Artist: Shovels & Rope
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Song: “Divide & Conquer”
Album: Manticore
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Label: Dualtone Records
In Their Words: “This is a song about a marriage seemingly worn down by life. The loss of a parent, the pressure of being parents, illness, weather or injury can unintentionally launch a snowball of resentment and accumulated conflict. This song is not about us. But it is informed by our lived experience as partners in life. The daily division of labor it takes to accomplish what is necessary in business and family is universally challenging. It’s about the weathering of it. And in the end, learning to surrender to the alchemy of time and experience, letting it have its effect on your emotion metal. The patina is beautiful. Like a classic car or a lovely old house, is not judged only for its immaculate outward appearance but by its sturdiness despite the years.” — Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, Shovels & Rope
Photo Credit: Leslie Ryan McKellar