The Shires have become the first UK country music act to sign to a major label in the US.
The Shires
Popular duo Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes have inked a deal with Dot Records imprint Big Machine Label Group, whose president Scott Borchetta is credited for discovering pop superstar Taylor Swift, and have joined a roster that includes Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.
The pair commented: "We are absolutely thrilled to sign with Dot Records in the USA. 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."
Ben and Crissie are thrilled to be working with Scott who has nurtured their career from the very beginning.
They continued: "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. It is the home of Country Music and what better label could any act ever hope to sign with than Dot Records! Scott, Chris and their team are incredible at what they do and have worked with some of the biggest names in Country music history - we can't wait to get started!"
Scott added: "I've been watching The Shires closely and from afar, and now the time is right to have them join the family. I can't wait for America to experience The Shires!"
Meanwhile, the 'Beats To Your Rhythm' hitmakers recently said they'd love to form a supergroup with US group Little Big Town.
Ben previously told BANG Showbiz: "We've always said we would love to sing with Lady Antebellum or maybe we could do a super group with Little Big Town and do some six part harmonies."
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