Ahead of their C2C festival performance this weekend, British country duo The Shires – Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes – have confirmed details of their first album in four years.
Bonfire, released on July 3, is the first release under a new deal with Blue Highway Records in the US, following the rebrand last month from Hybe America Nashville. Lead single Getaway Car is out today (March 13).
"We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome The Shires to the label,” said Alex Hannaby, head of UK, SVP, international marketing & operations, Hybe Label Services. “They’ve played such an important role in shaping the UK country scene over the past decade or so, and it’s an honour to partner with them for this next chapter as our first UK country signing.”
They’ve played such an important role in shaping the UK country scene over the past decade
Alex Hannaby
“This is easily the most instinctive album we’ve ever made,” said Ben Earle. “Out went overthinking, multiple takes and layers of production. If it was fun, we went with it.”
The Shires are set to open new stage The Yard and host the Spotlight Stage at the Country To Country festival at The O2 in London later today.
The duo have also confirmed a 13-date UK tour in November, including a show at London Palladium (November 11).
Previously signed to Decca Nashville and BMG, The Shires have scored five consecutive UK Top 10 studio albums, as well as topping the UK country albums chart with each of those LPs. Their biggest seller to date is 2015 debut Brave on 183,647 units (Official Charts Company).
PHOTO: Bethan Miller
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