Shovels & Rope is an American folk rock duo consisting of husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. The duo has gained significant popularity for their raw and energetic performances, as well as their honest and heartfelt songwriting.
Trent and Hearst met in Charleston, South Carolina, and began playing music together in 2008. Their unique blend of Americana, folk, and rock influences quickly caught the attention of the music industry, and they released their debut album, “Shovels & Rope,” in 2008.
Since then, Shovels & Rope has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “O’ Be Joyful” (2012) and “Little Seeds” (2016). Their music often tackles themes of love, struggles, and the complexities of everyday life, resonating with audiences around the world.
Known for their captivating live performances, Trent and Hearst are able to create a powerful and intimate connection with their audiences. Their dynamic stage presence, combined with their raw and emotive vocals, makes every show a memorable experience.
With their unique sound and unwavering authenticity, Shovels & Rope continue to leave a lasting impression on the music world. Their music has touched the hearts of many and continues to inspire listeners with its timeless and relatable themes.
What is the story behind shovels and rope?
Shovels and Rope is an American folk duo from Charleston, South Carolina. The duo consists of husband and wife, Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. They first started performing together in 2007 and quickly gained a following with their unique blend of folk, rock, and country music.
The story behind Shovels and Rope began when Michael and Cary Ann met while performing at separate shows in the same venue. They were both pursuing solo careers at the time but decided to join forces and create music together. They named themselves Shovels and Rope as a nod to their DIY approach to music-making.
The duo gained recognition for their raw and energetic performances, often switching instruments onstage and delivering heartfelt performances. They released their debut album, “O’ Be Joyful” in 2012, which received critical acclaim and helped them gain a wider audience.
Over the years, Shovels and Rope have continued to release albums and tour extensively. Their music often tackles themes of love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. They have developed a loyal fanbase and have become known for their authentic and passionate approach to music.
In addition to their music career, Michael and Cary Ann have also become parents, balancing their life on the road with their roles as parents to their two children. They continue to write, record, and perform together, continuing to captivate audiences with their powerful music and captivating performances.
Background
Shovels and rope is a musical duo formed in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2008. The duo is composed of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, who are both accomplished musicians in their own right. Trent, originally from Denver, Colorado, had previously released solo albums and had toured as a member of the band The Films. Hearst, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, had released albums under her own name and had gained attention for her powerful vocals and songwriting.
Trent and Hearst first met in 2003 when they were both performing at a music festival in Nashville. They quickly discovered a musical connection and began playing together whenever their schedules allowed. In 2008, they decided to officially join forces and form Shovels and rope.
The duo’s name, Shovels and Rope, is derived from the unconventional instruments they use in their performances. Trent plays guitar and drums simultaneously, using a specially designed foot pedal setup, while Hearst plays guitar and various percussion instruments, including a homemade drum kit made from a suitcase.
Shovels and Rope’s music is a blend of folk, country, blues, and rock. Their songs are characterized by heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and rich harmonies. They draw inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.
Since forming, Shovels and Rope have released several critically acclaimed albums and have toured extensively. They have built a dedicated fan base and have gained recognition for their energetic live performances. Their music has been featured in films and television shows, and they have received numerous awards and nominations for their work.
How did Shovels & Rope get their start in the music industry?
Shovels & Rope, an American folk duo consisting of husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, started their musical journey separately before joining forces. Both artists had already established themselves as solo musicians when they met and began collaborating in Charleston, South Carolina.
Michael Trent had released several solo albums and also played in the Greenville-based band called The Films. His music was known for its gritty sound and heartfelt lyrics.
Cary Ann Hearst, on the other hand, had gained attention with her unique blend of Americana and rock music. She had released her solo album titled “Dust and Bones” and had also performed at various venues in Charleston.
In 2008, Trent and Hearst decided to combine their individual talents and form Shovels & Rope. They released their debut album, “Shovels & Rope”, in 2008. The album showcased their raw, edgy sound and received positive reviews from critics.
Early Struggles
Although the duo’s music was well-received, they faced challenges early on while trying to establish themselves in the music industry. They not only struggled financially but also faced rejection from record labels. However, their perseverance and dedication to their craft kept them going.
During this period, Shovels & Rope took matters into their own hands and started performing at local venues and music festivals. They also began self-producing their albums, letting their DIY ethos shine through.
Breakthrough and Success
Shovels & Rope’s breakthrough came with the release of their second album, “O’ Be Joyful”, in 2012. The album received critical acclaim and won the duo the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards.
Since then, Shovels & Rope have continued to make waves in the music industry, releasing several successful albums and gaining a dedicated fanbase. Their music is characterized by their harmonious vocals, catchy melodies, and honest storytelling.
Today, Shovels & Rope are regarded as one of the prominent folk rock duos in the industry. Their unique blend of folk, country, and rock elements, coupled with their captivating live performances, has earned them a strong reputation and a loyal following.
Music style
Shovels and Rope have been described as a versatile and eclectic musical duo. Their music style incorporates elements of various genres such as folk, rock, country, blues, and Americana. The duo’s songs often feature powerful vocal harmonies and emotionally charged lyrics.
With their unique blend of musical influences, Shovels and Rope create a sound that is both nostalgic and modern. They are known for their energetic live performances and their ability to captivate audiences with their raw and passionate music.
Their songwriting is often introspective and deeply personal, exploring themes such as love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. The duo’s music is characterized by its honest and raw storytelling, accompanied by simple yet catchy melodies.
Shovels and Rope’s music style can be best described as a fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, creating a truly unique and captivating listening experience. Whether they are performing a heartfelt ballad or a foot-stomping rock anthem, the duo’s music resonates with listeners and leaves a lasting impression.
What genre of music does Shovels and Rope play?
Shovels and Rope is an American folk duo formed in Charleston, South Carolina. Known for their unique blend of folk, rock, and country music, they have created a signature sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Their music incorporates elements of traditional Americana, roots rock, and indie folk, making them difficult to categorize into one specific genre.
The duo, consisting of married couple Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, are known for their raw and energetic performances. They often switch between various instruments, including guitars, drums, harmonicas, and others, creating a rich and dynamic sound. Their lyrics are heartfelt and personal, often dealing with themes of love, loss, and the human experience.
Shovels and Rope’s music can be described as both introspective and celebratory, with catchy melodies and powerful vocals that draw the listener in. They have gained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for their innovative approach to songwriting and their ability to captivate audiences with their live performances.
Influences
Shovels and Rope draws inspiration from a wide range of musical influences. Their sound has been compared to artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, and The White Stripes. They have also cited classic country and bluegrass artists, as well as punk and rock bands, as influential to their music.
Discography
The duo has released several albums and EPs throughout their career, including their self-titled debut album “Shovels and Rope” in 2008, “O’ Be Joyful” in 2012, and “Swimmin’ Time” in 2014. They have received multiple nominations and awards for their music, including the Americana Music Honors & Awards and the Grammy Awards.
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Shovels and Rope | 2008 |
| O’ Be Joyful | 2012 |
| Swimmin’ Time | 2014 |
Success and Recognition
Shovels and Rope achieved success and recognition in the music industry with their unique blend of folk, rock, and Americana sounds. Through their hard work and dedication to their craft, they have garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 2008, received positive reviews from music critics and established Shovels and Rope as a rising force in the indie folk scene. The album showcased their raw and authentic songwriting, which resonated with listeners and earned them a devoted following.
In 2012, the duo released their second album, “O’ Be Joyful,” which further propelled them into the spotlight. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim and earned Shovels and Rope a nomination for Best Emerging Artist at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. Their electrifying live performances and soulful melodies captivated audiences and solidified their reputation as a must-see act.
Shovels and Rope’s success continued with their subsequent albums, including “Swimmin’ Time” in 2014 and “Little Seeds” in 2016. Both albums received widespread acclaim and further expanded their fanbase. Their unique sound and compelling storytelling set them apart from their contemporaries and established them as a prominent force in the music industry.
Over the years, Shovels and Rope have received numerous accolades for their exceptional musical talent and contributions to the industry. They have been nominated for and won multiple awards, including the Emerging Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Association Honors & Awards and Album of the Year at the Independent Music Awards.
With their continued success and recognition, Shovels and Rope have solidified their place in the music industry. Their heartfelt, honest music resonates with a wide audience, and their live performances are a testament to their talent and dedication. As their career continues to flourish, it is clear that Shovels and Rope are here to stay.
