The Shins Split From Sub Pop

After releasing three successful albums via Sub Pop Records, The Shins have decided to take an independent route when the time comes to release their fourth studio record. With no hard feelings to speak of, the band is simply making a choice that will allow them to experience the best of both worlds-not only ownership of their music, but also primary control of it.

After releasing three successful albums via Sub Pop Records, The Shins have decided to take an independent route when the time comes to release their fourth studio record. With no hard feelings to speak of, the band is simply making a choice that will allow them to experience the best of both worlds-not only ownership of their music, but also primary control of it.

The Shins’ next album will be released through frontman James Mercer’s record label, Aural Apothecary, and will likely end up being more of a distribution deal than a traditional record deal. Should the band find interest in partnership, manager Ian Montone says, “That partner could very well remain Sub Pop, who have done a remarkable job with the band and have a great staff of people who really love music. It could be a digital partner with respect to other rights. All of this is being determined. The first goal is to make the record and see where that takes us.”

Hoping to secure a deal that allows them ownership of their masters, focuses on the marketing tools they’ve developed as a successful indie-rock band, and collaborates with a label partner, The Shins seem confident in their business shift. According to Montone, the band is ready to “team up with a label partner that will assist with additional marketing, radio, and various costs.” It looks like they might be finding a way to beat the system and attain what most musicians are continuously seeking-their rights.

Considered a career-best by The Billboard 200, The Shins’ most recent album Wincing the Night Away sold over 538,000 copies and gained just as much attention as their first two records. Since 2001, the band has sold 1.58 million albums in the United States alone, making their plan logical if they hope to dominate the repertoire they’ve built and supervise the future of the band.