Some artists make music you casually listen to. Jake & Shelby make music you feel.
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter duo have quietly become one of pop’s most emotionally magnetic new acts, blending heart-on-your-sleeve storytelling with earworm melodies and a chemistry that feels instinctual. With the release of their debut album Learning To Love back in October and their devastatingly beautiful new single “Morning Light,” Jake & Shelby are stepping fully into their moment — and inviting listeners to heal alongside them.
Jake & Shelby’s story didn’t begin in a flashy studio or a viral TikTok moment. It started at a music school, where Jake’s dad happened to be Shelby’s teacher. What followed were shared bands, quiet rehearsals, and eventually songwriting sessions that unlocked something undeniable.
“We met at a music school… we were both really shy, so we didn’t really talk to each other that much at first,” Jake tells Celeb Secrets in an excessive interview virtually. “But after a while, we started writing together, and eventually we were like, ‘Hey, let’s actually do this for real.’”
That leap of faith turned into daily social media posts, acoustic duets, and a steadily growing fanbase that connected deeply with their honesty. What began as simple videos soon became a full-fledged musical partnership — one built on trust, empathy, and a shared emotional language.
“I think we’re really lucky,” Shelby says of their creative bond. “We kind of got to know each other musically first, and then personally. It’s always felt very natural.”
Released October 10 via EMPIRE, Learning To Love is Jake & Shelby’s first full-length studio album, and it’s exactly the kind of debut that lingers long after the final track fades out. While the duo didn’t initially set out to make a concept album, a clear emotional through-line emerged as they listened back.
“Once we heard all the songs together, we were like, ‘Wait… this is saying something,’” Shelby explains. “It’s about learning to love someone else, but also learning to love yourself… learning to leave what isn’t good for you, and healing from your past.”
Sonically, Learning To Love lives in the sweet spot between pop and singer-songwriter, weaving together stripped-back intimacy and full-bodied production. Tracks like “Fragile” and “Little At A Time” showcase the duo’s growth in the studio, while bops like “Shut Up and Kiss Me” and “Loophole” capture the dizzying rush of young love.
“It took us a long time to find our sound,” Jake admits. “But I’m really proud of where it ended up. This was our first full production record, and it finally feels like us.”
The album came alive in a whole new way once Jake & Shelby hit the road for their release tour. Playing songs that had only been out for days, they were stunned by how quickly fans connected.
“At our Nashville show, the album had been out for maybe a day or two,” Jake says. “And people were singing all the words. I was like, ‘How did you guys learn this already?’”
One of the most unforgettable moments came during an intimate Atlanta show, when the duo ditched the microphones and sang acoustically from the edge of the stage.
“It felt so connected,” Shelby recalls. “We just sang in the room together. It made me feel so present, like we were all experiencing the moment as one.”
If Learning To Love opens the door to Jake & Shelby’s world, “Morning Light” invites listeners straight into Shelby’s heart.
Released December 5, the raw, acoustic single was written in just 45 minutes and tells the story of Shelby’s childhood experience in the foster care system — a chapter of her life she had rarely spoken about publicly.
“I went through foster care and was adopted when I was six years old,” Shelby shares. “Being on Cape Cod and singing for the Cape Cod Foster Closet brought back memories I usually try to ignore. I realized I should take it as an opportunity to write about my own story.”
“It had never been so easy to put my experience into words before. I’m so grateful for the way music so gently heals and brings light from pain,” she continues.
Recorded live and fully acoustic, “Morning Light” is intentionally unpolished with every breath, every lyric left intact. A portion of the single’s streaming proceeds will be donated to Cape Cod Foster Closet, further grounding the song in purpose and compassion.
“It felt scary to share something so intimate,” Shelby admits. “But I want nothing more than to create music that helps people feel less alone.”
While Learning To Love was coming together sonically, another creative layer was quietly taking shape behind the scenes — one fans might not expect.
During long studio days, while Jake focused on guitar takes, production, and mixing details, Shelby often sat nearby listening. Instead of stepping away, she began drawing.
“I didn’t know Shelby was that good at drawing,” Jake reveals. “Some days I’d be recording guitars for hours, and she’d just be sitting there sketching. Then I’d see what she made and be like, ‘Wait… you’re actually really good at this.’”
Shelby filled a small scrapbook with sketches made entirely during the album process. In it, there are drawings of producers in the studio, quiet moments behind the board, and even a birthday sketch for Jake while they were recording.
“I feel like I don’t really do it a ton,” Shelby says. “But it just kind of happened while we were making the record.”
The drawings became an unexpected visual diary of Learning To Love, capturing the stillness, patience, and emotional weight of the moments between takes. Much like their music, the artwork wasn’t created for perfection, but for presence.
With celebrity fans like Michael Bublé, Gracie Abrams, and the Kardashians already in their corner, Jake & Shelby are staying grounded and focused on what matters most: connection. More touring is on the horizon, along with new music still waiting to be written.
“Our biggest goal right now is to play more shows,” Jake says. “We want to get out there and connect with people.”
And if Learning To Love and “Morning Light” are any indication, Jake & Shelby are only just beginning to show us how powerful honesty can be — especially when it’s shared.
For more on Jake & Shelby’s music, make sure to watch our full interview below, and don’t forget to let us know if you’re loving “Morning Light” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
Interview quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
