Iron and Wine

Description: Singer/songwriter

Comparisons: Kris Delmhorst is pretty much the female equivalent of Iron and Wine/Sam Beam. Other comparisons include some early Cat Stevens, Elliot Smith, John Fahey, and the Indigo Girls.

Trivia Fact: Sam Beam (Iron and Wine) teaches Film and Cinematography at the University of Miami.

Starter CDs: The Sea and the Rhythm (SubPop, 2003). Our Endless Numbered Days (SubPop, 2004). Woman King (SubPop, 2005). In the Reins with Calexico (Overcoat Recordings, 2005).

Iron and Wine Biography: Sam Beam was born and raised in South Carolina before eventually moving to Florida to study film at Florida State University. After receiving his MFA from FSU, he moved south and began teaching Film and Cinematography at the University of Miami.

In 2002, he released his debut album on SubPop Records – traditionally a more rock-oriented label based in Seattle (though they have occasionally released records by singer/songwriters such as Rosie Thomas and Danielle Howle).

The Creek That Drank the Cradle (2002) was recorded and produced entirely by Beam himself at his home in Miami. On it, Beam can be heard playing all the instruments and singing in a hushed, secretive, but still rather melodic voice. His songs range from in-depth literate narratives ("Jesus the Mexican Boy") to love songs ("Naked As We Came"), and have helped to usher in a new generation of folk-pop singer/songwriters.

Since releasing The Creek, Beam/Iron & Wine has developed a fierce following. He has released nine albums to date, including his most recent collaboration with indie rock/alt.country band Calexico.
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