Few artists bottle chaos and catharsis like Madison "Mad Whit" Whitaker. The LA born, Houston-raised, Austin-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter carves out a space where raw emotion collides with technical precision; an electrifying fusion of art-rock, math rock, jazz, prog, and soul that defies easy categorization. Dubbed “Sparkle-Shred” by Whitaker themselves, their sound is equal parts shimmer and snarl—think “Disney princess on acid”, but with the compositional chops to back it up.

Music took hold of Whitaker early with them picking up guitar at the age of just eight years old. By their early 20s, they had embedded themselves in Houston’s vibrant underground scene - teaching music, running DIY venues, and curating shows before launching their solo project, Mad Whit, in 2014. As a solo artist, they quickly made waves, opening for Ava Luna, Deerhoof, Foxygen, Mike Watt (The Minutemen), Zorch, and Shmu - kindred artists known for pushing the boundaries of indie rock and experimental pop.

In 2017 Whitaker followed a path blazed by many artists before them - relocating to Austin, Tx - where they soon joined the riotous, all-female punk collective Sailor Poon: after a chance Facebook listing led them to the backyard of Whitaker’s home. They couldn’t help but notice Whitaker’s talents as they practiced their guitar throughout the chanced encounter - unknowingly auditioning for a role that would soon open up a world of opportunities. Since joining the band they have toured relentlessly - playing festivals like ACL, Art Basel, Goner Fest, and Norman Fest -  and sharing stages with the likes of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, IDLES, and Leon Bridges. In 2023, Whitaker briefly joined The Dialtones, a genre-warping art-rock outfit led by guitarist Lauren Gurgiolo (Octopus Project, Heartless Bastards), serving as lead vocalist and synth player. Though their time with the band was short, Whitaker saw them through numerous live performances and recording sessions, helping lay a foundation that has continued to bring attention to the project (with even Britt Daniel (Spoon) calling them “outlandishly original” - a statement he backed up by filming their entire set from the front row) long after their departure. But despite the thrill of The Dialtones gaining momentum, Whitaker felt an undeniable pull back to their own music - a call that refused to go unanswered. Stepping away ultimately wasn’t an exit for Whitaker though; it was a return.

Years of collaborating with other groundbreaking artists have sharpened Whitaker’s vision, pushing their songwriting and musicianship into thrilling new territory. Now, with a decade of experience behind them, their return to Mad Whit is more than a revival - it’s a revelation. Their upcoming single, "Get Back To Work," was born from these experiences and a powerful personal reckoning years in the making. In 2023, following a Bipolar 1 and PTSD diagnosis, they returned to songwriting as a way to process and rebuild, working with producers Roky Moon of King Electric Studios and  Evan Wynn (Chakra Khan) at Playground Sound Studios. The series of seasonal singles set for release throughout 2025 showcases Whitaker at their most vulnerable -turning pain into movement, dissonance into beauty.

Mad Whit today is undeniably in its best form. Deeply human - laced with humor, volatility, and a visceral need for connection. This isn’t just an artist returning to form - it's art being pushed forward. And the technical mastery, fearless experimentation, and raw emotional depth of it all is nothing short of a force to experience. 

This isn’t a comeback, it’s the best they’ve ever been.