Shovels & Rope is the acclaimed Charleston, South Carolina-based folk-rock duo made up of husband-and-wife songwriters Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. Formed from the foundation of their successful solo careers, the pair created a distinctive sound that blends traditional folk, country rock, Americana, and gritty rock and roll. Hearst, originally from Mississippi and raised in Nashville, built a reputation as a powerful songwriter and performer before joining forces with Trent, a Houston-born musician who later settled in Charleston after time with indie band The Films. Although their 2008 collaborative album Shovels & Rope was initially intended as a one-time project, the chemistry between the two artists quickly evolved into a full-time partnership. Their breakthrough came with 2012’s O’ Be Joyful, followed by acclaimed releases including Swimmin’ Time, Little Seeds, By Blood, and Manticore, earning them a devoted following and recognition as one of Americana music’s most dynamic live acts. In 2013, they received the Americana Music Honors & Awards’ Emerging Artist of the Year award, while their song “Birmingham” was named Song of the Year.

 

Over the years, Shovels & Rope have built a reputation for fearless songwriting, infectious performances, and a collaborative spirit showcased through their popular Busted Jukebox series, which features duets with artists such as Brandi Carlile, Sharon Van Etten, The Milk Carton Kids, and M. Ward. Their story was also captured in the award-winning documentary The Ballad of Shovels & Rope, highlighting the duo’s journey from independent musicians to Americana mainstays. Continuing to evolve while remaining rooted in authenticity, the band released their latest studio album, Something Is Working Up Above My Head, on September 6, 2024, through Dualtone Records. The album further demonstrates the pair’s ability to merge heartfelt storytelling with adventurous, genre-spanning musicianship, reinforcing their status as one of the most compelling and enduring acts in contemporary American roots music.

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