Blazing new trails, singer-songwriter and fiddle player extraordinaire Amanda Shires continues to shake things up in country music with a new album, tour and recently debuted gal group, The Highwomen, composed of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and the Texas native herself. Beloved by fans for her angelic melodies and unique instrumentals, Shires is a force to be reckoned with. Here, the powerhouse talent divulges details on her creative process, seeking inspiration and her dream of redesigning women.
We are thrilled that you will be hitting the stage soon here in Houston. Tells us more! The tour is called Atmosphereless. It is about being hopeful and in the moment while also looking forward to the future and new heights and goals. It’s about learning as you go and about moving forward and beyond.
I read that your To the Sunset speaks about the current political and natural climate we’re facing. Can you expand? It is an album that dives into the ways we all get from then to now in our lives. Each day we have a sunset and each new day we have a sunrise. In a way, the phrase “to the sunset” is a toast. It’s a toast to moving on and to the future.
What inspires you? I draw a lot from events that have happened to me. The collective conscious also drives themes in my work. I am inspired by everything from wine to books, landscapes to landmines and the human condition.
How did The Highwomen come together? Music is supposed to be inclusive and a place where our voices can be heard and our stories told. I wanted to start a group where we were going to sing songs that tell our stories and help open a door and then keep it open for our daughters and sisters [and so on]. The first person I talked to about the idea [for starting The Highwomen] was my producer, Dave Cobb. He absolutely loved the idea and then introduced me to Brandi Carlile.
Anything else? My shows are safe places and places where being yourself is greatly encouraged. Let’s get together in the same room and be in the music together.
Photography by: David McClister
