The Shins are an acclaimed American indie rock band formed in 1996 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Centered around singer-songwriter James Mercer, the band blends melodic indie pop with introspective lyrics, drawing influences from 1960s psych-pop and classic rock.
They gained mainstream attention with their debut album Oh, Inverted World (2001) and the single New Slang, famously featured in the 2004 film Garden State. Despite multiple lineup changes, Mercer remains the sole constant member and primary creative force. The band continues to tour and record as of 2025.
Early Life and Members
The Shins were founded in Albuquerque in 1996 as a side project by James Mercer while he was in the band Flake Music (later renamed). Mercer has been the only consistent member through all lineup changes.
James Mercer
Date of Birth: December 26, 1970
Age: 54
Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Ethnicity: American
Religion: Raised Roman Catholic; became atheist at age 10
Parents: Father was a U.S. Air Force nuclear weapons specialist; mother not publicly detailed
Siblings: Unknown
Education: Attended high school in England and Germany due to father’s military postings
Early Life: Grew up as a military brat with frequent moves. Influenced by his father’s music (singing and guitar). Moved to Albuquerque in the early 1990s; formed Flake Music in 1992 before starting The Shins for more personal, pop-oriented songwriting.
Yuuki Matthews
Date of Birth: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Place of Birth: Unknown
Ethnicity: American
Religion: Unknown
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Education: Unknown
Early Life: Joined The Shins in 2011 after working with Mercer on various projects. Known for his multi-instrumental skills, particularly bass and keyboards.
Mark Watrous
Date of Birth: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Place of Birth: Unknown
Ethnicity: American
Religion: Unknown
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Education: Unknown
Early Life: Joined in 2012; previously played with bands like The Long Winters. Brings guitar, keyboards, and lap steel to The Shins’ sound.
Patti King
Date of Birth: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Place of Birth: Unknown
Ethnicity: American
Religion: Unknown
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Education: Unknown
Early Life: Joined in 2016; contributes keyboards and backing vocals. Known for her work in indie music circles.
Jon Sortland
Date of Birth: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Place of Birth: Unknown
Ethnicity: American
Religion: Unknown
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Education: Unknown
Early Life: Joined in 2016; handles drums and backing vocals. Previously played with bands like The Long Winters and Fruit Bats.
Formation
The Shins began in 1996 in Albuquerque as a side project for James Mercer (vocals/guitar) and Jesse Sandoval (drums) from Flake Music. Mercer wanted to focus on concise pop songs. Early members included Marty Crandall (keyboards) and Dave Hernandez (bass).
The band signed with Sub Pop after touring with Modest Mouse. Lineups changed significantly over time, but Mercer has remained the core creative force.
Career
The Shins rose to fame with Oh, Inverted World (2001) and Chutes Too Narrow (2003). New Slang became a cultural touchstone after Garden State. Wincing the Night Away (2007) hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and earned Grammy nominations.
Mercer parted with original members in 2009–2011 for creative reasons, releasing Port of Morrow (2012) and Heartworms (2017). The band remains active with tours, though no new album has been announced as of December 2025.
Personal Life
James Mercer
Height: Not publicly detailed
Marriages: Married to Marisa Kula since April 2006
Children: Three children
Dating History: Unknown
Yuuki Matthews
Height: Unknown
Marriages: Unknown
Children: Unknown
Dating History: Unknown
Mark Watrous
Height: Unknown
Marriages: Unknown
Children: Unknown
Dating History: Unknown
Patti King
Height: Unknown
Marriages: Unknown
Children: Unknown
Dating History: Unknown
Jon Sortland
Height: Unknown
Marriages: Unknown
Children: Unknown
Dating History: Unknown
Net Worth
The Shins’ net worth is around $5 million. It’s come from album sales, tours, and licensing deals (e.g., film soundtracks, commercials). No official collective figure exists; James Mercer‘s personal net worth is estimated at $2–6 million from The Shins, Broken Bells, and other ventures.
Discography
Oh, Inverted World (2001)
Chutes Too Narrow (2003)
Wincing the Night Away (2007)
Port of Morrow (2012)
Heartworms (2017)
The Worm’s Heart (2018)
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