History
Amanda Shires, born March 5, 1982, in Lubbock, Texas, is an accomplished American singer-songwriter and violinist. Her musical journey began at age ten after encountering a pawn shop fiddle, sparking an immediate passion for the instrument and the sounds of western swing and country fiddle. Under the tutelage of Lanny Fiel, she joined his Ranch Dance Fiddle Band. During her time at Lubbock High School, Shires also participated in school, city, and regional orchestras and symphonies. By sixteen, she was performing with Tommy Allsup and the legendary Texas Playboys.
Early Career and Education
After graduating from high school, Shires pursued music studies at South Plains College School of Music. She continued her education at Texas Tech University, where she earned a degree in Geography in 2004.
Thrift Store Cowboys and Solo Beginnings
While at South Plains College, Shires became a founding member of the alt-country band Thrift Store Cowboys. The group, known for its energetic live performances, released four albums of what was described as "dust covered West Texas Indie rock," cultivating a dedicated college audience. Shires's song "Sidewalk Song" was featured on NPR's "All Songs Considered."
Shires recorded her debut solo album, "Being Brave," with contributions from Lanny Fiel, Kenny Maines, Andy Wilkinson, Alan Munde, and her Thrift Store Cowboys bandmates. The album featured traditional songs, the Fred Rose composition "Low And Lonely," and four of her original compositions.
Collaboration with Rod Picott
In the spring of 2006, Shires met singer-songwriter Rod Picott at the SXSW Music Conference in Austin. They soon began performing as a duo, touring the UK and Europe in the fall of that year. Their collaborative debut album, "Sew Your Heart With Wires," released two years later, showcased ten co-written songs. Shires's song publishing company is known as Little Lambs Eat Ivy.
"West Cross Timbers" and Critical Acclaim
Her sophomore solo album, "West Cross Timbers," was recorded in Nashville and co-produced with Rod Picott and David Henry. Released in late 2008, the eleven-track collection included eight original songs by Shires, a co-write with Lanny Fiel ("Keep Them Dogs From Barkin'"), a cover of Picott's "Angels And Acrobats," and the 1920s pop hit "Whispering." The album received a four-star review from CD Baby, and Bill Lavery of Village Records praised Shires as "one of the best kept secrets."
Performance History
Amanda Shires has shared concert stages with a diverse range of artists, including Billy Joe Shaver, Gary P Nunn, Old 97s, Ian Moore, Blue October, The Flatlanders, BUzz, Cason, The Rowan Brothers, Andy Wilkinson, Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan, and Justin Townes Earle, among many others.
Discography
