Cindy Li, known professionally as Ciel, is a Canadian DJ, producer, and promoter.[1][2][3] Based in Toronto, Ontario, Li is known for her solo and collaborative electronic EPs and for founding the label Parallel Minds.[4] Li is also known for her advocacy work for women in the electronic music scene in Toronto. Li was born in Xi'an.[5]
Ciel | |
|---|---|
.jpeg) Ciel performing in Detroit in 2019 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cindy Li |
| Born | Xi'an, China |
| Origin | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Labels | Parallel Minds, X Kalay, IK7, Planet Euphorique, Ecstatic Editions |
Career
editLi studied English at Queen's University.[6] Her career started as the radio host of CFRC-FM, a station in Kingston, Ontario, where she emphasized music from women-identifying artists. There, Li developed an interest in post-punk and shoegaze music.[5] In 2015, Li developed Work in Progress, an event designed as an extension of her radio show and exclusively showcasing music by women-identifying artists.[7] Guests at the shows included D. Tiffany, Volvox, and DJBOYZCLUB.[8] The event was designed to push back against all-male DJ lineups and improve the safety of the spaces where performances take place.
Her debut EP, Electrical Encounters, was released in 2017 to positive critical reviews.[9][10] In 2018, her mix "Radio Buttons #20" was described as one of the best of January by Pitchfork with acclaim for its atmosphere and pacing.[11] Her second EP, Hundred Flowers, was similarly acclaimed as one of the best electronic records of the year.[12] In 2020 and 2021, Li released collaborative EPs with fellow Canadian producers D. Tiffany and Dan Only as Psychedelic Budz and Cloudsteppers.[1]
Style
editHer work has been described as fast-paced, with an emphasis on percussive sampling, lead synths, and bass tonality.[5] She works broadly within electronic and dance music. [1][5]
Discography
editAlbums and EPs
edit- Electrical Encounters (2017)
- Hundred Flowers (2018)
- Why Me? (2019)
- Trojan Horse [Thanks for Enlightening Me] (2020)
- All We Have is Each Other (2021)
References
edit- ^ a b c "Ciel MUTEK Montreal". Mutek Montreal. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ "biography • Ciel • Cindy Li". PartyFlock. 8 August 2021. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Ryce, Andrew (June 25, 2018). "Breaking Through: Ciel". Resident Advisor. Resident Advisor Ltd. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Kent-Smith, Jasmine. "Ciel, Daniel 58 and Yohei S unveil new label, Parallel Minds". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Ciel • Biography". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Ritchie, Kevin (21 Oct 2015). "Discwoman touches down in Toronto". Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Edwards, Samantha (20 September 2017). "Local Hero: Cindy Li is making Toronto's electronic music scene a better place". Archived from the original on 15 February 2021. Retrieved 15 Jan 2021.
- ^ Mitchell, Aurora (17 Feb 2016). "9 All-Female DJ Collectives You Need To Know Right Now". The Fader. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Ryce, Andrew (25 Oct 2017). "Ciel - Electrical Encounters". Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Beta, Andy. ""Elevate (Go Off Mix)"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ Sherburne, Phillip (30 January 2018). "The 11 Best DJ Mixes of January 2018". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
- ^ "The Best Electronic Music of 2018". Pitchfork. 13 Dec 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
