be announced soon

Full Routing + Tickets HERE

 

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© 2025 CRUCIAL RHYTHM

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