npr.org
Ela Minus: Analog Synth Pioneer
Colombian-American musician Ela Minus uses analog synthesizers instead of laptops to create a more human-sounding electronic music; her new album, "Dia," reflects this approach, and she embraces occasional malfunctions as opportunities for genuine audience connection.
- How does Ela Minus's background and experience inform her creative choices and artistic expression?
- Minus's choice to avoid laptops in her music production and performances stems from a desire to move away from the digital soundscape of modern electronic music and embrace the organic qualities of hardware synthesizers. This decision reflects a broader trend in music where artists are seeking to recapture a more tangible and emotional connection with their instruments and audiences.
- What broader implications might Ela Minus's musical style and artistic approach have for the future of electronic music?
- Minus's unique approach might influence other electronic musicians to explore analog instruments, potentially leading to a more diverse and emotionally resonant electronic music scene. Her embrace of imperfections in live performances challenges the prevailing emphasis on flawless digital productions, suggesting a possible shift in audience expectations and appreciation for authenticity. The emotional vulnerability expressed in her music and interviews adds a layer of human depth often missing in electronic music.
- What is the main impact of Ela Minus's decision to use analog synthesizers instead of laptops in her music production and performance?
- Ela Minus, a Colombian-American musician, creates analog electronic music using synthesizers instead of laptops, aiming for a more human and less sterile sound. Her new album, "Dia," reflects this approach, showcasing live performances without laptops and embracing the occasional malfunctions as moments of human connection with the audience.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive and celebratory, highlighting Ela Minus's artistic choices and personality. The interviewer's questions consistently emphasize the unique and humanistic aspects of her music-making process, shaping the narrative towards a view of her work as unconventional and valuable. The use of phrases such as "saving humanity" and "preserving human beings" in the opening sets a positive and almost reverent tone.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. However, phrases like "saving humanity" and "preserving human beings" are hyperbolical and positively charged, influencing the audience to view her work with admiration. While not inherently biased, such enthusiastic language colors the overall perception.
Bias by Omission
The interview focuses heavily on Ela Minus's musical process and personal experiences, potentially omitting discussion of broader industry trends or influences on her music. While this is understandable given the interview's format and time constraints, the lack of context on the larger electronic music landscape might limit the audience's understanding of her unique approach.
Gender Bias
The interview doesn't exhibit overt gender bias. However, the anecdote about male engineers questioning her choice of instruments subtly highlights a gender imbalance in the music technology field. While the interviewer doesn't explicitly frame it as gender bias, the anecdote implicitly suggests a double standard where Ela's choices are questioned while male musicians' would not be.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ela Minus's creative process challenges traditional music production norms by prioritizing analog synthesizers over digital technology. This approach promotes innovation in music technology and challenges conventional methods of music creation, potentially inspiring others to explore alternative approaches to technology in creative fields.