Shovels & Rope perform in The Current studios
by Bill DeVille, Scott Olstad and Shovels & Rope
July 22, 2012
You can call them Shovels & Rope, but that is not the name of this two-piece folk act from Charleston, S.C. Shovels & Rope is the title of a record that the two released together before officially becoming a band. That album featured several murder ballads (hence the ropes and shovels). The name felt appropriate, so Shovels & Rope now serves as the band's offical moniker — but the duo insists, it is NOT the name of the band.
Whatever you choose to call them, the husband-and-wife folk duo's work ethic since forming in 2010 is staggering. In 2011 alone, they played almost 200 shows and have toured with the likes of Butch Walker, Justin Townes Earle, The Felice Brothers, Hayes Carll and Jason Isbell. Not bad for a band that started with the idea to "make some money in the bars in Charleston."
The band is currently on the road to promote their new album O' Be Joyful, which will be released on July 31. While in town to play at the 7th St. Entry, the two-piece tandem brought their act to The Current studios to play a few songs and talk with Bill Deville about finding their kick drum in the garbage, Confederate moonshine's influence on naming their new record and Townes, their tour bus guarding hound dog.
Songs performed: "Gasoline," "Birmingham" and "Keeper."
