INTERVIEW

THERE’S A SPECIAL KIND OF MAGIC THAT HAPPENS WHEN JAKE & SHELBY STEP OUT OF THE STUDIO INTO THE WHIRLWIND OF TOUR LIFE - a magic rooted in connection, vulnerability and the unmistakable chemistry that first drew millions to their music online. For our latest From the Road installment, we sent the Nashville-based duo a camera and asked them to capture the quiet moments, the chaos and everything in between as they hit the road in celebration of their debut album Learning To Love.

Fresh off the release of Learning To Love, Jake & Shelby are stepping into their most expansive chapter yet, one shaped by soul-baring songwriting, lush indie-pop production, and a growing fanbase that spans from TikTok to sold-out rooms across the country. From long drives and green-room rituals to the electricity of hearing strangers sing back lyrics written in private, their tour offers an intimate look at two artists learning to love, live, and create in real time.

Here’s what they documented along the way.

LUNA: How does performing songs from Learning To Love live differ from hearing them in the studio?

JAKE & SHELBY: Recording these songs felt incredibly intimate — just the two of us layering harmonies, shaping guitar parts, and discovering something new. Playing them live is a totally different energy. On our album release tour, people were already singing along days after the release, which made everything feel real in a new way. In the studio we were building the foundation; live, we’re inviting everyone to step into it with us.

LUNA: Which track has been your favorite to perform live?

JAKE & SHELBY: “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” It’s our most energetic track, and it’s the first time we’ve found ourselves actually jumping around on stage. It’s also become one of the songs fans get most excited about.

LUNA: What does a typical show day look like?

JAKE & SHELBY: We arrive early to load in, soundcheck, and get everything set up. Jake handles the gear, Shelby sets up merch. After soundcheck we grab food, get ready, play the show, and then our favorite part — meeting everyone afterward. Once the venue clears, we pack everything up and head out.

LUNA: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

JAKE & SHELBY: Yes! We have a little handshake we made years ago that we always do before going on stage. And we always do our warmups — it helps settle our nerves.

LUNA: You’ve spoken about wanting fans to feel “seen” through your music. How do you bring that energy to the stage?

JAKE & SHELBY: Just by being human. Even though we’re on a stage, we never want to feel above anyone. We try to be honest, personal, and genuine — the same people we are offstage. We want everyone to feel comfortable and connected.

LUNA: What’s a favorite moment or memory from tour?

JAKE & SHELBY: Our first show in Atlanta. It was intimate, so halfway through we went fully off mic, sat at the edge of the stage, and let the crowd choose a cover for us to play. It was so spontaneous and grounding — one of our favorite moments ever.

LUNA: What has touring taught you about yourselves as artists and people?

JAKE & SHELBY: That we love touring. This year has been full of firsts — our first big tour and our first album — and we didn’t know how we’d take to life on the road. But it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the whole process. We can’t wait to go back to these cities and start seeing familiar faces.

LUNA: You’ve built a huge online following through vulnerability and connection. How do you stay authentic as you grow?

JAKE & SHELBY: Having each other helps keep us grounded. We don’t want to be anything other than ourselves; that’s how we connect best with our audience. And that’s the connection we care about.

LUNA: What role does your online community play in your creative process now?

JAKE & SHELBY: A big one. We love sharing new songs on Instagram and TikTok lives. Giving fans a first listen feels special, and their reactions help confirm that we’re on the right path.

LUNA: What intentions do you have for the rest of the year?

JAKE & SHELBY: To keep pushing the record, reach new listeners, and try some fun new ways of connecting with fans. We really believe in this album. And we’ve got ideas brewing that we’re excited to bring to life — stay tuned.