Recorded at the famed Sam Phillips Studios (Memphis, TN) with producer Matt Ross-Spang and help from Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, known collectively for their work in the indie-art-pop band Finom (formerly known as Ohmme), Iron & Wine preset LORI – their take on four of their favorite Lori McKenna tracks.

Beam came to McKenna’s music a few years ago on the suggestion of a friend; as the lock down dragged on, Beam found himself like so many turning to music for comfort. McKenna’s catalog of work was never far from reach. Taken by her heart-on-your-sleeve confessional style storytelling, Beam admits it’s a trait that draws him to McKenna and something not often found in his own songwriting. As a well-known interpreter of other artists’ songs, when the time came for him to shake off the pandemic cobwebs and record, McKenna’s songs were as fresh and familiar to Beam as his own.

The special sauce on LORI however comes in the formidable talents of Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart. Having enjoyed successful solo careers outside of Finom, the two bring their own touches to LORI and helped Beam find even further depths to McKenna’s songwriting. Together the three sonically re-interpreted her plaintive odes into a tapestry of sounds while effortlessly blending their signature singing styles breathing fresh life into the lyrics.

The track “That’s How You Know” was released Aug 24 with a lyric video directed, concepted and animated by Nebila Oguz. The full EP is available NOW worldwide with vinyl pre-sales available via the webshop (shipping March 2023.)

LORI Tracklisting:

1. Like Patsy Would
2. Halfway Home
3. That’s How You Know
4. Shake