From playing fiddle for the Texas Playboys at the tender young age of 15 to backing Gwyneth Paltrow on the major motion picture "Country Strong," Shires has been in front of audiences large and small. Her experiences on stage with big names in Americana and country (including Drive By Truckers, Jason Isbell, and Justin Townes Earle) have helped her develop a fresh and poetic sound. Her newest release, "Carrying Lightening," embodies this sound. Brimming with talent and charged with the nuances of romantic love, "Carrying Lightening" has been gaining praise from critics and contemporaries alike.

With her enchanting vibrato and stark, eloquent phrasing, Shires creates a palette of takes on what it means to be in love, to lose love, the lust incumbent in some loves, and much more. Citing influences such as Leonard Cohen and Richard Buckner, Shires creates something on "Carrying Lightening" that is "is simple, raw, heartfelt and a delight."

Hear Amanda Shires play live, including songs from her new album.


Website: http://www.amandashires.net/Amanda_Shires/HOME.html
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/amandashiresrunning

Set List:
RINGS AND CHAINS                       
DETROIT OR BUFFALO                   
WHEN YOU NEED A TRAIN IT NEVER COMES
             
Recent Release: Carrying Lightening   
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
Band Origin: Lubbock, TX