Watch The Ballad of Shovels and Rope

The Ballad of Shovels and Rope is a 2014 documentary film that offers an intimate look at the creative process and personal struggles of South Carolina based indie-folk band Shovels and Rope. The film offers an unfiltered view of the band’s journey as they create their second studio album, ‘O’ Be Joyful’.

Directed by Jace Freeman and Sean Clark, the film features the band’s dynamic duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, who also happen to be husband and wife. The filmmakers followed the duo for nearly a year as they recorded the album in their home studio, toured across the US, and navigated life with their young daughter. Their journey is interspersed with interviews with friends and collaborators, painting a picture of the couple’s deep musical roots and their unique approach to making music.

The film opens with a glimpse into Trent and Hearst’s personal history and how they came to be a band. The duo started playing together in 2008, and their debut album, ‘Shovels & Rope,’ was released in 2010. Their second album, ‘O’ Be Joyful,’ was a breakthrough success, putting the band on the map and earning them critical acclaim.

The filmmakers capture the band’s creative process as they work on their new album. They show the duo recording in their home studio, and the challenges they face trying to make music while raising a young child. Trent and Hearst are shown working long hours, often into the night, as they struggle with writer’s block and the pressure to deliver a solid follow-up to their debut album.

As the film progresses, we see the band going on tour and performing live shows. The concerts are energetic and captivating, showcasing the duo’s raw talent and chemistry onstage. They play small venues and larger festivals, interacting with fans and connecting with fellow musicians on the road.

The Ballad of Shovels and Rope also explores the personal lives of Trent and Hearst. The couple is shown grappling with the challenges of balancing their music careers with family life. They talk about their struggles with addiction and their efforts to stay sober, and reflect on the toll that touring takes on their mental health and relationships.

Throughout the film, we see the band’s commitment to their art and their willingness to take risks to pursue their passion. Their journey culminates with the release of ‘O’ Be Joyful,’ which goes on to earn critical acclaim and establish the band as one of the most exciting new acts in indie-folk.

Overall, The Ballad of Shovels and Rope is an engaging and inspiring documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of one of the most exciting indie-folk bands of the past decade. The film captures the couple’s passion, vulnerability, and authenticity, offering both a celebration of their talent and a sympathetic portrayal of their struggles. It’s a must-watch for music lovers and anyone who appreciates a good underdog story.

The Ballad of Shovels and Rope is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.0.