The Shires

The Shires formed as a British duo when Hertfordshire-based guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Ben Earle joined forces with Bedfordshire vocalist Crissie Rhodes. Earle, who had previously toured as a solo act alongside KT Tunstall, sparked the partnership in 2013 by posting the words “there must be a country singer somewhere” on social media; Rhodes answered from nearby, and the two quickly discovered a shared passion for Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, and Alison Krauss. They began writing and performing together, eventually securing deals with Decca Records in the United Kingdom and Universal Music Group Nashville in the United States.

Their debut single, “Nashville Skies,” arrived in 2014 and paved the way for the February 2015 release of their first album, Brave. The project topped the U.K. country chart and helped establish the pair as the first English country artists to sign with a major Nashville label, while also earning them audiences on both sides of the Atlantic through a nationwide tour. In 2016 they returned with My Universe, which reached number three on the mainstream U.K. album chart.

The duo ventured further into crossover territory on their third album, Accidentally on Purpose, recorded in Nashville with Lindsay Rimes and steeped in the big hooks and choruses of contemporary American country. After its 2018 release they embarked on an extensive U.K. tour and spent the end of the year opening for Shania Twain. The following year they headed back to Nashville to cut their fourth album, Good Years, which appeared at the start of 2020 ahead of another round of British dates.

In 2022 the Shires issued their fifth studio set, 10 Year Plan, which, like each of its predecessors, climbed to number one on the U.K. country chart. Throughout their catalog the pair have specialized in meticulously crafted country-pop that echoes the sound of Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, and Florida Georgia Line.