S

Shovels and Rope

Charleston, SC

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americana Popularity: 48 Established Division

GOAT Standings

1
Thumbs Up
1
Thumbs Down
0.0167
Wilson Score ? Measures confidence in approval rating. Accounts for sample size — an artist with 8/10 likes ranks higher than 1/1. Ranges 0–1; higher is better.
30
Times Served
Region: Southern Coastal Plain Conference: Southeast Regional Rank: #166

Weekly Trend

Did You Know

  • • Shovels & Rope began as a duo when Michael and Cary Ann merged their solo acts.
  • • Charleston, South Carolina, remains their home base and creative inspiration.
  • • Their self-titled album's critical acclaim catapulted them to national attention.
  • • Before music, Michael Trent worked as a carpenter, crafting their early instruments.
  • • They blend folk, rock, and country, often dubbed "roots rock" or "Americana."
  • • Shovels & Rope have collaborated with John Moreland and Lucius on various projects.
  • • "Birmingham" is a fan-favorite anthem about resilience and Southern identity.
  • • Their authentic storytelling helped revive the Americana genre's popularity.
  • • They won Americana Music Awards for Emerging Artist and Duo/Group.
  • • Shovels & Rope's raw, DIY ethos inspires independent musicians.
  • • Shovels & Rope began as a side project while Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent pursued solo careers.
  • • Charleston, South Carolina, is their adopted hometown and the heart of their musical community.
  • • Their self-titled 2012 album propelled them from indie darlings to national recognition.
  • • Michael Trent built their home studio, The Jam Room, from the ground up, fostering creative control.
  • • Their music blends folk, rock, blues, and country, creating a unique Americana sound.
  • • They've collaborated with artists like Butch Walker, reflecting their broad musical appeal.
  • • "Birmingham" became an anthem, showcasing their raw energy and lyrical storytelling.
  • • Shovels & Rope's authentic portrayal of marriage resonates with many, fostering a loyal fanbase.
  • • They won the Americana Music Association's Duo/Group of the Year award in 2015.
  • • Their honest songwriting and dynamic live performances continue to inspire emerging Americana artists.

Locations in Lyrics

24 location references across 18 songs

Songs & Places

After the Storm
Birmingham
, MS Athens Athens, GA Birmingham Birmingham, AL Crescent City, LA Nashville Nashville, TN New Orleans New Orleans, LA New York City New York City, NY Springwater, TN Station Inn, TN , GA , NY , SC , TN , UT Salt Lake City Salt Lake City, UT
Botched Execution
Motel 6 bank circus crossroad
Boxcar
Gibsland Gibsland, LA harbor , TX Coming out of the harbor
C'mon Utah!
Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe, NM , CO , NM , UT
"Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and on up the Rio Grande"
C’mon Utah!
Albuquerque Albuquerque, NM Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM , CO , UT , NM
Carry Me Home
, WV
Evil
across the street equestrian mart street the house next down house next down the steeple
Great, America (2017)
Lay Low
Love Song From a Dog
Mississippi Nuthin’
, MS
"Like I'm some kind of Mississippi nothin'"
O’ Be Joyful
St. Anne’s Parade
New Orleans New Orleans, LA New York City New York City, NY , MD , MS
This Means War
Unknown Legend
small town
Gasoline
New town
I Know
the bar

Connected Places

Charleston, SC Albuquerque, NM Athens, GA Birmingham, AL Nashville, TN New Orleans, LA New York City, NY Salt Lake City, UT Santa Fe, NM
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