New Music: The Shires, First Time Flyers Bring Fresh Energy to Early Summer

As the UK country scene rolls into festival season, three major releases are setting the tone for the months ahead. From a bright, Motown‑kissed single from Britain’s most successful country duo to a festival‑ready anthem of resilience, this week’s new music shows the breadth and confidence of UK artists right now.

The Shires – Watching You Watching Me

British country trailblazers The Shires return with Watching You Watching Me, a playful, feel‑good single from their upcoming album Bonfire, out 3 July via Blue Highway Records. Written by Ben Earle with Lindsay Rimes and Eric Paslay, the track leans into the spark of a stolen glance and the courage it takes to turn it into something more.

There is a touch of Motown in the production and a subtle nod to their earlier hit Guilty, giving the song a fresh twist while keeping the duo’s unmistakable warmth. Ben says it is a fun and different sound for them and one they cannot wait to take onto big festival stages this summer.

The Shires continue to set the pace for UK country. Their recent single Getaway Car made history as the first track by British artists to top the Official UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, adding to a list of milestones that includes the first UK Top Ten country album, the fastest‑selling UK country album of all time and a CMA Award. With festival dates at BST Hyde Park, The Great British Farm Fest and The Long Road, plus a full UK headline tour in November, the duo are stepping into a huge year.

First Time Flyers – Do It All Over Again

Fresh from a No.1 album and a sold‑out headline tour, First Time Flyers return with Do It All Over Again, out 22 May. It is an uplifting, high‑energy anthem about resilience and new beginnings, written in their North London studio and powered by rich four‑part harmonies and punchy rhythms.

The track features acclaimed US duo Striking Matches, whose slide guitar and resonator work add a transatlantic spark. Tim Smith says the collaboration was years in the making and the song had been crying out for their touch.

With a packed summer of festivals ahead, including The Long Road, Belladrum and Camper Calling, plus their first European headline tour this autumn, First Time Flyers are heading into the season with serious momentum.

Big Moments from The Shires, First Time Flyers

The Shires lead this week’s new releases with the bright and playful Watching You Watching Me, setting the tone for a huge summer ahead. They are joined by First Time Flyers, who deliver a soaring anthem of resilience with Do It All Over Again.