Elena Rose has made hits for JLo, Becky G and more. Now she's stepping into the spotlight.
Elena Rose has never been one to keep her feet on the ground, and now she's ready to soar.
The Venezuelan American singer-songwriter, born Andrea Elena Mangiamarchi, broke into the industry in 2019 as an emerging hitmaker in Latin pop after finding mentorship from Peruvian composer Patrick Romantik ("Mayores" by Becky G featuring Bad Bunny, "Duele el Corazón" by Enrique Iglesias featuring Wisin).
Despite working behind the scenes, Rose became a platinum powerhouse thanks to her writing collaborations with pop superstars such as Becky G and Karol G ("Mamiii"), Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro ("Party") and Jennifer Lopez and Maluma ("Pa' Ti").
"Writing for other people was a passion that found me in a way, because I never really thought it was going to be something that I loved so much," Rose, 29, tells USA TODAY. "It feeds my soul because I feel that I found so many parts of me thanks to someone else who pointed them out."
Songwriting for artists, however, eventually became "a comfort zone" for Rose, she says. The global disruption of the coronavirus pandemic provided a "wake-up call" that set her singing career in motion. "There are some words that are put out there that only I can sing. There's a message that I can only protect."
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Rose is stepping into the spotlight with the release of the EP "En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas)" (out now), which marks her debut studio effort. The EP's title, which translates to "In the Clouds (With my Friends)," pays homage to Rose's childhood introspection.
"Ever since I was little, my family used to tell me that I lived in the clouds, that I lived in my own little world. Growing up, I intentionally made this place my little escape or this magical place that lived in me where I could be myself," Rose says.
"Every song is a little corner of this house in the clouds, and it's inviting you guys to maybe come have some tea, listen to some music and it's a safe space where you can be yourself."
Elena Rose on representing Venezuela with Latin Grammy nod
On Latin music's biggest night, Rose will be wearing her heritage on her sleeve.
The singer is nominated for a trio of awards at the 25th annual Latin Grammy Awards, including song of the year for her 2023 single "Caracas en el 2000." Rose, who will be performing at the Nov. 14 ceremony, affectionately describes the dance-pop banger featuring Danny Ocean and Jerry Di as a "song for my country that hugs my culture, my roots, where I come from."
"The fact the (Latin Recording) Academy is recognizing this very personal feeling that is in this song, it's a big, big honor for me," Rose says. "I want to grab onto any opportunity that I have to bring a big smile and a gift to my country, so that's why I was so excited when I heard that we were nominated because I really felt like my country was nominated."
As a songwriter, Rose is also nominated in the best regional category for the Becky G hit "Por el Contrario." She says the mariachi ballad, which features appearances from siblings Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar "just had that vibe of it was going to be something magical."
"Regional music from every country is something that I respect a lot," Rose says. "I am grateful that Mexico has always been very open with my little piece of love in every song that I do in that market. I know it's a lot of responsibility and not everybody has the opportunity to do it."
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Elena Rose opens up about spiritual songwriting process
For Rose, making music is a communion.
The "Bayamón" singer says invoking her spirituality is an important part of her songwriting process.
"I love inviting God to my sessions. He's such a cool collaborator, and he gets me," Rose says. "I love maybe lighting up a candle or maybe praying a little bit before starting just to set to the mood — talk to the air, talk to the energy in the room and be like, 'We want to write a song. Let's collaborate altogether.'"
Rose also likes to keep her writing sessions conversational, chatting with her collaborators as a way "to see where people are at, how are they feeling, how was their day."
"Collaborating is something beautiful for humans," Rose says. "It's important to be open to learn from someone else because at the end of the day that is what's making you love yourself more and more."
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Elena Rose talks 'life-changing' collaboration with Pharrell
Of all Rose's A-list collaborations, one left her incredibly "Happy."
Rose recently spent some time in the studio with Grammy-winning singer and producer Pharrell Williams, an experience which left a lasting impression on the Latin singer-songwriter.
"Working with him was one of the most life-changing things that ever happened to me because of his humanity, his humbleness, just the fact that he would look at me in the eyes every time that he would speak to me," Rose says.
"He's such a big teacher and inspiration that I'll never forget that love and that really, really important energy that I felt working with him."
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Williams' warm demeanor reflects the "love and as light" Rose aspires to share through her own work and presence in the music industry.
"I am showing my pure essence in everything that I do, hugging life," Rose says. "I want to be a friend to whoever listens to me and that my music can be part of special moments that live forever in someone's heart."
