Los Angeles pop artist Vella returns with her vibrant new single “Dance Without You,” a track that turns the emotional weight of a toxic relationship into something uplifting, freeing, and deeply relatable. Known for blending catchy pop production with honest storytelling, Vella invites listeners into a rhythmic, feel-good soundscape that captures the moment of finally letting go. Rather than dwelling in heartbreak, the song leans into self-reclamation, choosing clarity, movement, and confidence over emotional stagnation.
In “Dance Without You,” Vella captures that pivotal shift when you realize you deserve better and actually act on it. The upbeat, funky energy of the track mirrors the emotional release at its core, celebrating growth, independence, and the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you. With her expressive vocals and empowering delivery, Vella continues to carve out a strong space in modern pop; one where vulnerability and strength coexist, and where dancing forward becomes its own form of healing.
We caught up with Vella to discuss her musical background, music influences, and more below.
Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I started singing when I was 6! I always had the love to sing and perform for people. One of my biggest influences is my dad! I remember he would just play the piano at the house, and I would just sing along. It was those types of moments as a kid that made me realize that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I also was a part of an all-girls singing and performance group called entertainment revue for 9 years. It really helped me to have the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd at such a young age. It was mainly what I did during my childhood. Sing, dance, and perform! It’s all I’ve known.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Gwen McRae, Stevie Nicks, Adele, Lady Gaga, Jeff Buckley, and Aretha Franklin.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
I have to say Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. Those two women not only are powerhouses, but they are also confident in themselves and know how to put on a show. As a kid, I always aspired to be like that, to be able to command a stage like them and grab people’s attention with my vocals and make them feel something. If I had a pick some of my favorite bands though I’d say The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Funkadelic inspired me a lot as a kid. They were part of my introduction to music. Rock and soul music was always playing in my head.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
There was this one time I was doing this blues festival in Bozeman, Montana. I remember vividly on how impactful it was in that moment for me. You would see kids dancing, people from college, teenagers, my parents age, the elderly, every age range you can think of, and I’ve always wanted my voice to impact EVERYONE. No matter what age and no matter who you are it was always a big thing for me. I want to make people feel when I perform, and I felt that performance was exactly that. I could tell how everyone just felt like they were meant to be there and just in the moment just as much as me. I felt so alive in that moment in time, and I would love to just go back in time to that performance!
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
I like sharing what is going on in my life through my music, my heartbreak, my strengths, things that people can relate to that I go through. At the end of the day, we are all just human going through life and having to share a part of your vulnerability sometimes people crave that and want to feel seen. And that’s exactly what I want to give. Realness and vulnerability. I also talk a lot about empowerment because it’s so important to keep staying confident and to not let anyone dim that no matter what you do. It’s a very big part of my music.
Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
I feel like being consistent all the time on social media can be hard sometimes. Social media is like a machine you gotta feed constantly which can be draining, but you gotta do it, so that way your music can be heard everywhere. When I was 18, I was traveling to Los Angeles for writing sessions. Even though I sometimes write my own stuff, I absolutely love collaborating with other people. I feel like it’s very, very important to let your voice be heard and to keep a level head while working with other people especially a male room. You gotta stand your ground sometimes and make sure your ideas are heard because it’s so important.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
One of the themes I like talking about is empowerment, I’m very big with being confident within yourself and owning who you are no matter what. Be authentic and weird as possible because you only live once!! I also want my music to make you feel that it’s ok to feel certain emotions, it’s ok to be vulnerable sometimes. I’m someone who hides my vulnerability a lot in my personal life that’s still trying to get better at it. But it’s so important, especially now.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
I always have melodies in my head all the time. I gotta rewire my brain sometimes because there’s so many. But I first start off with a melody, figure out what feeling that I want to convey with the melody I have, and then start writing my feelings or a topic that’s going on! Then, I get my producer on what I want the track to be like.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope my music inspires people with the need of reassuring within themselves. I talk a lot about self-worth and confidence and I feel like it’s so important especially for us women musicians. And to not be afraid to speak your truth on a matter that you believe in!! Don’t let anyone dim your light! I also want to inspire people to feel music, and to share vulnerability within your music. I find it so human and real and I feel like we need more of that in this world. True and genuine passion.