Anella: How This Def Jam Star Is Cracking The Code To Happiness
- Jordyn Mayes
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
At just 23, North Carolina's Anella Herim is redefining genres and hitting major milestones. Waffle Magazine sits down with the Def Jam artist to talk unexpected lessons, creative breakthroughs, and the simple joys that keep him grounded.
Anella Herim is quickly solidifying his place as an artist to watch. At just 23, this North Carolina singer-songwriter has already garnered significant streaming numbers and critical acclaim, carving out his niche in the pop-country scene since signing with Def Jam.
Blending country pop with rap-leaning rock and spiritual undertones, Anella crafts soaring, stadium-ready melodies that resonate across genres. But despite his rapid rise, Anella admits his biggest lesson learned since his start in 2020 has been embracing the raw truth of "not having it all figured out." He's focused on piecing things together, always striving to "tap into the human condition, crafting music that feels like a cheat code for happiness." You can feel this philosophy deeply within his latest project, "831: The Series." Tracks like "Lock and Key," the very first song from the album, offer a sense of comfortable nostalgia, feeling both new and familiar, proving his unique ability to connect.
Anella's creative flow isn't about avoiding burnout; it's about pushing straight through it. He’s candid about his cycle of intense creation, hitting a wall, and then unexpectedly crafting a hit. "The only wall is myself," he shares, explaining his process of self-talk to overcome creative blocks. Beyond the demanding studio sessions, Anella recharges by embracing unexpectedly chill hobbies. You might find him building Legos, hitting the golf course, or simply taking a trip to places like Gatlinburg. And for those curious about his signature look, his finger tattoos? Purely for looking cool, stemming from a love of Pac-man.
Anella Herim is more than just a rising star; he's an authentic artist building a vibrant, real world through his music, one honest moment and genre-bending track at a time.
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