Elsa y Elmar on Burnout, Mental Health & New Album “PALACIO” | Popsugar

Colombian-born singer-songwriter Elsa y Elmar is navigating the complexities of success with a renewed focus on mental wellbeing, a journey that deeply informed her latest album, “PALACIO,” released August 30th, 2024. The six-time Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist, whose real name is Elsa Margarita Carvajal, has been open about the pressures of the music industry and the importance of prioritizing self-care, particularly after experiencing burnout following her previous album, “Ya No Somos Los Mismos.” “PALACIO” marks a latest chapter for Carvajal, not only creatively but also professionally, as it’s the first release on her independent label, Elmar Presenta.

From Indie Bars to Biggest Venues

Carvajal’s path to this point hasn’t been conventional. She recalls years spent honing her craft on the indie circuit, playing solo in bars and working to connect with audiences unfamiliar with her sound. While those early days are behind her, the pressure to maintain momentum and reach new heights remains. She acknowledges that this pressure can be a double-edged sword, pushing artists to achieve more while simultaneously posing a threat to their mental health. The artist describes a period of constant work and self-doubt, leading to a much-needed break and a period of introspection.

“You know, it’s really interesting because all the odds were against me,” Carvajal shared in a recent interview. “I’m not from that generation of women in pop like Belenova, Julieta Venegas, and Natalia Lafourcade. And I’m also not an urbano artist. I’m an artist that, since day one, the people I’d work with would say, ‘I don’t know where you fit in. I don’t know how to explain [your sound], whether you’re indie or alternative.'”

A Creative Sanctuary and “Spiritual Pop”

“PALACIO” was born from this period of self-reflection and a desire for creative freedom. Carvajal describes the album as a “creative sanctuary,” produced in collaboration with Latin GRAMMY-winning musical director Julián Bernal (known for his work with Sebastian Yatra and Kali Uchis). The album delves into personal anxieties and romantic experiences, exploring themes of self-discovery and the search for meaning. Her music has been described as “spiritual pop,” a genre she defines as creating space for others to perceive and experience their emotions.

The album’s soundscape is diverse, with each song exploring a different genre, yet unified by Carvajal’s confessional songwriting. A standout track, “Visto,” tackles the uniquely modern pain of being left on read, while “Entre Las Piernas” boldly celebrates menstruation, challenging societal taboos. Carvajal explained that the inspiration for “Entre Las Piernas” came from realizing that half the population experiences menstruation monthly, yet it remains a largely unspoken topic. She questioned why so many love songs exist, but so few address this common experience.

The Bureaucracy of Music and the Pursuit of Freedom

Carvajal’s decision to launch her own label, Elmar Presenta, was a pivotal moment in reclaiming her creative control. She expressed frustration with the bureaucracy and expectations of major labels, feeling constrained by their demands. “I was tired of the bureaucracy, of the expectations, of working with the big labels, of just chasing the carrot,” she stated. “I decided that if I was going to chase any carrot, it was going to be my carrot.” This move allowed her to prioritize her artistic vision and build a more sustainable relationship with her work.

This shift in perspective also informed her approach to creativity. Carvajal has learned to embrace both periods of intense inspiration and times of creative dryness, trusting that the latter are just as important for recharging and allowing new ideas to emerge. She actively seeks to maximize her creative periods, generating as much content as possible, knowing that lulls are inevitable.

Navigating Vulnerability and Self-Care

The artist acknowledges the demanding nature of a career in music, both physically and mentally. She describes feeling “always on,” constantly navigating the pressures of performance and public life. However, she’s also discovered strategies for maintaining balance and prioritizing self-care. Carvajal emphasizes the importance of understanding when to be “on” and when to step back and recharge.

Her advice to those facing similar challenges – heartbreak, creative pressure, or feelings of isolation – is surprisingly simple, yet profound. “The other day I was listening to a little chat and [heard something] that struck me as very beautiful. If a problem has a solution, it’s no problem. And if it doesn’t have a solution, it’s no problem.” This philosophy reflects a newfound acceptance and a commitment to focusing on what she can control.

What’s on the Horizon for Elsa y Elmar

With “PALACIO” now released, Carvajal is preparing for her biggest tour yet, a testament to her growing fanbase and critical acclaim. The tour dates and locations have not been fully announced as of March 10, 2026, but are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks via her official website and social media channels. The album’s success and Carvajal’s commitment to authenticity suggest a bright future for this rising star, one built on a foundation of artistic freedom and a dedication to mental wellbeing. Her journey serves as an inspiring example for artists and fans alike, demonstrating the power of vulnerability and the importance of prioritizing self-care in a demanding industry. You can locate more about Elsa y Elmar and her music on her official website.

You can also find more about Elsa y Elmar on Entertainer News and Celeb Gazette.