The Shins

The Shins are an American indie rock band formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1996. The group has functioned as the project of singer-songwriter James Mercer, who has remained the band’s sole constant member through numerous line-up changes. Associated at times with the name Flake Music, the band is often discussed within indie and indie pop contexts.

From the outset, Mercer has served as the central figure, handling the role of singer-songwriter while the surrounding personnel has shifted over the years. The Shins’ membership has included a wide range of musicians, among them Joe Plummer, Richard Swift, Eric D. Johnson, Dave Hernandez, Jesse Sandoval, Marty Crandall, Neal Langford, Yuuki Matthews, Jessica Dobson, and Jon Sortland. This revolving line-up has been a defining practical feature of the band’s history, with Mercer providing continuity as the group’s identity and sound evolved with different collaborators.

The band is based in Portland, Oregon. In its current configuration, The Shins consist of Mercer alongside Yuuki Matthews, Mark Watrous, Patti King on keyboards, and Jon Sortland on drums. The group has been associated with Sub Pop Records.