Ela Minus
{{Short description|Colombian singer-songwriter and producer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image = Ela Minus Mexico.jpg
| birth_name = Gabriela Jimeno Caldas
| alias = Ela Minus, Gabriela Jimeno
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|02|11}}
| birth_place = Bogota, Colombia
| genre = Electronic music, dance pop
| current_member_of = Domino Recording Company
| past_member_of = Ratón Perez
| website = https://elaminus.com/
}}
Gabriela Jimeno Caldas (born 11 February 1990), professionally known as Ela Minus, is a Colombian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-15 |title=Ela Minus nos lleva a un viaje cinematográfico en medio de luces estroboscópicas |url=https://es.rollingstone.com/ela-minus-nos-lleva-a-un-viaje-cinematografico-en-medio-de-luces-estroboscopicas/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Rolling Stone en Español |language=es}}
Biography
= Early life and education =
Jimeno was born in the city of Bogotá. From the age of 11 to 18, she was a drummer for Ratón Perez, a local hardcore rock band that toured Colombia.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-12 |title=Ela Minus es la artista colombiana que le hace falta a tu playlist |url=https://www.vogue.mx/estilo-de-vida/articulo/ela-minus-quien-es-la-artista-colombiana-y-su-musica |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Vogue |language=es-MX}}{{Cite web |last=de 2022 |first=17 de Enero |title=Jessie Reyez y Ela Minus: las dos colombianas que, junto a Karol G, estarán en Coachella |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/colombia/2022/01/17/jessie-reyez-y-ela-minus-las-dos-colombianas-que-junto-a-karol-g-estaran-en-coachella/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=infobae |language=es-ES}} Her stint as a drummer allowed Caldas to gain considerable recognition in the national independent music scene.
Jimeno left Colombia at the age of 19 for the United States to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-30 |title=Ela Minus: de identidad, punk y sintetizadores |url=https://www.gq.com.mx/entretenimiento/articulo/ela-minus-en-entreista-sobre-identidad-punk-y-sintetizadores |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=GQ |language=es-MX}} Moved by the city's nightclub scene, she shifted to electronic music, double majoring in jazz drumming and music synthesis. She continued playing for bands during her studies, and after graduating, she worked on building and designing synthesizers at Critter & Guitari in New York.{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Will |date=2020-11-04 |title=Ela Minus dissects the making of her debut album Acts of Rebellion |url=https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/ela-minus-dissects-the-making-of-her-debut-album-acts-of-rebellion/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Mixdown Magazine |language=en-AU}}
= Career =
Before she began her solo career under the name Ela Minus, Jimeno-Caldas was a prominent drummer for her own projects, playing for bands Balancer and Ratón Perez, and as a hired musician in studio and on tour. She accompanied bands like Austra and Dams of the West as a drummer on a number of tours.{{Cite web |last=González |first=Jesús |date=2021-09-28 |title=Ela Minus: La productora colombiana que le puso el toque latino al techno-pop |url=https://www.sopitas.com/musica/ela-minus-productora-colombiana-techno-pop-disco-acts-of-rebellion-domino-records/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Sopitas.com |language=es-MX}}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-22 |title=Ela Minus, techno de oscuro desde Colombia |url=https://www.timeoutmexico.mx/ciudad-de-mexico/musica/ela-minus-techno-de-oscuro-desde-colombia |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Time Out Ciudad de México |language=es-MX}}
In 2015, Jimeno released her first song as a solo artist titled "Jamaica
From 2015 onwards, Jimeno released a number of extended plays independently. In 2019, she signed with Domino Records, becoming the first Latin American artist to be signed to the label.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Ela Minus llega a Buenos Aires: "El rock me marcó la forma de ver la vida" - Billboard {{!}} Billboard |url=https://billboard.com.ar/ela-minus-llega-a-buenos-aires-el-rock-me-marco-la-forma-de-ver-la-vida/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=es}} On October 23, 2020, Jimeno released her debut album, Acts of Rebellion (Domino Records). The LP was conceived entirely on analog machines (synthesizer, drum machine, sequencer, sampler) in Jimeno's home studio in Brooklyn.{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus Perfected the Quarantine Album—Two Years Ago {{!}} Berklee |url=https://www.berklee.edu/news/berklee-now/ela-minus-perfected-quarantine-album-two-years-ago |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=www.berklee.edu |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus: acts of rebellion |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/ela-minus-acts-of-rebellion/ |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus Makes Techno-Pop for Everyday Rebellion |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/rising/ela-minus-interview/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Pitchfork |language=en}} The Guardian described the album as "a record that shares messages of self-love and resilience that, embedded in her DIY approach, cut through with real resonance."{{Cite web |date=2020-10-23 |title=Ela Minus: Acts of Rebellion review – techno-pop for dancing, thinking and resisting |url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/23/ela-minus-acts-of-rebellion-review |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} It was largely praised by critics internationally,{{Cite web |last=Jolley |first=Ben |date=2020-10-20 |title=Ela Minus - ‘Acts of Rebellion’ review: protest-techno with a DIY punk spirit |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/ela-minus-acts-of-rebellion-review-radar-2792421 |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Citation |title=Ela Minus - acts of rebellion Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/acts-of-rebellion-mw0003421028 |access-date=2022-07-24 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus - acts of rebellion |url=https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/274687-ela-minus-acts-of-rebellion.php |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Album of The Year |language=en-US}} was playlisted on the BBC, and topped Radiónica's charts several times.{{Cite web |title="Acts of rebellion" de Ela Minus: El disco del año |url=https://www.radionica.rocks/musica/musica-colombiana/acts-rebellion-de-ela-minus-el-disco-del-ano |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=www.radionica.rocks}}
In 2021, Jimeno was a resident for BBC1. In July 2021, she performed live at the Chanel Haute Couture Winter 2021/22 show and dinner.{{Cite web |last=Socha |first=Miles |date=2021-07-07 |title=Margaret Qualley Practiced Bouquet Tossing for Chanel |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/margaret-qualley-bouquet-tossing-chanel-haute-couture-1234875184/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} Her music has been featured on multiple Chanel campaigns. She has also collaborated with Prada.{{Cite web |last=Rice |first=Kyle Lamar |date=2022-12-06 |title=Prada Extends Lands in Miami for a Night of Latin-Infused Electronica |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/prada-extends-miami-art-basel-1234639592/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}
In September 2021, Jimeno performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival.{{Citation |title=Ela Minus - "megapunk" {{!}} Pitchfork Music Festival 2021 |url=https://pitchfork.com/tv/pitchfork-music-festival-2021/ela-minus-megapunk-live/ |language=en |access-date=2022-07-24}}
In February 2022, Jimeno began her North American tour and toured with Caribou. In April 2022, she performed at Coachella.{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Alex |date=2022-04-15 |title=Coachella 2022: Stage times, line-up, and how to watch |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/coachella-2022-how-to-watch-set-times-livestream-3205464 |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} Later in June, she played at Primavera Sound.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-11 |title=Primavera Sound Barcelona: Cartel y horarios de los conciertos del sábado 11 de junio |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/cultura/20220611/8330445/primavera-sound-barcelona-artistas-cartel-horarios-conciertos-sabado-11-junio.html |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=La Vanguardia |language=es}} Also that year, Jimeno played at festivals including III Points,{{Cite web |last=Chamber |first=Miami Beach |date=2021-08-30 |title=MIAMI’S III POINTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES TICKETS FOR OCT 22-23 EVENT ARE 99% SOLD-OUT, MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON {{!}} Miami Beach Community News# |url=https://communitynewspapers.com/miami-beach-news/miamis-iii-points-festival-announces-tickets-for-oct-22-23-event-are-99-sold-out-more-artists-to-be-announced-soon/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en-US}} Portola Festival,{{Cite web |last=Pearis |first=Bill|date=2022-08-04 |title=Ela Minus teams with DJ Python for new EP (listen to "Pájaros en Verano") |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/ela-minus-teams-with-dj-python-for-new-ep-listen-to-pajaros-en-verano/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en}} FORMAT, Festival Estereo Picnic,{{Cite web |last=Trujillo |first=Daniela |date=2022-03-19 |title=Ela Minus de camino al FEP: el sonido de la transformación |url=https://manifiesta.org/ela-minus-estereo-picnic-comeback-manifiesta/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Manifiesta |language=es}} Fauna Otoño,{{Cite web |date=2022-01-04 |title=C. Tangana y Caribou lideran el Festival Fauna Otoño 2022 |url=https://www.indierocks.mx/agenda/c-tangana-y-caribou-lideran-el-festival-fauna-otono-2022/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Indie Rocks! |language=es}} and Sideways Festival.{{Cite web |last=Bretón |first=Emil Gil |date=2018-04-07 |title=Sideways 2022: More Bands Added and Final Line-up – Metalcry.com :: Tu Web de Rock y Metal |url=https://metalcry.com/sideways-2022-more-bands-added-and-final-line-up/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=es}}
In May 2023, Jimeno performed at Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California.{{cite web|first=Damien|last=Jones|url=https://www.nme.com/news/siouxsie-sioux-and-iggy-pop-lead-cruel-world-festival-2023-line-up-3385361|title=Siouxsie Sioux and Iggy Pop lead Cruel World Festival 2023 line-up with other acts including the Human League|publisher=NME|date=23 January 2023|access-date=26 January 2023}} Later in 2023, on April 15 and 22, she performed again on opening day in Coachella, Indio California along with other industry artists such as Bad Bunny and Harry Styles.
= Personal life =
Style
Jimeno's compositions can be categorized mainly as electronic, with her main genres of influence including improvisational jazz and techno. She is musically inspired by Kraftwerk and early Daft Punk. When vocals are included in her music, she sings in both English and Spanish. The majority of her work is done with analog synthesizers and drum machines.{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus |url=https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/night-life/ela-minus |access-date=2022-07-23 |website=The New Yorker |language=en}}
Discography
Studio albums
- Acts of Rebellion (Domino Records, 2020)
- DÍA (Domino Records, 2025){{Cite web |last=Casillas |first=Andrew |date=2025-01-15 |title=Ela Minus Learned to Call Her Own Bullshit -- and Made Her Most Personal Album Yet |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/ela-minus-interview-dia-album-1235236848/ |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}
EPs
- First Words (self released, 2015){{Cite web |title=Ela Minus’ "Volcán" Is A Ray Of Synthy Sunshine For Your Winter Troubles |url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/02/12/ela-minus-volcan |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=The FADER |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=PREMIERE: Sal a dar un paseo por las nubes con el EP debut de Ela Minus |url=https://www.vice.com/es/article/ep-debut-de-ela-minus-first-words/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Vice.com |language=es}}
- Grow (self released, 2016){{Cite web |title=Dance With Your Eyes Closed With Ela Minus' 'Grow' EP |url=https://remezcla.com/releases/music/ela-minus-grow-ep/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Remezcla |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Ela Minus nos dibujó las canciones de su nuevo EP, 'Grow' |url=https://www.vice.com/es/article/ela-minus-nos-dibuj-las-canciones-de-su-nuevo-ep-grow/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Vice.com |language=es}}
- Adapt (self released, 2017){{Cite web |title=Ela Minus Builds Tiny Worlds of Shimmering Pop on 'Adapt' EP |url=https://remezcla.com/releases/music/ela-minus-adapt-ep/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Remezcla |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=‘Adapt’, lo nuevo de Ela Minus, es un halo de luz en medio de la oscuridad |url=https://www.vice.com/es/article/adapt-lo-nuevo-de-ela-minus-es-un-halo-de-luz-en-medio-de-la-oscuridad/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Vice.com |language=es}}
Singles
- "OK.../So" (2018){{Cite web |last=Jolley |first=Ben |date=2020-04-20 |title=Ela Minus: one-woman electronic orchestra making techno-pop to soundtrack a rebellion |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/ela-minus-interview-acts-of-rebellion-2650078 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}
- "they told us it was hard, but they were wrong" (Domino Records, 2020){{Cite web |date=2020-04-15 |title=Ela Minus Makes Domino Debut With Video for New Song |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/ela-minus-makes-domino-debut-with-video-for-new-song-watch/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}
- "megapunk" (Domino Records, 2020){{Cite web |title=Ela Minus debuts new track "megapunk" {{!}} News {{!}} Domino |url=https://www.dominomusic.com/news/uk/ela-minus-debuts-new-track-megapunk |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Domino Recording Company |language=en}}{{Citation |title=Ela Minus - "megapunk" {{!}} Pitchfork Music Festival 2021 |url=https://pitchfork.com/tv/pitchfork-music-festival-2021/ela-minus-megapunk-live/ |language=en |access-date=2022-11-21}}
- "el cielo no es de nadie" (Domino Records, 2020){{Cite web |last=practicas |date=2020-08-26 |title="El cielo no es de nadie", lo nuevo de Ela Minus |url=https://www.indierocks.mx/musica/noticias/el-cielo-no-es-de-nadie-lo-nuevo-de-ela-minus/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Indie Rocks! |language=es}}
- "dominique" (Domino Records, 2020){{Cite web |date=2020-10-20 |title=Listen to Ela Minus’ New Song "dominique" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-ela-minus-new-song-dominique/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}
- "Kiss U" ft. DJ Python (Domino Records, 2022){{Cite web |title=Ela Minus & DJ Python Release New Song "Kiss U" {{!}} News {{!}} Domino |url=https://www.dominomusic.com/news/uk/ela-minus-dj-python-release-new-song-kiss-u |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Domino Recording Company |language=en}}
- "Combat" (Domino Records, 2024)
- "Broken" (Domino Records, 2024)
- "Upwards" (Domino Records, 2024)
- "QQQQ" (Domino Records, 2025)
- "Ghost Orchid" (Domino Records, 2025)
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Discogs artist}} {{MusicBrainz artist}}
- [https://elaminus.com/ Official website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Minus, Ela}}
Category:Colombian singer-songwriters