The Shires - My Universe (2016)

UK country superstars, The Shires, release their hotly anticipated second album My Universe, out on 7 October 2016 and available now to pre-order. The debut 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 and album alike showcase 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 and Years and Jess Glynn. Ben and 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.