Iron & Wine et Improvement Movement

With a haunting, whispered vocal style reminiscent of Elliot Smith and folk learnings of John Fahey and Nick Drake, Iron & Wine makes timeless indie-folk music that soothes the soul.

Born in Chapin, South Carolina, US, Samuel Beam initially studied art at the Virginia Commonwealth University before moving on to become a professor of film and cinematography at the University of Miami, Florida. Iron & Wine first gained attention from the music industry after the broth roof Band of Horses singer, Ben Bridwell, gave a demo to the editor of Yeti Magazine, which attracted the attention of record label Sub Pop, who then went on to propose a deal to Beam.

His first album was released on Sub Pop in 2002, "The Creek Drank the Cradle," produced by Beam at his him recording studio. His second, 2004's "Our Endless numbered Days" was a more polished affair and brought Beam to wider attention from critics and the public. His music went on to be featured on several movie and television soundtracks, including "In Good Company" and "Garden State." Beam's five studio albums have garnered greater chart success, with his 2011 release "Kiss Each Other Clean" okaying at number six in the US.

Beam is a multi-instrumentalist, playing a variety of stringed instruments to accompany his vocals, from banjos to slide guitar. His musical style has developed throughout his career, featuring more ornate arrangements and incorporating new influences, such as traditional Mexican music and jazz, as seen in his collaboration with Calexico on the 2005 EP, "In the Reins" and 2007's "The Shepherd's Dog," which went on to be voted one of the top ten albums in 2007 by Paste Magazine.