A 2023 graduate of the Popular/Commercial Music program at Loyola University New Orleans, Elena Izquierdo (El3na) hails from Buffalo, NY, a city proud of its multicultural foundation and artistic flair. Crediting her dad who is also a musician, she was exposed to music from the day she was born. She has had a passion for music and performing from a very young age, playing piano and writing songs by the age of 5.
Elena performed in community theatre, sang with music legends like Kenny Rogers and had the privilege of working with Broadway superstars like Mandy Gonzalez and Christopher Jackson through her involvement with Young Performers of America. In 2018, she advanced to the celebrity judge round of the National American Idol talent search and appeared on the season premiere American Idol show in 2019. In 2018 and 2019, Elena was selected as a National Young Arts honoree in the category of “Popular Voice” performing in New York City with top artists. Her original songs have been recognized in national and international songwriting competitions over the past 5 years.
As a vocalist, Elena’s experience has ranged from musical theatre to jazz to pop music, earning special recognition in each area. During the pandemic, she found songwriting to be therapeutic and was grateful to bring many of those songs to life at Tree Sound studios in Atlanta, GA, where she spent a full year focused on songwriting and recording. Over the past few years, she released an EP entitled “Hard to Love” and two singles, “Drugs” and “Red Lights.” She was also a featured vocalist for a EDM release by gorilla T entitled "Ascend."
Creating music videos for her songs has taken Elena to a whole new world of artistry. She enjoys every step of the process and finds that the innovation and collaboration with talented creatives is the perfect way to challenge her imagination and take her art in directions she never thought possible. She has released music videos for her singles “Hard to Love” and “Drugs” which she co-produced with talented RIT graduate Trish Pickelhaupt. She was thrilled to co-produce with the incredible director Shani Varner to bring “Red Lights” to life.
As an ally for those who suffer from anxiety and depression, Elena is hopeful that the relatable lyrics and youthful sound of her music reminds listeners that they are not alone, especially during challenging times. She hopes her music videos touch each viewer in a unique way and inspire creative connections and a variety of emotions.