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Beirut is an American indie folk band known for its distinctive blend of Balkan and Eastern European folk music, indie rock, and lo-fi aesthetics, characterized by the prominent use of brass instruments, ukulele, and accordion.Formed in 2006 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zach Condon. Gained significant attention with their debut album 'Gulag Orkestar' (2006). Subsequent albums like 'The Flying Club Cup' (2007), 'The Rip Tide' (2011), and 'Gallipoli' (2019) expanded their sound while retaining the core brass-driven, melancholic folk elements. The band is essentially the creative project of Condon, featuring a rotating cast of supporting musicians for recording and touring.

• Band founder Zach Condon dropped out of high school at 16 and traveled through Europe, heavily influenced by Balkan folk music heard in places like Paris, inspiring Beirut's signature sound.
• The name 'Beirut' was chosen by Condon for the city's reputation as a cultural crossroads, symbolizing the mix of influences in the music, despite the band having no direct connection to Lebanon.
• Condon has faced personal challenges, including a breakdown during a European tour in 2007 due to exhaustion and struggles with the pressures of touring, leading to periods of hiatus and a more measured approach to the band's schedule.