The Shires

The Shires

The Shires are a UK country duo formed in 2013 and active since then. The group consists of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. They come from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, and are identified as a country act with country pop and pop influences.

Formation and name

Ben Earle sings and plays guitar, while Bedford-born Crissie Rhodes shares lead vocals. The pair choose the name The Shires to emphasise an English identity. The name refers to the older term for a county in the United Kingdom.

Recording and labels

After playing only a handful of shows together, The Shires attract the attention of Decca Records, which signs them in the UK. They also secure a deal with Universal Music Group Nashville, becoming the first UK country act signed to a major Nashville label.