Ciel (musician)

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
Ciel performing in Detroit in 2019
Ciel performing in Detroit in 2019
Background information
Birth nameCindy Li
BornXi'an, China
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
LabelsParallel Minds, X Kalay, IK7, Planet Euphorique, Ecstatic Editions

Career

Li 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

Her 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
  • Electrical Encounters (2017)
  • Hundred Flowers (2018)
  • Why Me? (2019)
  • Trojan Horse [Thanks for Enlightening Me] (2020)
  • All We Have is Each Other (2021)
  • Mister Saturday Night (2021)

References
  1. "Ciel MUTEK Montreal". Mutek Montreal. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  2. "biography • Ciel • Cindy Li". PartyFlock. 8 August 2021. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. "Ciel • Biography". Resident Advisor. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  6. Ritchie, Kevin (21 Oct 2015). "Discwoman touches down in Toronto". Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Ryce, Andrew (25 Oct 2017). "Ciel - Electrical Encounters". Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  10. Beta, Andy. ""Elevate (Go Off Mix)"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
  11. 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.
  12. "The Best Electronic Music of 2018". Pitchfork. 13 Dec 2018. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 15 Jan 2022.
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