2016 has been a banner year thus far for Shovels & Rope, the celebrated duo of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, following the October 7 release of their latest album Little Seeds (New West). Little Seeds has received the highest critical praise of any the duo’s acclaimed previous albums, with many saying it is their finest work. Relix called it, “…their most personal and powerful album to date.” and Garden & Gun, referred to the collection as, “Their richest and most personal album to date…”. Little Seeds also reached the #1 spot on the Americana Radio Chart.
The diverse range of press support included The New York Times, NPR Music, Noisey, Flood, Entertainment Weekly, No Depression, American Songwriter, Paste, Rolling Stone Country and much more (See Highlights) including this recent interview and performance on the acclaimed CBC Radio program q (Listen Here). Shovels & Rope will appear on Conan on November 29.
In advance of the album, Shovels & Rope released three powerful, unique and original videos. The quirky “I Know” showcased deep bitterness and jealousy behind the scenes at a drag queen beauty contest, the ambitious “Botched Execution” features a bounty hunter and escaped convict filmed in a comic book noir style and the gorgeous “St. Anne’s Parade” features Hearst and Trent shot during a friend’s touching wedding parade on the streets of New Orleans.
Shovels & Rope’s recent tour has seen many highlights thus far, including a milestone three sold out shows in New York City last month where they played to passionate crowds who sang along enthusiastically to old and new songs. The couple recently announced a two-night return to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium in February, where they headlined a sold out performance in 2014. (See Tour Dates).
On November 14, Shovels & Rope announced the inaugural High Water Festival, a two-day event in their hometown of Charleston, SC curated by the Hearst, Trent and their manager Paul Bannister, in partnership with AC Entertainment. Artists include, The Shins, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Dawes, Lucius, Margo Price, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and many more. The experience will include Charleston chef-curated food, local craft beer and more. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit local non-profits The Green Heart Project, Charleston Waterkeeper, and Water Mission. For tickets and information go to http://www.highwaterfest.com.
For press information on Shovels & Rope, please contact Jim Flammia jim@alleyesmedia.com or Michelle Steele michelle@alleyesmedia.com at All Eyes Media (615) 227-2770