Elena Rose always lived in her own world that, throughout the years, became a sacred home, her creative hub. Now, the home she built on the clouds is ready to receive visitors through the release of her debut EP En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas) released via Kira Records/Warner Music Latina. 

The eight-track set, which translates to “On the Clouds (With My Friends),” is symbolic for Elena, who prior to kicking off her artist career penned hits for artists including Rauw Alejandro, Bad Bunny, and Selena Gomez. 

“It was a year of working on this project that for me represents a letter of introduction to the industry as a solo artist,” she tells Billboard. “It’s a project that embraces my most vulnerable side but at the same time, it sets a mark on what kind of artist I want to be in the industry.”

Each song in En Las Nubes—some indie rock, some funk, some ballad, some música llanera—is backed by the Venezuelan artist’s potent and enchanting vocals sending messages of love, resilience, and hope. In songs such as “Me Lo Merezco” and the Neutro Shorty-assisted “Catira,” for example, Elena focuses on the importance of self-worth, self-love, and self-esteem. 

“I really want to be a part of your lives. To accompany you to create beautiful memories with each song that comes out, but at the same time I want to encourage you not to have to walk alone,” she explains. “This year was very important to solidify the message of Guerrero de la Luz – the fan army is getting bigger. People are getting the message. They are really conscious and mindful, and in the end I continue to learn from the people who follow me. We are making this beautiful and intentional journey.”

And while she’s accompanied on the journey by some of her closest musical friends including Alvaro Diaz, Greeicy, and Scarlett Linares, the most challenging song to pen for Elena was “Guatapé” (named after the vibrant town in Colombia). 

“While in Colombia for Christmas, a friend had to disconnect his brother because he was very sick. At the same time, I was in a relationship with someone from there and we made the decision to end it,” she elaborates. “Putting these two stories together showed me that love has so many colors. Loving a lot means you have to say goodbye. There are situations that you can’t control and you have to let them go. I really cried a lot writing this song.”

En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas) is released just days before the 2024 Latin Grammys, where Elena is a three-time nominee including the coveted song of the year for “Caracas En El 2000” alongside Danny Ocean and Jerry Di. 

“I would love to win!” she gushes. “It would be a very nice gift and a reason to make Venezuela smile at a time like this. It would also make Venezuelans feel happy to embrace their identity. This song has made the world know about Venezuela and its details.” 

Stream and listen to En Las Nubes (Con Mis Panas) below: