James Mercer, leader of the Shins, talks to Billboard about replacing his band’s rhythm section, about working with Carrie Brownstein, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse, and Isaac Brock. He also talks about his new label, Aural Apothecary, now that he’s ditched Sub Pop:
“I think I’ve learned, you can’t really control things. You can’t let it bug you too much: people are going to get your stuff for free,” Mercer says of the business side of his future label. “We benefited right off the bat from Napster, before we were signed and stuff. I think also nowadays, The Shins are what would be considered a niche market. We capitalize on a niche audience. In the old days, in the 80’s, that would have been difficult for us. So it balances out somewhere there.”
I suppose it does balance out somewhere. While we wait for them to release a new album, here are a few oldies from Sub Pop:
• The Shins – “Know Your Onion!”