IN CONVERSATION WITH ELENA ROSE
interview by JANA LETONJA
9x Latin Grammy and 1x Grammy nominee Elena Rose will release her highly anticipated debut album ‘En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas) on 7th November. Before transitioning into a solo career in 2020, Elena initially made a name for herself as a prolific songwriter, penning hits for renowned artists like Becky G, Rauw Alejandro, Selena Gomez, Daddy Yankee, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, and more.
photography BERNANRDO GARCIA-SALGADO for BogaPRAgency
Your journey in music began as a songwriter for other artists. What motivated you to transition into a solo career in 2020?
The world almost ended in 2020, and it felt like my cue. Everything led me to that moment to be honest, my artist career needed a woman ready to defend a message and to be strong for the path and purpose. I knew it had to happen one day, but honestly like everything in my life, I would ask God to show me the way and to show me my next move.
How has your experience as a songwriter influenced your approach to crafting your own music?
Songwriting, singing, painting, writing, loving, it's all art. I just love feeling and expressing myself, to express my soul through my body. It’s more like my human experience has crafted my art.
You’ll be releasing your debut album ‘En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas)’ this November. What does this album mean to you personally, and what inspired it?
This little album is a little sneak peek into my personal life. My friends, my family, my day to day, and how all of this inspires me in my art. How my loved ones are my fuel and the reason I also keep going. It’s a very vulnerable perspective and at the same time, it has a lot of intentional information for my warriors of light. With this EP, I want me and the ones who listen to my music to hold hands for what's next.
Your album celebrates themes of female strength and independence. Why are these themes important to you, and how do they manifest in your music?
My message is of love, respect, real freedom and consciousness. It’s about hugging humanity and leaving little reminders of yes, it's ok to love and love is still the answer. Women, men, kids, everyone. With a message that we can all understand, I want to say: stand up, remember your value, protect your heart and love with all of it. We all have a big purpose in this life, and my music won’t let you forget it.
How do you hope to inspire other women through your music?
By being myself, by working very hard and letting my actions speak for me. By being love and grace, the most powerful thing a woman can be.
How do you choose the artists you collaborate with, and what do you look for in a musical partnership?
It's very intuitive. I do as I feel when it comes to this. I listen to the song and to its needs. It’s not about the biggest or the most famous or the TikTok trendy decision to make. To me, it’s about what is best for the song. I'm grateful to be supported by artists that I admire so much and who believe in me to collaborate with me. They are my teachers in ways they don't understand. Most of them are my friends, artists with a purpose, with a strong message, humans that I admire for their heart and values. This stands out to me. Good people expressing their hearts out.
Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistry?
Celia Cruz, Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Danny Ocean, Rawayana, Spreadlof. Artists with a purpose, a big heart and timeless sound. They make me be better. They inspire me to never stop believing in myself.
photography MARIAH JULIAH for BogaPRAgency
How do you balance personal storytelling with the catchy, relatable lyrics that resonate with a wider audience?
We are not that different. I believe in the middle point between us, where we all meet. I want to find it every time because I want everyone to relate. It’s how we heal and how we make music part of special moments in our lives. Most of the time, I have to think for 5 more minutes to work harder to get there, sometimes it just comes out in a minute. My song is not finished until I find it, and I don't rush to find it, so that’s my balance. I want it and I’ll negotiate every time for it, my time, my patience, whatever.
You’ve recently been nominated for 3 Latin Grammy Awards. How do these accolades inspire and fuel your future work?
It's an honor for me. I want to bring happiness to my country, to my culture. It's a big deal to feel seen and recognized, but to be honest, it's been a year where my team and I have really felt the love. Understanding this is the path we want to keep making, God leading the way and love making the playlist. I'm grateful eternally and focused, excited for the present and future.
You have some exciting upcoming performances, including Coca Cola Fest in Mexico City and Lollapalooza 2025. What are you most looking forward to about these events?
Seeing my warriors in that crowd. I can't wait to sing together, to hug them and to sing my heart out for my people.
After the release of your debut album, what’s next for you? Are there any particular projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
More music and more love. Forever and ever.
