Andrea Elena Mangiamarchi, better known as Elena Rose, has an overwhelming list of successes throughout her stellar career as a composer and singer. Rose was born in the now Latin music hub, Miami, and currently resides there, although she grew up between Puerto Rico and Venezuela, as she recently shared with us on LOS40 Global Show.
Rose has also performed her hits firsthand, such as her reggaeton-infused ‘Sandunga,’ ‘Fenomenal,’ ‘La Ducha,’ ‘COCO,’ or the sensual ‘Bayamón.’ Recently, the artist participated in the music video for ‘La Baby,’ part of Tainy’s highly anticipated debut album,‘DATA,’ alongside other artists like Bad Gyal, Camila Cabello, Lali, or Becky G and she is about to release her new single, ‘Limonadita fresca,’ available on July 20.
At LOS40, we talked to Rose about her recent success with ‘Disculpa Amiga,’ which, unlike Shakira or Karol G’s hits, portrays infidelity from the other side of the coin. The composer also spoke to us about the artist she has worked with who has inspired her the most, her dream collaboration, and which Spanish artist she would like to work with.
Latest Projects & the Story Behind ‘Disculpa Amiga’
First of all, how are you? What have you been working on these days?
We’re preparing the upcoming singles that will be released. We’ve been making videos and have had several performances and shows. Lots of music, thank God.
Any hints about what’s coming next?
Collaborations with people I admire a lot! (laughs)
«Disculpa Amiga» is your latest single. We’ve seen other artists, like Shakira herself, sing about infidelity from the other side, but you approach it from a completely different position. How do you feel about sharing such a complicated feeling like the story you tell in the song?
It reminds me that there are always two sides to a story. In my case, this was a real story, it happened that way. I felt that this woman hated me or had a perspective of me that wasn’t true or what could have been my friend and, because of the situation, wasn’t. So I loved being able to open my heart and say, «I’m sorry, this is what happened.» The power to tell the story.
How did you feel when the song was released? How do you think it resonated with people?
At first, I was very nervous because it’s real, and when it’s about to be released, it becomes even more real. And then seeing people’s reaction touches me deeply because there are people who have experienced the situation and connect with it, or people who have felt it from both sides: both from the one causing harm and the one who has been hurt. I think it has been a healing song with beautiful aspects, so…
Infidelity is a delicate topic. Did you hesitate to release the song? Do you think many artists limit themselves in creating their music out of fear of addressing more delicate subjects? Has it happened to you?
I think it does happen, but in this case, it was something very natural.
You have a great trajectory as a songwriter for your own songs and for other renowned artists. With which artist would you say you have learned the most or who has transmitted something special to you among all the ones you have worked with?
I always say that Pharrell has been one of the people who has always planted beautiful things in my heart. His balance with spiritual connection, creativity, and being a person in this world is… incredible, and I love how special he is when it comes to embracing other ways of thinking, being there for me, and always having something to contribute. Not only musically but also in life.
Women in the Studios
We saw that you attended the Billboard event honoring the work of Latin women artists, a celebration with a very important message. I ask you as a singer but also as a songwriter, do you think there is a lack of women in the studios?
No. It’s a world where the dreamer… is creating it themselves. It’s a process that the dreamer goes through beyond being a woman. In my case, as someone who has always been very demanding of myself, when I answer that question, I answer it from my own situation because I have been blessed with doors opening for me, and I have given 100% whether people doubted me or not.
I don’t know, neither a good nor a bad day has defined who I am or stopped me. Do you understand? Obviously, it’s not all negative to generalize because nothing is perfect, but I see more and more women determined to fulfill their dreams and aware that it doesn’t matter if you’re a woman or not, if you are the person bringing the most to the table, people will see you and respect you. And that is unstoppable. I also always say that’s why it’s important who you have around you; I’m with people who respect me for who I am, and I think that’s also very important.
LGBTIQ+ Artists in the Industry
Now that Pride Month has recently passed and considering your recent tribute at the Premios Heat, I also ask you this question regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Do you think there is a lack of visibility for LGBTQ+ artists?
Yes, I would like to see more of them, that’s the truth, it’s a personal dream of mine. I have a friend whom I admire a lot, her name is Emma, she’s trans, and she lives in Mexico. The process she goes through, the battle she faces… it’s a battle I will never fully understand, but I admire it, and I want to see more because it inspires me.
I do feel that it goes beyond one’s sexual orientation or preferences. The important thing is to get to the core of what my message will be and the places where people will be able to connect with my message. The work they have… that we all have, of dreaming at this moment and going out there for people to see us and pay attention to us, is something that takes time, and I feel like more and more, it’s being achieved. Five years ago, there was nobody; now we have Villano Antillano, Ptazeta, Young Miko, all strong artists, including my friend.
We are taking steps, building solid foundations, and that music is appearing more and more. I would like to see them more, and I know it will happen. I think about my friends who were not as inclusive, and they are more and more willing to receive something different.
You have been living in Miami for 8 years. How has it been to witness the limitless growth of Latin music in this city, which is currently the capital of the industry? What is it like to live there at this moment?
Literally, I feel like I’ve experienced it all. I’ve witnessed how Latin music has gained strength from here, which is the base of Latin music, in reality. And it inspires me a lot. A few years ago, we were already in the spotlight, and we wondered if we would continue to thrive or if people would forget about us. But it’s truly the work that Latin artists have done to solidify themselves and create such a strong foundation that makes me proud because it respects the culture. The rest of the world is respecting Latinos and what is being done from this side. And it’s beautiful. It’s not just commercial music; traditional music is also being seen and heard. And I love it because in Miami, there is always movement, creativity, and a drive to do things, to make things happen.
You have worked with many, many artists. Is there still a dream collaboration pending for you?
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