Ciel | |
---|---|
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 |
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]
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]
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]