UK country superstars The Shires have made music history by becoming the first UK country act to sign a high profile USA-based country record deal.
The duo, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, are set to go out on tour in the UK shortly, performing at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 4 December 2016.
Their second album My Universe recently became the fastest-selling UK Country album of all time in the UK on its release three weeks ago and the success keeps coming for them as they have inked a deal in the US with historic Big Machine Label Group imprint Dot Records. The Big Machine Label Group also counts Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie and Tae and Thomas Rhett amongst its artists. The duo were signed up by Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group who said “I’ve been watching The Shires closely and from afar, and now the time is right to have them join the family. I can’t wait for America to experience The Shires!”
The duo commented “We are absolutely thrilled to sign with Dot Records in the USA. The UK is our home and we are proud of our success so far, thanks to Decca Records, but it’s always been a massive goal for us to build our presence and make a name for ourselves in the USA. Scott was one of the first people to approach us as a band, after hearing our original demos nearly three years ago. His advice back then was clear, to break the UK first and come to the US with a story. We took his advice and are extremely excited to be working with him and his team in the US. It is the home of Country Music and what better label could any act ever hope to sign with than Dot Records! Scott, Chris and their team are incredible at what they do and have worked with some of the biggest names in Country music history – we can’t wait to get started!”
The Shires have built a tremendous reputation for live performances and have graced the stage as Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry as well as closer to home at venues including Manchester’s The Ritz alongside Little Big Town and Band On The Wall in a joint headline gig with Ward Thomas.
The Shires perform at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 4 December 2016.
