Amanda Shires

Amanda Shires

Shires playing live in 2008
Background information
Birth name Amanda Shires
Born 1981/1982
Origin Lubbock, Texas
Genres Americana
alt-country
Occupations Singer-Songwriter
Instruments Violin
Years active c.1997–present
Labels Independent
Associated acts Rod Picott
Website http://amandashires.net

Amanda Shires (born 1981/1982)[1] is an American singer and violin player. She has performed as a member of the Texas Playboys, Thrift Store Cowboys and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, in a duo with Rod Picott, and has released three solo albums.

Contents

Early life

Following her parents' divorce, Shires' childhood was divided between the Texas cities of Lubbock and Mineral Wells.[2] She acquired her first violin at the age of ten from a pawn shop in Mineral Wells.[3] At the age of 15 she joined the Texas Playboys, the former backing band for Western swing legend Bob Wills.[1]

Musical career

Shires released her first solo album, the mostly instrumental Being Brave, in 2005. Four years later, having relocated in the interim to Nashville,[1] she released West Cross Timbers and in the same year released Sew Your Heart with Wires, a collaboration with Rod Picott. Her most recent solo album, Carrying Lightning was released in 2011.[4]

Since 2006 she has toured extensively with Picott.[5] Additionally, she has performed and recorded with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Devotchka and Justin Townes Earle.[4]

Appearances in other media

In 2011 she appeared in the movie Country Strong as one of the musicians backing singer Kelly Canter, played by Gwyneth Paltrow.[6]

Musical style

David Menconi of the magazine Spin said that Shires "sings [...] like an earthbound Emmylou Harris",[6] and her vocals have been likened to those of Dolly Parton.[7][8] The imagery in her songwriting has been compared to that of Tom Waits.[2][8] Although her principal instrument is the violin, she also plays the ukulele.[8]

Discography

Other appearances

References

  1. ^ a b c Salamon, Jeff (May 2011). "Amanda Shires" (free registration required). Texas Monthly. http://www.texasmonthly.com/2011-05-01/artistinterview.php. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b Dansby, Andrew (May 3, 2011). "Amanda Shires makes expressive connection". Houston Chronicle. http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Amanda-Shires-makes-expressive-connection-1687085.php. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  3. ^ Cornell, Rick (September 2009). "Amanda Shires, September 2009". Country Standard Time. http://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/column.asp?xid=331. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  4. ^ a b McCall, Tris (April 22, 2011). "Singer and violinist Amanda Shires to appear in Asbury Park". The Star-Ledger. http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2011/04/singer_and_violinist_amanda_sh.html. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  5. ^ Cooper, Peter (July 3, 2011). "Rod Picott and Amanda Shires stay in sync as touring partners, couple". The Tennessean. http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2011/07/03/rod-picott-and-amanda-shires-stay-in-sync-as-touring-partners-couple/. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b Menconi, David. "Amanda Shires, 'Carrying Lightning'". Spin. http://www.spin.com/node/88227. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  7. ^ Caligiuri, Jim (November 25, 2011). "Amanda Shires - Music Review". Austin Chronicle. http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-11-25/amanda-shires-carrying-lightning/. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 
  8. ^ a b c "Amanda Shires, Texas Playgirl". Wall Street Journal. April 29, 2011. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703778104576287120887903538.html. Retrieved December 22, 2011. 

External links