A Chat with Elena Ortega (07.04.25)
We sit down with the talented guitarist and composer Elena Ortega to discuss her deeply personal new album, Light after Darkness. The album, a reflection of Ortega’s own journey through emotional turbulence and self-discovery, blends classical and contemporary elements in a way that speaks to the heart and soul. From the inspiration behind the album to the intricate process of creating music that resonates with listeners, Ortega opens up about the emotional journey that shaped her work. She also shares her insights into the duality of light and darkness in her music, the importance of introspection, and the meaningful collaborations that brought the album to life. Join us as we explore the story behind Light after Darkness and the creative mind of Elena Ortega.
OSR: What inspired you to create Light After Darkness, and what do you hope listeners take away from the album?
Ortega: When I was thinking about recording a new album, I wanted it to reflect a part of me through the music, a more personal project. Then, I came to the idea of telling a story that goes from darkness to light as a reflection of my own path, so I started to select the pieces carefully based on my experiences and memories. My intention with this album is that listeners identify with one or more of the emotions that I try to express and that, in some way, it also serves as an accompaniment to those people who go through a similar process.
OSR: Can you tell us about the emotional journey you went through while creating this album? How did it affect you?
Ortega: These last years have been a little bit difficult for me in different ways: changes, decisions and losses that disrupt your life and make you doubt and ask yourself many questions. The best way I found to express those feelings was music. It has been relatively easy to find the pieces that convey these emotions as they moved me deeply when I first listened to or played them. I would say that this album has helped me to transform this unease and has accompanied my path of self-discovery.
OSR: Your music often explores themes of darkness and light. Can you explain the significance of this duality in your work?
Ortega: I believe that we all have a part of light and darkness inside us. That duality has always seemed very interesting to me, and in the case of this album, I think it is very evident. Sometimes one predominates and sometimes the other, but the important thing is to know what you do with them.
OSR: How do you balance the contemporary and classical elements in your music? What do you think each brings to the table?
Ortega: Each style has its characteristics, and for me, it is important to find a balance between the contemporary pieces and the classical ones. The classical guitar repertoire is still unknown to the general audience, and I think it is important that we work on getting this music to them. But we cannot forget the composers of our time, and it is also our mission to make their pieces heard.
OSR: What’s the story behind the album’s title, Light After Darkness? Is there a personal significance to it?
Ortega: When I was looking for a title for the album, I wanted something that reflected that duality between light and dark and at the same time it summed up the path of introspection when finally the feeling of joy arrives. After shuffling through different options and consulting with my closest people, my niece came up with this idea, and it was a perfect fit.
OSR: Your guitar playing is incredibly expressive. Can you walk us through your process of crafting a piece?
Ortega: When you start learning to play an instrument, you first focus on learning the notes, controlling the tempo, fingerings and so on. Once this technical stuff is done, I think as musicians we must look inside of ourselves and try to put something of ourselves into the music we perform in compliance with the composer’s will. Although I am a very sensitive person, sometimes I struggle to express my feelings and music helps a lot in this case. At first, it wasn’t easy because you are opening up emotionally to the audience, and it is scary, but when you finally manage to focus only on that, it is a really powerful experience.
OSR: How do you think your music can help people cope with difficult emotions or experiences?
Ortega: I think music is not only an artistic discipline but a human being’s need. When we are happy, excited or sad, we usually listen to songs that reinforce that feeling. Music is always there, and this album conveys the idea that calm always arrives after difficult times, which is a comforting idea. We can speak many different languages all around the world, but emotions are universal.
OSR: What role does introspection play in your creative process? Do you find that it helps you tap into your emotions?
Ortega: I am always questioning myself, thinking how I can improve my playing or my musicality. As I said before, sometimes you have to put on the composer’s shoes in order to convey the message of the piece correctly, and of course, you need to do an exercise of introspection and reflection.
OSR: Can you tell us about some of the most meaningful collaborations or experiences you’ve had while working on this album?
Ortega: There are many people involved in this project who are essential. The recording process in Rockaway Studios with Javier Salvador (JSM Records) in Castellón was amazing. It was a learning experience, three days of hard work, but with a lot of good moments. The support of Jose Domenech and the Strommar team was very important for me too, as they gave me advice and guided me during the process. Regarding the graphic design of the album, the collaboration with Marina, from Meetel SL, was very special as she has always supported me as a guitarist as well as the Manuel Contreras guitars company where I presented the album. Finally, all my family and friends helped me to finish the last details so I am really grateful to all of them.
OSR: What’s next for you after Light After Darkness? Are you already working on new projects?
Ortega: At the moment, I am promoting the album, and I haven’t thought about recording a new one as it requires a lot of effort, time and resources. I am also practising for my concerts in the next months, so I am focused on all of this, although I also try to learn new pieces whenever I have time for future projects.
Many thanks to Elena Ortega for speaking with us. Find out more about Elena Ortega on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
