Ela Minus: "Music. Always music. More music"

Our journey through independent, emerging, young, and powerful female artists with so much to say continues. After chatting with Luzai, it’s now Ela Minus' turn. She will be performing at BASE on June 5th for the Linecheck Warm Up. Do you know her? With a background in jazz and electronic synthesis from Berklee College of Music, Ela Minus has built a career with a strong sense of identity, blending refined electronic music, introspective atmospheres, and analog rhythms, all powered by a strong DIY ethos. Her new album, Dìa, marks an evolution from her previous work, Acts of Rebellion, a manifesto album that introduced Ela Minus to a global audience. Here’s what she shared with us. and if it doesn’t make you want to grab a ticket, we honestly don’t know what will.

Interview with Ela Minus ahead of Linecheck Warm Up, in Milan

You studied jazz drums and music synthesis at Berklee and later built synthesizers by hand. How does this deep technical knowledge shape your creative process today?

It gives me freedom. I don't think about the technicalities of creating something anymore, I only create. I have an idea and it's like muscle and brain memory but it isn't rationality that plays a part, the knowledge is internalized so it gives me freedom instead of the constraints of knowing how to make something.

Your debut album acts of rebellion became a standout during the pandemic era. Looking back, what do you think resonated most with listeners during that time?

To be honest, I have no idea, what do you think it was? I don't have the perspective, as it is something i made. My perspective is completely biased, but I am glad it happened. I feel honored to have been part of people’s life on such a pivotal moment.

You’ve played iconic stages like Coachella, Primavera Sound and Estéreo Picnic. How do you prepare differently for festivals versus club shows? How did you prepare for Linecheck?

They are completely different shows, from every point of view. I rehearse for every single show I do, and they are naturally very different. Club shows are more intimate, I feel more present in the room, with the audience, there is a bit more room for improvisation as I am feeling the vibe of the room, kind of playing with it. Festivals is different, I feel I have to take up more space, visually and sonically and that makes me play and perform differently.

You’ve recently worked with fashion houses like Chanel, Miu Miu, and Prada. What do you enjoy about connecting music and fashion?

The naturality of it all. They just seem to fit together.

What can the Milan audience expect from your set at Linecheck? Will it be more reflective, more high-energy or a mix of both?

A mix of both for sure, and also it depends on where the audience guides me. I'm getting crescendo vibes from Milan: starting reflective, slow, going on to a high energetic note. But I have never been there, so I might be wrong. Let's touch base after? 

Linecheck puts strong emphasis on music industry innovation and sustainability. How do these themes resonate with your personal or artistic values?

The music industry has both to change and a long path ahead to innovate and be more sustainable for everyone involved. As that is what music does on its own, the industry around it has to follow, it should all follow the music, it's what I try to live by. I think about every day and try to be on the front of it with actions, questioning everything and trying my own ways of doing things, how I manage my career and my music. 

What role do you think live performance plays in building community, especially at a time when so much of music is experienced online?

A crucial one. Nothing compares to live music, real live music, performed in real time by human beings. It is a crucial ritual for humanity and that should be a part of everyone's life. Especially young people. 

What’s next for you?

Music. Always music. More music.