Anelda Phillips Invites Us Into Love’s Gray Area on Her New Pop Gem “Are You In?”

Pop newcomer Anelda Phillips delivers a heart-squeezing, head-bobbing moment of vulnerability with her latest single, “Are You In?” — a track that sits right at the intersection of friendship and love, where emotions blur, and every glance carries a question mark.

With a voice that radiates warmth and boldness, Anelda crafts more than just a pop song — she creates an experience. As she puts it, "I want every song to be a euphoric experience... one that stays with you from the very first listen to decades down the line." And with “Are You In?”, that mission is in full motion.

From the very first chorus, “Are You In?” feels like the musical embodiment of that nervous energy you get before confessing your feelings. The production is lush and modern but grounded in a timeless emotional core. Think dreamy synths, steady grooves, and a melody that wraps around you like a memory you can’t quite shake.

Lyrically, it’s all about that moment — you know the one. When you're sitting across from someone, maybe just a friend, maybe something more, and you’re wondering if they feel it too. It's a sonic slow-burn of courage, anticipation, and the kind of honesty that makes you hit replay just to feel it again.

There’s something incredibly universal about the vulnerability Anelda taps into here. The lyrics don’t shout — they ask, gently but boldly: “Are you in?” It’s an invitation, not a demand. And that’s what makes it powerful. She doesn’t paint love as a dramatic leap off a cliff — it’s a tender, mutual step forward. A risk, yes. But also a possibility.

Anelda’s vocal performance is polished but personal, balancing pop clarity with emotional nuance. She doesn’t over-sing, she communicates. You believe every word because it sounds like she’s been there, too. And let’s be honest: if you’ve ever caught feelings for a friend, this song will hit you right in the chest.

With “Are You In?”, Anelda Phillips doesn't just ask a question — she creates a moment. A three-minute pop capsule that captures the hesitations hopes, and heart-racing potential of falling for someone who's already close to you.

If you’ve ever stared at a phone wondering whether to send that text or sat across from someone hoping they feel it too — this song’s for you.

“Are You In?” beautifully captures that gray area between friendship and love — was there a personal moment or memory that inspired this song?”

Absolutely. “Are You In?” came from a place of emotional limbo, that awkward, electric space where you’re close to someone but unsure if they feel the same. I remember sitting in the passenger seat of someone’s car late at night, music low, both of us pretending not to feel what was so obviously there. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, just a quiet tension. That silence said more than words. This song is my way of translating those unspoken feelings into something people can feel in their bones.

You’ve said you want your music to be a euphoric experience that sticks with people for decades — what does that look like to you in terms of sound, emotion, and storytelling?

To me, euphoric music doesn’t mean happy all the time — it means goosebumps. It’s that rush of emotion that electrifies your heartbeat, makes your chest tighten, or forces you to hit repeat because something in my music knows you. I want my songs to feel like flashbacks — to a moment, a feeling, a state of mind. In terms of sound, you can expect bold melodies, rich textures, and lyrics that dive into the deep end. I want someone to hear one line and feel completely seen — like I pulled the words straight from their subconscious.

Pop is such a versatile genre — who are your biggest influences, and how do you see your sound evolving in the next few years?

I was raised on pop royalty — Justin, Ariana, Rihanna, Selena, Charli, Doja — artists who didn’t just make hits, they defined eras — They each brought something bold: attitude, sensuality, vulnerability, and total sonic confidence. That’s the energy I’m drawn to.

As for where my sound is heading — I want it to borderline alter brain chemistry. I’m talking about music that’s sexy, flirty, a little cheeky… but still emotionally grounded. The kind of songs that make you smirk while dancing alone in your room or text someone you probably shouldn’t. Sonically, I want it to feel addictive — playful, lush, a little dangerous. It's not just a vibe I’m chasing — it’s who I already am.

If you could go back and play “Are You In?” for your younger self just starting out in music, what do you think she’d say?

She’d probably laugh nervously, cry a little, and then whisper, “We actually did it?” Honestly, she’d be in complete shock. She almost quit singing entirely, convinced it wasn’t for her. Younger me was performing "Naturally" by Selena Gomez at a school event, and a group of girls in her grade made her feel invisible and lesser than, like singing wasn’t something she was allowed to do (my mom would always say they're jealous - and we love her for that) . She loved singing, but the pressure for her voice to fit in with the rest - almost stopped her. Hearing “Are You In?” would be proof that everything she felt — the doubts, the emotions — wasn’t too much. It was art. I think she’d finally feel seen. And maybe even a little proud.

This song lives in the space of taking emotional risks — how do you personally handle vulnerability when it comes to your artistry and real life?

Vulnerability is my native language — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In music, it’s like dancing on a tightrope without looking down. But I’ve learned that the more honest I am in my writing, the more I connect and heal something within myself. In real life, I still get scared — scared of saying too much or feeling too deeply. But I remind myself that connection lives in that scary space. Art without vulnerability is just noise.