Ciel^CA

Credit: Danny Voicu

Ciel, born Cindy Li, is a multifaceted artist whose roots stretch from Xi’an, China, to Toronto, Canada, where she has become a pivotal figure in the electronic music scene. As a classically trained pianist turned producer, DJ, and radio host, Ciel embodies a blend of technical prowess and creative intuition. She co-founded the label Parallel Minds and has been instrumental in projects like the women & LGBTQIA+ DJ collective Discwoman, while also maintaining a monthly residency on Rinse FM since 2018.
Her music, marked by dreamy textures and robust basslines, explores the intersections of New Age melodies and dynamic percussion, creating soundscapes that are both introspective and invigorating. Ciel’s discography includes critically acclaimed EPs such as Electrical Encounters and Hundred Flowers, alongside collaborative releases under names like Psychedelic Budz with D. Tiffany and Cloudsteppers with Dan Only.
Recently, Ciel’s artistic trajectory took a significant turn with the self-released LP Homesick, developed during the pandemic with support from Canadian government funding, earning accolades for its contemplative depth and innovative sound. As Ciel prepares for her return to MUTEK Montréal, she continues to push boundaries, ensuring her music not only resonates on the dance floor but also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity.

Ciel ^CN/CA — First Light
World Premiere

This year at MUTEK, Toronto based DJ, producer and promoter, Ciel (Cindy Li) unveils her debut live set. Composed of new productions along with some of her favourite past compositions, Ciel’s live performance will feature the same refined melodic sensibility and hard-hitting rhythms found in her DJ sets. Expect a wide range of genres, from ambient to jungle, with a few surprises thrown in.