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.
Following the success of their 2022 album 10 Year Plan, The Shires are now entering an exciting new chapter with their upcoming album Bonfire, set for release on July 3 2026. The project marks a fresh creative era for the duo, capturing themes of renewal, connection, and wide‑open possibility. Its lead single Getaway Car has already made history, becoming the first UK country single to ever break into the Top 10 of the Country Radio Airplay Chart, landing at No.7.
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
