A native of Lubbock, Texas, Shires began playing violin around age 10, and by her teens was performing with former Bob Wills backing ensemble the Texas Playboys. She released her debut solo album, Being Brave, in 2005. After relocating to Nashville, Shires returned with both West Cross Timbers and Sew Your Heart with Wires. In 2011, she appeared as a musician in the film Country Strong and released another LP, Carrying Lightning. Her fifth full-length album, Down Fell the Doves, arrived in 2013, the same year she and Isbell were married. They welcomed their first child in 2015.

Shires made her Billboard debut with 2016's My Piece of Land, which landed on the rock, Americana, and independent albums charts. ~ Matt Collar