UK Act The Shires Becomes Big Machine’s First International Signing

Photo courtesy of BMLG

Big Machine Records has signed successful UK country duo The Shires to a deal under the Dot Records imprint. The Shires’ second album My Universe became the fastest-selling country album of all time in the UK upon its release three weeks ago.

“We are absolutely thrilled to sign with Dot Records in the USA,” said Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes of The Shires. “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.”

Though they hail from the UK The Shires already have some Nashville cred. They’ve played the Grand Ole Opry, written with some of the city’s top songwriters, and even recorded their current album at Sound Stage Studios.