Coming to Southampton’s 02 Guildhall on the 21st November as part of their UK-wide tour to promote the release of their second album, My Universe, are increasingly prominent music stars, The Shires.
The duo, composed of guitarist Ben Earle from Hertfordshire and singer Crissie Rhodes from neighbouring Bedfordshire, have helped to trailblaze the emerging genre of music known as UK Country, a genre that has blossomed following inspiration from the early pop-country singles of Taylor Swift and more traditional American country artists, like the band Lady Antebellum.
Thus far The Shires have released two albums: Brave in 2015, which became the first ever UK country album to reach the top ten; and three weeks ago My Universe which peaked at number three on the album chart and is also the fastest-selling UK country album ever. Their album success has already led to their headlining the Glastonbury Acoustic stage this summer.
American country singer-songwriter Canaan Smith, who has achieved both a top ten single and album in the fiercely competitive US country charts, is scheduled to play the warm-up before The Shires .
As well as visiting Southampton during their tour, the duo will also be performing at the O2 Academy Oxford on the 18th November and Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London on the 5th December.
Tickets for The Shires’ tour can be purchased here.
