Ela Minus: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

NYC-based artist Ela Minus is creating the perfect musical antidote for moments of gloom or, in her words “bright music for dark times”. Something we’ve all needed a heavy dose of this year.

Two things lie at the core of her musical pursuits; a strong relationship with her machines and her belief that we all have the ability to make a change in the world. Realised through her strictly hardware synthesizer set up and imbued with a punk approach, she crafts intricate electronic compositions that are textural and warm, flirting with the dark and the light.

Her relationship with Domino Records came about earlier this year with the release of two singles, and now her debut album Acts of Rebellion, which really sees her come into her own as an artist. Following the release we invited her to take the reigns of this week’s Wednesday Alternative mix, in which she strings together an eclectic mix of electronics, from crunchy leftfield rhythms to harmonic, synth-laced house jams..

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

Hi, I’m Ela and I really love music.  

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

This is what I think my music sounds like…

Where was the mix recorded?

In my apartment.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Hum… I’m not sure, it turned out quite eclectic, so maybe in a couple different settings. Stand up and dance for some time, then sit down and go inside for another bit, then do whatever you want.

What should we be wearing?

Jeje up to you. But my rule for clothes is simply be comfortable. So, whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

An actual club, with the setup of a club, cdjs, etc. and an audience present.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Nicolas Jaar – Motivation Without Hope.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Can’t choose // won’t choose.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Hum… I think I rather enjoy a set from my favorites than doing a b2b, feeling in more of an audience mood atm. Maybe it’s because I really miss raving? Probably more than DJing right now, if I’m honest. So I would like to go to a party with a legend like Mr. Mills and then some of my favs, buttechno and upsammy.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

I’ve never owned a DJ setup, still don’t. A couple of months ago I got a pioneer mixer because I like the sound and wanted to experiment with it for my live set.  And I borrow CDJs when I can. I had a pair that were from a bar that was closed but it just opened again so this mix I actually recorded right before I had to return them.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Depends, but probs the one I start with.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Last one, in all honesty was my own. Felt like a good omen to buy my own vinyl on release day.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Miso Soup

If it was an animal what would it be?

Ocelot

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Sorry, can’t think of one at the moment, I’m a bit tired so my brain isn’t at its full. I owe you this answer for the next time we do this 😉

Follow Ela Minus and buy Acts of Rebellion.