Download “The Songwriter U Issue” with Shovels and Rope Cover Story

September/October marks our inaugural “Songwriter U” issue and features an in-depth cover story on Shovels and Rope, the Charleston, South Carolina-based roots rock duo made up of husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. The print edition won’t hit newsstands until September 9, but tablet users don’t have to wait. Click here to purchase the iPad version in iTunes, and here to purchase the Android-compatible version through Google play.

In this special issue, we visit Capitol Hill to check in on the legislative battle being waged on songwriters’ behalf, and join up with Steve Earle at Camp Copperhead, where he recently lectured on the craft of songwriting.

We also embark on a tour through some of the scenes, locales, venues, and festivals that still define the music of the Carolinas.  We then scoot to Chicago where veteran music journalists Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis of the radio show Sound Opinions host a music biz boot camp for aspiring rockers. Elsewhere, Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers pens a column on his 41-year evolution as a songwriter. You’ll also find features on Shooter Jennings, up-and-coming blues songstress Adia Victoria, as well as Peter Cooper’s tribute to Tom T. Hall. Plus a whole lot more. Download today.