Jony Shelby’s latest single “london//layover” feels like a quiet confession wrapped in soulful R&B warmth. Originally from Baton Rouge and now calling Austin, Texas home, Shelby has been slowly but surely carving out a space for himself in the music world. His journey into artistry feels almost inevitable when you hear his backstory — growing up immersed in music, playing instruments in his late father’s church, leading his high school band as drum major. Though he’s been surrounded by music for most of his life, it’s only in the past few years that he’s begun capturing hearts with his own creations. His debut EP, released just this past winter, pulled in a wave of fresh admirers and earned him nods from Elevator Magazine and ZO Magazine, signaling the arrival of a genuine new voice in R&B.
“london//layover” captures a very real and personal moment for Shelby — a promise made to a girlfriend that was unintentionally broken due to travel chaos. Stuck overnight in London, he turned his frustration and longing into music, crafting the song while waiting in the airport lobby. There’s a raw honesty threaded through the track, a sort of vulnerable patience that’s hard not to feel. His smooth vocal delivery pairs effortlessly with the slow-burn production, allowing the emotion to simmer beneath the surface without ever feeling overplayed. The beauty of “london//layover” lies in its simplicity: a broken plan, a delay, a wish to be somewhere else with someone you love. It’s a universal feeling, yet uniquely Shelby’s in the way he tells it.
With support now coming in from places like Voyage Magazine, Elevator, and even Vogue, it’s clear that Jony Shelby is not just a promising newcomer but a growing force to watch. “london//layover” feels like another confident step forward for an artist who knows exactly how to turn life’s unexpected moments into something beautiful and lasting.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonyshelby
Twitter: https://x.com/mojoJony