Iron and Wine - New Album and Upcoming Tour

Straight off the Sub Pop press: "On May 19, 2009 Iron and Wine will issue Around the Well, a 2-CD/3-LP collection of rare tracks ranging from out-of-print to never-before-released. In support of Around the Well Iron and Wine will be performing ten intimate shows in five cities. Each individual show will be wholly unique, as Iron and Wine will turn the set list over to the fans to create. In addition, Iron and Wine have begun work on the follow-up to The Shepherd’s Dog and plan to release a new album in spring, 2010."

Here in Seattle, Iron and Wine play two shows: May 4th at the Vera Project and May 5th at the Triple Door. Tickets go on sale for all shows February 20th and are will-call only.

In 2004 when I was living in Alaska, I interviewed Sam Beam over the phone. It was an interesting conversation; one editor I worked for put it this way: "He does not sound like a fun guy to have at parties." I later saw him play in San Diego at the Belly Up; it was a good show, but his stage presence was awkward and lacked confidence, and I've heard similar things about his other shows. He's clearly uncomfortable in the spotlight, and while he may not be the easiest person to talk to, his shyness is real and not play acting like it sometimes is with other folks of the indie ilk. The two part interview at Prefix is here: Interview: Iron and Wine, Part 1; Interview: Iron and Wine, Part 2.