First single from second album
The Shires have released a brand new song today, giving us the first taste of the sound of their new album.
Have a listen to it here:
Here's the press release with all the info!
NEW ALBUM ‘MY UNIVERSE’ RELEASED 7 OCTOBER ON DECCA
UK HEADLINE TOUR NOV-DEC 2016
“Spearheading a British country boom" - Daily Mail.
“Voices entwine and musical magic ensues”- Independent on Sunday
COUNTRY IS BOOMING WITH YOUNG MUSIC FANS - MUSIC WEEK REPORTS THE SHIRES ARE LEADING A SURGE IN YOUTH INTEREST IN COUNTRY MUSIC.
47% of 18-24 YEAR OLDS NOW IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS COUNTRY MUSIC FANS ACCORDING TO NEW CMA STUDY
UK country superstars, The Shires, have released the first single from their hotly anticipated second album 'My Universe', out on 7 October 2016 and available to pre-order today. The new track, entitled 'Beats To Your Rhythm', is a heartfelt but infectious summer smash which will have fans across the UK singing along in seconds with its handclaps, catchy chorus, stomping drums and rousing backing vocal hook. The tune showcases The Shires' trademark beautiful harmonies, which come naturally to Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes who share lead vocals and blend their voices together to perfection.
With the release of their debut album ‘Brave’ in 2015, The Shires became the biggest-selling country act in the UK last year (including US artists), and one of the biggest-selling breakthrough UK acts of any genre along with James Bay, Years & Years & Jess Glynn. Ben & Crissie continued to build a huge following, in fans and critics alike, landing 5 A list singles at BBC Radio 2 and appearing on a string of high profile TV shows including Graham Norton, BBC Music Awards, Children in Need Rocks and many more. The band were then given their first headline slot at Glastonbury this summer, topping the bill on the Acoustic Stage on Saturday night.
The new album will appeal to both pop and country fans, with high profile co-writes involving top country music writers, including Kip Moore, and with the album recorded at Sound Stage Studios (one of the most prestigious recording studios in Nashville, which has cut records for other country superstars such as Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum) the US country audience will no doubt be fans of ‘My Universe’ too. The band have already made significant steps to launching in the USA having graced the stage at the famous Grand Ole Opry, adding their names alongside Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, Garth Brooks and a veritable who’s who of country music who have all played at the famous Nashville landmark venue. On recording the new album in Nashville, The Shires said, “It was great to go back to Nashville – we practically lived there. We have friends there now and for some reason when you write and record there you just feel more inspired. It definitely comes through in the new music.”
Last year, The Shires made music history by becoming the first UK country act ever to have a Top 10 album. The duo have clearly been at the forefront of the British country music movement which has seen a sea change in the opinion of the British public, who have embraced the genre and UK bands making music inspired by US country artists. According to a recent CMA report, country fans are also getting younger with 47% of 18-24 year olds now identifying themselves as country music fans. Talking to Music Week, label boss Rebecca Allen attributes much of this success to The Shires: "Country really is finding a new, young audience in the UK... The Shires’ success is opening doors for lots of other artists. They were one of the breakthrough acts of last year, along with Years & Years, James Bay and Meghan Trainor. And that wasn't from a country audience. It was an audience of young people that really enjoyed great pop music."
The Shires tour the UK this winter, culminating in a headline performance at 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, but fans don't have to wait long to see them live as they are also making country music the soundtrack to the summer, performing at a series of UK music festivals and events including Bracknell, Lytham, Castle Roc, Cottingham and supporting Sir Tom Jones at Bedford Park.
NEW TOUR DATES
O2 Academy, Oxford – Friday 18 November, 2016
Anvil, Basingstoke – Sunday 20 November, 2016
O2 Guildhall, Southampton – Monday 21 November, 2016
Royal and Derngate, Northampton – Wednesday 23 November, 2016
St. David’s Hall, Cardiff – Thursday 24 November, 2016
Corn Exchange, Bedford – Friday 25 November, 2016
Corn Exchange, Cambridge – Sunday 27 November, 2016
Colston Hall, Bristol – Monday 28 November, 2016
Dome, Brighton – Tuesday 29 November, 2016
Venue Cymru, Llandudno – Friday 2 December, 2016
O2 Institute, Birmingham – Saturday 3 December, 2016
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester – Sunday 4 December, 2016
The Sage, Gateshead – Monday 5 December, 2016
O2 ABC, Glasgow – Wednesday 7 December, 2016
Barbican, York – Thursday 8 December, 2016
O2 Academy, Liverpool – Friday 9 December, 2016
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London – Sunday 11 December, 2016
The band will also be performing at the following festivals this summer:
Bracknell Festival – Saturday 30th July, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Bracknell. Venue: South Hill Park Grounds
Lytham Festival – Tuesday 2nd August, 2016 @ 6:00 pm. City: Lytham. Venue: Lytham Green
Supporting Tom Jones - Sunday 7th August, 2016 @ 5:00 pm. City: Bedford. Venue: Bedford Park
Falmouth Week – Wednesday 10th August, 2016 @ 7:30 pm. City: Falmouth. Venue: Falmouth Events Square
Castle Roc Music Festival – Saturday 20th August, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Chepstow. Venue: Chepstow Castle
Cottingham Music Festival - Sunday 28th August, 2016 @ 7:30 pm. City: Cottingham. Venue: Civic Hall
For more information and tickets please visit: http://www.theshiresmusic.com
