Today, TMR is proud to premiere Jeans Shepherd’s new single ‘Love Me Again’, our first taste of this inspiring songwriter and hip-hop artist who combines elements of ‘50s soul, future soul, early ‘00s hip-hop, rap, and morna (a genre of music originating in the Cape Verde islands). Currently residing in the New England area of the US, this 26-year-old musician is currently preparing for the birth of his first child, a process which has inspired this single, ‘Love Me Again’. From the opening, this single portrays the warmth and openness of an intimate, loving relationship, with it’s lo-fi production, woozy vocal recording and the tropical beach rhythms of those morna guitars notes and woody percussion. After the first minute, Shepherd switches from a soulful croon to his down-to-earth rap style as he shares his admiration and gratitude for where his life has led him thus far. Shepherd’s lyrics are incredibly revealing, not only does he wear his heart on his sleeve when it comes to love, but he’s also open with his negative emotions too: “I was in a dark place, but I’m glad to be out, it was all thanks to you, I know your Dad would be proud.” As we’ve been informed over email, the young songwriter is “Motivated and plagued by his struggle with an anxiety disorder”, although ‘Love Me Again’ captures a slice of Jeans’ life where he’s winning the battle against anxiety. No doubt, his emotional awareness has influenced much of his music, as we look forward to hearing in the forthcoming Cranberry Love 1991 EP, to be released August 26th. For now, enjoy the sweet sounds of ‘Love Me Again’, premiering here. - Hannah Thacker