Interview With Jake & Shelby
- Sabrina Shahryar
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
I sat down with singer-songwriter indie pop duo Jake & Shelby as they are getting ready for the release of their debut studio album, Learning To Love, on October 10, 2025. Their new single “Shut Up and Kiss Me” released on July 25, 2025.
What was the creative process like for the album cover?
Jake & Shelby: With this being our debut album, we kept it simple and raw. We had a photoshoot a few months ago and found a photo of the two of us that we thought had something special. We spent a lot of time trying out different photos and designs, but we ended up using what was our favorite version to begin with.
How did you decide on the album title?
Jake & Shelby: This title was inspired by the last song on the album called “Falling Out of Love.” In the second verse, it says, “I just wanna run away to a place where everybody’s gone, maybe then, I could learn how to love.” When I wrote that lyric, I wasn’t fully aware of what it meant at the time, but I know now that so much of what I was writing was about me trying to love myself. This is how the title ‘Learning to Love’ came to be. Of course, a lot of this album is about learning to love someone else and all of the excitement and nerves that come with it, but a huge part is about loving yourself too. Learning to love yourself enough to walk away from what isn’t good for you and find someone who will really care for you. To work through your trauma, realizing that time doesn’t always heal everything.
What was the writing process like?
Jake & Shelby: These songs were written over the time of us starting as a duo to the summer of 2024. Most of these songs we wrote the two of us, along with some of our favorite writers. And Shelby wrote one of them all by herself! But our writing process usually starts with a guitar idea of mine, and then we just build from there, typically into melody and lyrics. We want all of our songs to be personal for us, and we want them to be authentic. All of the songs on this record capture a moment, a feeling, or thoughts we’ve had over our time so far as a duo. We’re so happy it’s finally coming out!
How long did it take to complete the album?
Jake & Shelby: We really dove into recording these songs in October of 2024. But some of them we had actually recorded all the way back in February of 2024!! Which is crazy to think about. But I would say we really focused on writing songs and picking songs for it in the summer of 2024. So I’d say it’s been at least a year in the making.
Did you face any challenges while creating the album?
Jake & Shelby: Haha definitely! This is our first ever album, so we’ve been learning SO many things while going through the process. One of our main challenges was just communicating what we felt on the inside. Our songs are one of the ways we are best at communicating. But when it comes to communicating what we want for each song and want for the album as a whole, that was really difficult to do for us! Overall, though, it was truly surprising how much goes into it! We’re so grateful we have a great team around us who helped us and supported us in so many ways through it.
How does it feel knowing your debut album is releasing soon?
Jake & Shelby: Very relieving. We’ve been working on some of these songs for so long now, so it feels relieving to know we’re finally putting them out for everyone to hear! We’re excited to see how people respond and how these songs connect with our fans.
Do you guys have any memorable moments from creating the album?
Jake & Shelby: One of my favorite memories was when we wrote “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” We wrote and recorded it all in one day! And we wrote it with two of our favorite people Josh Ronen and Tony Ferrari. They are both incredible and always bring so much joy into our days when we get to hang and make music with them. There are few things better than making fun music with people you love.
What are your favorite songs from the album and why?
Jake & Shelby: “A Little at a Time” is one of my favorites. The message of this song is really important to me and an important reminder to me. I really love the production on this one too. The piano and all the guitars feel so fresh to me and really authentic. It just makes me happy every time I hear it. I’m really proud of this one.
Can you describe the album in three words?
Jake & Shelby: Learning, Love, Healing
Can you set fans up for the perfect environment to listen to the album for the first time?
Jake & Shelby: Laying outside in the grass on a blanket alone or with friends! Just chillin taking in a beautiful day.
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