Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsten Torres.
Hi Elsten , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1965. My parents were both from Puerto Padre, Las Tunas in Oriente. When I was 18 months old, my mother, Elsa Torres, and my older brother, Dorian (then 5 years old), left the island as part of the Freedom Flights of the mid-to-late 1960s. My father was imprisoned at the time—labeled a political enemy of the state for opposing the Cuban government—and was unable to leave with us. We arrived in Manhattan on October 6th, 1966, settling in the Washington Heights section of New York City, where my mother’s brother Emilio was already living with his wife and daughter.
My mother never remarried and raised us on her own, working tirelessly to provide for our small family. For years she struggled to make ends meet, eventually earning her cosmetology license and finding stable work.
From an early age, I was surrounded by music—especially original music with deep emotional roots. My uncle, Listoriel Torres, a respected singer-songwriter in Cuba, had also immigrated to the U.S. He would often bring his guitar to family gatherings, where his songs—many of them about love, loss, and leaving his homeland—left a lasting impression on me. Those moments planted the seeds of my musical journey.
I began playing guitar around the age of 11, taking private lessons and quickly falling in love with the instrument. By 15, I was writing my own songs and performing in my first band. As I matured, I dedicated myself to mastering the craft of composition, studying guitar, voice, and songwriting with private instructors. I also trained in audio engineering and production in my early twenties.
At age 22, I signed my first record deal with an independent Mexican label as a member of the band Rebelde Sin Causa. Touring Mexico affirmed my belief that music was my true path. When that project came to an end, I returned to New York for a time before eventually relocating to Miami at age 27 to reunite with my family and pursue new opportunities—following the advice of music executives who believed Miami was the next big hub for Latin artists.
In 1994, I met producers Rodolfo Castillo and Gustavo Menendez, who had just launched an indie label called Radio Vox. They saw potential in me as a singer-songwriter and signed me. Together, we released “Revolución,” a protest song that resonated deeply with the Cuban communities of both Cuba and Miami. Its success led me to form Fulano, a Latin Alternative/Rock band that gained national and international recognition. After signing with BMG/RCA, we released two critically acclaimed albums and toured extensively across the U.S. and Latin America. Around the same time, I signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
After Fulano disbanded, I turned my energy toward songwriting for other artists. Though I had temporarily stepped away from performing, I found great success writing songs that made it onto Billboard’s Top Ten—including the #1 hit “Todo El Año,” which held the top spot for five consecutive weeks.
Eventually, the call to return to the stage brought me back as a solo artist. Since then, I’ve released 12 full-length albums, toured nationally and internationally, received two GRAMMY nominations, and won two BMI songwriting awards. I look back on this journey with deep gratitude and pride.
Beyond my personal artistic work, I’ve made it a priority to give back—sharing my knowledge and experience with emerging artists through programs like Songfest and by serving on the Florida chapter board of the Recording Academy. I believe strongly in advocating for artists and strengthening our musical community.
Currently, I’m preparing to release my 13th full-length album, ViceVersa, a vibrant fusion of my Cuban roots with elements of reggae and rock. The lead single, “Vive,” will be released on April 24th. I’m also developing a comic book featuring a young Cuban musician who, through extraordinary circumstances, becomes a superhero.
In addition, I’m working on a deeply personal musical titled Mima, which tells the story of my mother’s courageous journey to build a new life in a new world. Mima is both a tribute to her and an homage to all the brave Cuban parents who left everything behind in search of a better future for their families.
My life and art have always been intertwined, rooted in my heritage, my family, and my love for storytelling through music. As I continue to evolve, I remain committed to using my voice and my craft to uplift, inspire, and connect.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey through life is anything but smooth — and honestly, if it were, it might be a bit unfulfilling and boring. From the very beginning, my path has been filled with obstacles and challenges.
When I chose to dedicate my life to music, I knew I was entering a tough profession. Very few people get to follow their artistic passion and make a living from it. For years, I struggled to see the light at the end of the musical tunnel — the moment when I could finally say I was living off my art.
I always knew I had talent, but over time I realized talent alone isn’t enough. It doesn’t move the needle unless it’s backed by relentless drive and an unshakable belief that nothing can stop you. Sacrifices? Plenty. I’ve made more than I can count.
But through it all, I stayed true to my dreams. And because of that, I’ve managed to carve out my own little corner of success — as a songwriter, a performer, and a lifelong musician.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Cuban-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, storyteller, and two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist. My music blends cultures, languages, and genres — from Latin alternative rock to heartfelt acoustic ballads — always rooted in real, personal stories.
Over the years, I’ve built a career not only as a performer, but also as a songwriter for other artists, with several Billboard Top 10 hits and collaborations with legendary names like Elvis Costello and Antonio Carmona. I’ve toured internationally, written for film and television, and contributed to projects for major brands and networks.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to stay true to my artistic voice while making a living doing what I love. What sets me apart is my ability to write across languages and cultures, and to tell stories that connect deeply with people — whether it’s through a pop hook, a folk melody, or a spoken word lyric.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is waking up every morning feeling healthy, at peace, and motivated — ready to make the most of each day through creativity and purpose. It’s living the life you once imagined, and seeing a dream from your past become the reality of your present.
It’s having loving, supportive people around you — friends and family who lift you up. It’s knowing that what you do, whether professionally or personally, has a positive impact. That your work inspires others to chase their own dreams, or simply makes them feel seen, heard, and better about themselves.
That, to me, is true success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elsten.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elstentorres
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elstentorres
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elstentorresmusic
Image Credits
David Narbeki
Mark Flower
