1. When writing a song, do you ever know in the moment that you’ve struck gold, or do some songs surprise you later by how deeply they connect?
I give every song the same love and dedication. I stay connected to my inner child, to observing life and everything around me. Some songs come faster, and yes, sometimes you feel something special in the moment—but for me, every song matters. What it becomes later is something the audience finishes writing with you.
2. You’ve written in so many collaborative settings. How do you bring something personal and honest into a room that has many voices in it?
For me, collaboration is about empathy. It’s less about imposing and more about listening and understanding. Writing becomes a space where psychology, emotions, and thoughts turn into melody and lyrics. I’ve often been the only woman in the room, writing for male artists, so it’s been important for me to really understand their perspective and translate it truthfully.
3. You’ve moved between writing for yourself and for other artists so fluidly. What changes for you from one to the other, and what stays the same?
When I write for myself, it’s about releasing what I’m living and feeling. When I write for others, it’s more like a tailored process—a kind of emotional translation. I step out of the artist role and into the songwriter’s role, listening deeply to their mind and heart. What stays the same is the intention to serve the song with honesty.
4. Who are some of the songwriters you most admire, and what have they taught you about the craft?
I admire writers like Diane Warren, Manuel Alejandro, Armando Manzanero, Quincy Jones, Desmond Child, Carole King, and Juan Luis Guerra. More recently, artists like Bruno Mars, Shakira, and Lady Gaga. They’ve all shown me that beyond success, what truly matters is having something real to say and a way to say it that connects.
5. What advice would you give a young songwriter trying to build work that lasts, not just work that lands quickly?
We live in a very fast world, and while technology is a gift, it can also be confusing. My advice is to remember that the real work is within. Build resilience, patience, and the ability to listen and observe. Connect. Be authentic and empathetic, and stay true to yourself and to others. This is a business of emotions, and emotions create impact. Music is a powerful tool that can reach places you never imagined. Don’t forget that you are the product, not just the content. If you stay connected to truth and purpose, your work will find its place beyond the moment.
ABOUT ERIKA ENDER
Grammy-winning creator Erika Ender is the youngest female inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. She made history co-writing “Despacito,” the first Spanish-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond the studio and concert stage, Erika is a Special Olympics Global Ambassador.
