The Shires are a British country duo, composed of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. Earle sings vocals, plays piano and guitar, while Rhodes shares lead vocals. The Shires formed in 2013, after Earle posted a message on Facebook looking for a country singer, and Rhodes replied. They became the first UK country act to sign with a major Nashville label, and the first to have a top ten album in the UK Albums Chart.
After playing hardly half a dozen shows together, The Shires caught the attention of Decca Records, who signed them in the United Kingdom, and they secured a contract with American record label Universal Music Group Nashville, thus becoming the first English country act to be signed to a major Nashville label.
Their music is influenced by American country stars like Lady Antebellum, Kacey Musgraves, and Alison Krauss. They have also collaborated with other artists, such as Shania Twain, Ward Thomas, and Ronan Keating.
The Shires are known for their sublime vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. They have won several awards, including the British Country Music Association Award for UK Album of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and the American Country Music Association Award for Global Artist of the Year in 2017. They have also performed at prestigious venues and festivals, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury, and C2C: Country to Country.
The Shires’ latest album, “10 Year Plan”, was released on March 11, 2022, and marked their fifth studio album and their first with BMG. The album was inspired by the duo’s reflections on their journey as a country act in the UK, and their hopes and dreams for the future. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised The Shires for their uplifting and heartfelt songs, their sublime vocal harmonies, and their catchy melodies.
The Shires are one of the most successful and popular country acts in the UK, and have also gained recognition and fans across the world. They are proud of their British identity, but also embrace the Nashville sound and spirit.
For more background, see our main article on The Shires
