The Colombian-born, Mexico-based singer-songwriter Elsa Y Elmar has dedicated the past two years to writing and recording new music. After compiling a collection of songs, she sought the help of a philosopher and visual artist to understand the essence of her creation. Reflecting on her life experiences, Elsa’s friend identified her song ‘Palacio’ (‘Palace’) as the heart of the album, leading to the LP’s title. Released earlier this month, ‘Palacio’ features bright, introspective pop songs that delve into themes of love, heartbreak, life, and death. This project showcases Elsa’s carefree and lighthearted approach to music, highlighting her growth since her days at Berklee College of Music and multiple Latin Grammy nominations.
Elsa emphasizes the significance of the album’s creation process, stating, “This album is one I had to fight for. I wanted to create it under my rules, with my vision, which required patience and trust in my intuition and myself.” She encourages others to understand that creativity takes time and that it’s okay to allow the process to unfold naturally.
Below, Elsa shares insights into the inspiration behind five standout songs on ‘Palacio.’
“Ké MaL”
‘Ké MaL’ holds a special place in Elsa’s heart as one of her favorite tracks on the album. She aimed to create an album that felt effortless and spontaneous, avoiding a laborious creative process. The song originated from a casual jam session with her best friend, resulting in a freestyle recording that captured the essence of ‘Palacio.’ The grunge elements in the song reflect a sense of acceptance and nonchalance, as portrayed in the accompanying music video.
“Lento Violento”
‘Lento Violento’ pays homage to techno artist Gigi de Agostino, marking a departure from Elsa’s usual style. The production process was meticulous, taking a year to perfect. Drawing inspiration from her travels in Europe, Elsa incorporated random words from Gabriel García Márquez’s ‘100 Years Of Solitude’ to infuse new ideas into the song’s lyrics.
Editor’s picks
Elsa’s experimentation with sound and genre led to the creation of ‘Lento Violento,’ showcasing her unique interpretation of the techno genre. By infusing elements of Nineties music and house beats, she crafted a track that embodies her signature style.
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“Visto”
‘Visto’ showcases a rare collaboration for Elsa, as she joined forces with Álvaro de Luna for a songwriting session. Despite her initial reservations about sharing her creative process, Elsa found synergy with Álvaro, resulting in a unique blend of their styles. The song’s narrative juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The collaborative session with Álvaro yielded unexpected results, highlighting the magic of artistic partnerships. Elsa’s openness to new experiences and creative exchanges led to a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
“Querer Asi”
‘Querer Asi’ delves into the complexities of life and death, inspired by a personal experience during a writing session. Elsa’s emotional response to her grandfather’s illness translated into poignant lyrics that reflect on the inevitability of loss and the enduring connection with loved ones.
“Drogada De Emocionas”
‘Drogada De Emocionas’ encapsulates the album’s balance between serious themes and moments of joy. Elsa emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s complexities while finding moments of happiness and celebration. The song embodies the spirit of ‘Palacio,’ encouraging listeners to experience a range of emotions and enjoy life’s journey.
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‘Palacio’ serves as a testament to Elsa’s growth as an artist, blending personal experiences with musical experimentation. The album’s diverse themes and sounds offer a holistic view of life’s ups and downs, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of human emotions.
Related
“Visto”
‘Visto’ showcases a rare collaboration for Elsa, as she joined forces with Álvaro de Luna for a songwriting session. Despite her initial reservations about sharing her creative process, Elsa found synergy with Álvaro, resulting in a unique blend of their styles. The song’s narrative juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The collaborative session with Álvaro yielded unexpected results, highlighting the magic of artistic partnerships. Elsa’s openness to new experiences and creative exchanges led to a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
“Querer Asi”
‘Querer Asi’ delves into the complexities of life and death, inspired by a personal experience during a writing session. Elsa’s emotional response to her grandfather’s illness translated into poignant lyrics that reflect on the inevitability of loss and the enduring connection with loved ones.
“Drogada De Emocionas”
‘Drogada De Emocionas’ encapsulates the album’s balance between serious themes and moments of joy. Elsa emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s complexities while finding moments of happiness and celebration. The song embodies the spirit of ‘Palacio,’ encouraging listeners to experience a range of emotions and enjoy life’s journey.
Trending
‘Palacio’ serves as a testament to Elsa’s growth as an artist, blending personal experiences with musical experimentation. The album’s diverse themes and sounds offer a holistic view of life’s ups and downs, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of human emotions.
Related
“Visto”
‘Visto’ showcases a rare collaboration for Elsa, as she joined forces with Álvaro de Luna for a songwriting session. Despite her initial reservations about sharing her creative process, Elsa found synergy with Álvaro, resulting in a unique blend of their styles. The song’s narrative juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The collaborative session with Álvaro yielded unexpected results, highlighting the magic of artistic partnerships. Elsa’s openness to new experiences and creative exchanges led to a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
“Querer Asi”
‘Querer Asi’ delves into the complexities of life and death, inspired by a personal experience during a writing session. Elsa’s emotional response to her grandfather’s illness translated into poignant lyrics that reflect on the inevitability of loss and the enduring connection with loved ones.
“Drogada De Emocionas”
‘Drogada De Emocionas’ encapsulates the album’s balance between serious themes and moments of joy. Elsa emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s complexities while finding moments of happiness and celebration. The song embodies the spirit of ‘Palacio,’ encouraging listeners to experience a range of emotions and enjoy life’s journey.
Trending
‘Palacio’ serves as a testament to Elsa’s growth as an artist, blending personal experiences with musical experimentation. The album’s diverse themes and sounds offer a holistic view of life’s ups and downs, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of human emotions.
Related
“Visto”
‘Visto’ showcases a rare collaboration for Elsa, as she joined forces with Álvaro de Luna for a songwriting session. Despite her initial reservations about sharing her creative process, Elsa found synergy with Álvaro, resulting in a unique blend of their styles. The song’s narrative juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The collaborative session with Álvaro yielded unexpected results, highlighting the magic of artistic partnerships. Elsa’s openness to new experiences and creative exchanges led to a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
“Querer Asi”
‘Querer Asi’ delves into the complexities of life and death, inspired by a personal experience during a writing session. Elsa’s emotional response to her grandfather’s illness translated into poignant lyrics that reflect on the inevitability of loss and the enduring connection with loved ones.
“Drogada De Emocionas”
‘Drogada De Emocionas’ encapsulates the album’s balance between serious themes and moments of joy. Elsa emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s complexities while finding moments of happiness and celebration. The song embodies the spirit of ‘Palacio,’ encouraging listeners to experience a range of emotions and enjoy life’s journey.
Trending
‘Palacio’ serves as a testament to Elsa’s growth as an artist, blending personal experiences with musical experimentation. The album’s diverse themes and sounds offer a holistic view of life’s ups and downs, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities of human emotions.
Related
“Visto”
‘Visto’ showcases a rare collaboration for Elsa, as she joined forces with Álvaro de Luna for a songwriting session. Despite her initial reservations about sharing her creative process, Elsa found synergy with Álvaro, resulting in a unique blend of their styles. The song’s narrative juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, adding depth to the album’s thematic exploration.
The collaborative session with Álvaro yielded unexpected results, highlighting the magic of artistic partnerships. Elsa’s openness to new experiences and creative exchanges led to a harmonious blend of their individual talents.
“Querer Asi”
‘Querer Asi’ delves into the complexities of life and death, inspired by a personal experience during a writing session. Elsa’s emotional response to her grandfather’s illness translated into poignant lyrics that reflect on the inevitability of loss and the enduring connection with loved ones.
“Drogada De Emocionas”