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

Elsa y Elmar, the stage name for Colombian singer-songwriter Elsa Margarita Carvajal, is poised for a new level of recognition with the August 30th release of her latest album, “PALACIO.” For over a decade, Carvajal has been making waves in the Latin music scene, earning a Latin Grammy nomination along the way. But the path to this point hasn’t been without its challenges, and the creation of “PALACIO” was deeply intertwined with a period of self-reflection and a renewed focus on mental health. The artist, who began her career playing intimate shows and connecting with audiences on a grassroots level, acknowledges the pressures that come with increased visibility and the importance of safeguarding her well-being.

Carvajal describes the pressure to constantly achieve more as a double-edged sword. While it can be a powerful motivator, pushing artists to reach new heights, it can similarly be detrimental to mental health. She found herself caught in a cycle of relentless work, always questioning what more she could do, ultimately leading to burnout after her previous album, “Ya No Somos Los Mismos.” This period of exhaustion prompted a much-needed break, and during the subsequent two years, Carvajal learned valuable lessons about self-care and setting boundaries.

Finding Space for Herself: A New Chapter with “PALACIO”

The two-year hiatus wasn’t simply a retreat; it was a deliberate choice. Carvajal felt stifled by the bureaucracy and expectations of major labels, feeling as though she was constantly “chasing the carrot.” She decided to take control of her artistic destiny, launching her own label, Elmar Presenta, and embarking on a new creative path. “I decided that if I was going to chase any carrot, it was going to be my carrot,” she explained. This newfound independence allowed her to approach music-making with a fresh perspective, resulting in “PALACIO,” an album that tackles universal challenges with honesty and vulnerability.

Carvajal’s musical journey has been unconventional. She noted in an interview that she doesn’t neatly fit into established pop categories, differentiating herself from artists like Belenova, Julieta Venegas, and Natalia Lafourcade, as well as those in the urbano genre. Julieta Venegas, a fellow Latin music icon, has enjoyed a long and successful career, and Carvajal’s path reflects a determination to forge her own identity within the industry.

Tackling Taboos and Digital Disconnect

“PALACIO” isn’t afraid to address difficult topics. One song generating significant attention is “Entre Las Piernas,” a celebration of menstruation. Carvajal explained that the inspiration came from a realization that a biological process experienced by half the population remains shrouded in taboo. “Being honest, the subject hadn’t really crossed my mind as song-worthy, until one day it just hit me that half of the population of the planet bleeds once a month. And even today in 2024 it’s a subject that’s still taboo, that still grosses people out, and we’re not supposed to talk about…and I just thought ‘thousands of love songs have been written and no one’s written about this topic that’s so common?’”

Another standout track, “Visto,” explores the surprisingly painful experience of being left on read. Carvajal captures the “mini heartbreak” of digital silence, recognizing the vulnerability inherent in reaching out and the frustration of unanswered communication. She acknowledges that You’ll see legitimate reasons for delayed responses, but focuses on the hurt caused when vulnerability is met with a lack of acknowledgment, leaving the sender questioning and filled with self-doubt.

Lessons in Self-Care and Finding Balance

The demands of a professional music career are physically and mentally taxing, Carvajal admits. She describes feeling “always on,” constantly navigating the pressures of creativity and performance. To maintain balance, she’s learned to capitalize on periods of inspiration, creating as much as possible when the ideas flow freely, and to embrace downtime without self-criticism, trusting that creativity will return. This approach is a direct result of the lessons learned during her hiatus and her commitment to prioritizing her mental well-being.

Carvajal offers advice to those facing similar challenges – heartbreak, creative pressure, or the sting of digital rejection – drawing on a simple yet profound philosophy she recently encountered: “If a problem has a solution, it’s no problem. And if it doesn’t have a solution, it’s no problem.” This acceptance, she believes, is key to finding peace and centering oneself amidst life’s inevitable difficulties.

As Elsa y Elmar prepares for her biggest tour yet, she embodies a vulnerability that resonates with audiences. She understands that vulnerability can be challenging in modern times, but believes that creating space for oneself – making space for oneself in one’s “PALACIO” – is essential for love, work, and overall well-being.

“PALACIO” is scheduled for release on August 30th. Fans can anticipate a tour supporting the album, with dates to be announced. For updates on tour dates and more information about Elsa y Elmar, visit her official website.

Disclaimer: This article provides information about mental health and well-being. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.

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