This twangy UK duo are building their own Nashville.
About The Shires
Artist Biography
Formed in 2013 by singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, The Shires became England’s most successful country act.
∙ Both Earle and Rhodes appeared as contestants on the UK version of The X-Factor before coming together as The Shires.
∙ Their debut full-length, 2015’s Brave, was the first British country album to reach the Top 10 on the UK Pop chart—and the duo’s next three LPs peaked at No. 3.
∙ In 2015, The Shires participated in the Apple Music Festival’s first country music night, opening for Carrie Underwood at the Roundhouse in London.
∙ The group won the 2017 CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which honors musicians signed outside the US who promote the genre and expand its audience.
∙ Launched in 2020 as part of Apple Music Country’s inaugural radio program roster, London to Nashville with The Shires showcased the duo playing favorite songs and interviewing guests.
∙ Their 2020 single “Lightning Strikes” featured chart-topping singer-songwriter Lauren Alaina, who was runner-up on the 10th season of American Idol.
Hometown
Hertfordshire, England
Genre
Country
Members of The Shires
The Shires was formed in 2013. Members of The Shires include, or have included, the following 2 members.