The time has come for America to get to know The Shires. UK country pop band signed a new record deal with the Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group under the Dot Records imprint. They are the company's first ever UK signing, perhaps paving the way for future UK country artists.

Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes of The Shires released the album My Universe this past September, becoming the fastest-selling UK country album of all time. Their success in the UK is an indicator of what is to come during their North American adventure.

Other artists signed to Scott Borchetta's Big Machine Label Group include Tim McGraw, Steven Tyler, Rascal Flatts, and Florida Georgina Line