Shovels & Rope

Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Shovels & Rope are a folk rock duo that embraces a minimalist approach, creating a powerful sound with just two guitars, a junkyard drum kit, and harmonized vocals. The band focuses on the innovation that comes from live performance constraints, aiming to capture the raw energy of their stage show on record. Their music blends elements of folk, rock, and country into a cohesive and soulful style. For their recent work, the duo adhered to simple rules: using only what they can play live to ensure the recorded sound translates directly to the stage. This approach often leads to innovative arrangements born from the struggle of being a two-piece band, resulting in what they consider to be their most definitive sound to date.