Gabriela Jimeno Caldas (born 11 February 1990 in Bogotá, Colombia), professionally known as Ela Minus, is a Colombian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.[1]
Ela Minus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gabriela Jimeno Caldas |
| Also known as | Ela Minus, Gabriela Jimeno |
| Born | February 11, 1990 Bogota, Colombia |
| Genres | Electronic music, dance pop |
| Member of | Domino Recording Company |
| Formerly of | Ratón Perez |
| Website | https://elaminus.com/ |
Biography
Early life and education
Jimeno was born in the city of Bogotá in Colombia. From the age of 12 to 18, she was a drummer for Ratón Perez, a local hardcore rock band that toured Colombia.[2][3] 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.[4] 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,[2] and after graduating, she worked on building and designing synthesizers at Critter & Guitari in New York.[5]
Career
Before she began her solo career under the name Ela Minus, Jimeno 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.[6][7]
In 2015, Jimeno released her first song as a solo artist titled "Jamaica'' under the moniker of Ela Minus, an alter ego in which Jimeno writes, records and produces everything herself.[8] The project differentiated itself immediately by the motto of only using analog synthesizers and producing outside of the computer, using computers solely to record audio.[9] Unlike other electronic music acts, Minus started by only playing live shows, refusing to DJ; she quickly gained recognition by playing clubs and festivals around the world exclusively as a live electronic act, with only analog gear with her on stage.
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.[10] 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.[11][12][13] 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."[14] It was largely praised by critics internationally,[15][16][17] was playlisted on the BBC, and topped Radiónica's charts several times.[18]
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.[19] Her music has been featured on multiple Chanel campaigns. She has also collaborated with Prada.[20]
In September 2021, Jimeno performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival.[21]
In February 2022, Jimeno began her North American tour and toured with Caribou. In April 2022, she performed at Coachella.[22] Later in June, she played at Primavera Sound.[23] Also that year, Jimeno played at festivals including III Points,[24] Portola Festival,[25] FORMAT,[25] Festival Estereo Picnic,[26] Fauna Otoño,[27] and Sideways Festival.[28]
In May 2023, Jimeno performed at Cruel World Festival in Pasadena, California.[29] 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 Buddy and Harry Styles.
Personal life
Jimeno is based in Brooklyn, New York.[14]
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.[14] 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.[30]
Discography
Albums
EPs
- First Words (self released, 2015)[31][32]
- Grow (self released, 2016)[33][34]
- Adapt (self released, 2017)[35][36]
LPs
- Acts of Rebellion (Domino Records, 2020).[12]