We're showing people it can be done.
It’s been just over a year since I last met with Crissie and Ben of The Shires. They were, at that time, touring BRAVE, their debut album that made them the first UK country act to place in the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart. The album’s success introduced them as‘ambassadors’ of country music in the UK and their activity in the music industry was set to mark the widespread acknowledgement that modern country music needed.Working with Ward Thomas, the two groups have had a significant effect on the country music scene in the UK and have re-ignited a country music flame that was close to burning out.
The Shires comprise of Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle, two singer-songwriters who, contrary to popular opinion, have not been an overnight success. "I know a lot of people think we’ve been an overnight success in some respects but the amount of gigs we’ve done... the amount of work we’ve done together. I mean the amount of gigs we’ve done must be getting close to over a hundred, in the space of three and a half years," says Ben. Before The Shires, the duo spent many years working independently to achieve a career in music. Crissie was a wedding singer and a former X Factor contestent in 2013, finally being sent home by her mentor Nicole Scherzinger from the Bootcamp round. Ben was a solo artist who actually supported KT Tunstall on tour, was also a former X Factor contestant the year before Crissie, and was again mentored by Nicole. The experience taught the duo a lot.
Bu hikaye Maverick Magazine dergisinin December/January 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Maverick Magazine dergisinin December/January 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
American Young
Country duo American Young have now toured the UK so many times, it’s become like a second home, Megan Gnad speaks to the band about their experiences
Kelsea Ballerini
On her first trip to the UK, the record-breaking artist is still flying high on the success of her debut album, whilst preparing to release her much-anticipated second. Maverick’s Danielle caught up with Kelsea on her first day in London to discuss her incredible success so far, what to expect from her next album, and the rise of women in country.
Ramblin' Man Festival 2017
Ramblin' Man fair is one event on the lengthy festival calendar that you do not want to miss - or at least that's the impression that I received after a weekend spent bellowing out some of my all time Country favourites alongside other epic Country fans.
Thomas Rhett Life Changes
Thomas Rhett’s latest album is his most iconic yet. Bursting with classic country, as well as more experimental tracks the star is pulling out all the stops...
Fiona Culley Country's answer to Adele
Staffordshire-raised Fiona Culley has done her homework and is ready to attack the country scene with everything she has, Maverick's Megan Gnad catches up with her before she hits the big time...
Worry Dolls
UK Country at it's finest
Catch up with: Rachael Sage
Maverick's Lauren Barnett catches up with Rachael to find out what 2017 has in store...
Brandy Clark
Perhaps one of the most honest and open songwriters in the genre today, Brandy Clark’s unique form of storytelling has seen her nominated for countless awards. Maverick caught up with the singer to discuss her journey from songwriter to recording artist, her latest live album, and her upcoming UK tour.
Kenny Rogers The Gamblers Last Deal
Mavericks Lauren Barnett catches up with country icon Kenny Rogers on taking his final bow in the world of country music….
The Shires
We're showing people it can be done.