VELLA: The Voice Bringing Real Emotion Back to Pop
- Tammy Reese
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Tammy Reese
In a time when music often feels filtered and polished to perfection, VELLA stands out for her honesty. At just 21 years old, Gabriella Valdes, known professionally as VELLA, is proving that soul, vulnerability, and truth still belong in pop music. Her voice carries a kind of raw emotion that lingers long after the song ends.
VELLA’s journey began in Tampa, Florida, where her father, a pianist, inspired her to sing. “I used to sit with him while he played piano,” she says. “Those were the moments that made me fall in love with music.” By six, she was performing for anyone who would listen. Soon after, she joined Entertainment Revue, a local performance group that helped shape her stage presence and confidence. “The stage became my home,” she says. “It’s where I learned how to let go and just be myself.”
Her career first took flight online, where her viral TikTok performances introduced the world to her commanding voice and authentic storytelling. Nearly 100 million streams later, VELLA has become one of pop’s most promising young voices, known for blending emotion, soul, and strength in a way that feels both timeless and new.
Her latest project, All My Love, released through Universal Music, represents a new chapter. It’s deeply personal, an album that explores love, heartbreak, growth, and everything in between. “This album feels like me for the first time,” she shares. “Every song came from a real experience. Some are happy, some hurt, but they’re all honest.”
Tracks like “Settle Down” capture the tension of forbidden love, while “Dead Roses” channels the pain of loss and healing. “Recording ‘Dead Roses’ was emotional,” she admits. “I cried in the studio, but it was freeing. It gave me closure.” VELLA describes the project as a diary of moments, each song a different page in her story.
Her authenticity extends beyond the music. VELLA uses her social platforms to speak about vulnerability, self-worth, and empowerment, connecting deeply with fans who see her as more than a performer. “I want my music to feel like a safe space,” she says. “I want people to feel understood and know that they’re not alone.”
VELLA’s dedication to staying true to herself has also opened doors to inspiring collaborations. Working with Macy Gray taught her the value of trusting her instincts. “Macy reminded me to always lead with heart,” she says. “That changed how I write and how I perform.” Her live shows reflect that same honesty — whether she’s opening for Ed Sheeran at the NFL Kickoff Celebration or performing intimate sets, her energy is magnetic and full of life.
Outside of music, VELLA is simply a 21-year-old with a love for gaming, dancing, and a good horror movie night. “I’m obsessed with The Legend of Zelda,” she laughs. “And lately, I’ve been into Supernatural and Hereditary.” Her playfulness offstage contrasts with her emotional depth on stage is a reminder that she’s just as real as her songs.
As she continues to grow her global presence, performing in Los Angeles and Europe, VELLA remains grounded in gratitude and purpose. “I’m constantly evolving,” she says. “Music grows with me. I just want to keep creating things that make people feel something real.”
In a generation hungry for authenticity, VELLA isn’t chasing trends, she’s creating moments that matter. Her voice is more than sound; it’s connection, courage, and the reminder that real emotion never goes out of style.
Follow VELLA: @vellasings
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