The Shins set to self-release next album

After three albums released through Sub Pop, The Shins are going out on their own to put out their fourth LP.

However, the band could still remain connected to the Seattle-based label through distribution, according to reports today.

"The deal will be more of a [pressing and distribution] deal than a traditional record deal," Shins manager Ian Montone told Billboard. "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."

The band who have sold over 1.5 million albums in the US alone, are looking to sign a deal with a label that will enable them to retain ownership of their masters and utilise the label's marketing and radio promotion tools.

Last year’s ‘Wincing The Night Away’ debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart.

The Shins to release new album in 2012

The Shins have announced that as well as a small US tour, later in the year, they will soon be releasing their first album since 2007's 'Wincing the Night Away'.

Offering information about the upcoming dates on their official website the word is:


The site also reveals that the album will be released via Columbia and Aural Apothecary, the latter being James Mercer's own record label. The band left Sub Pop in 2008.

For the eight date US tour (see below), Mercer will play alongside Richard Swift, Jessica Dobson, Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) and Yuuki Matther (Crystal Castles).

The tour dates are as follows.

August 8 - Eugene, OR - W.O.W. Hall
August 9 - Bend, OR - The Domino Room
August 10 - Portland, OR - The Doug Fir Lounge
August 12 - San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands Festival
September 22 - Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Concert Theatre
September 23 - Philadelphia, PA - Popped! Festival
September 24 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
October 15 - Pensacola, FL - DeLuna Festival

In 2009, James Mercer joined up with Danger Mouse to form the band Broken Bells. After releasing their debut self-titled album in 2010, they released a follow-up EP, 'Meyrin Fields', earlier this year.

The Shins to release new album 'Port Of Morrow' in March 2012

The Shins are set to release their fourth album, 'Port Of Morrow', in March 2012.

The band left Sub Pop in 2008, so the album will be released on band leader James Mercer’s Aural Apothecary label via Columbia Records. The 10 tracks were produced by Greg Kurstin in both Los Angeles and Portland over the past year.

The band – made up of James Mercer, Yuuki Matthews, Jessica Dobson, Richard Swift and Joe Plummer – are set to tour next year. The new album is their first since 2007's 'Wincing The Night Away'.

In 2009, James Mercer joined up with Danger Mouse to form the band Broken Bells. After releasing their debut self-titled album in 2010, they released a follow-up EP 'Meyrin Fields' earlier this year.

The 'Port Of Morrow' tracklisting is:

'The Rifle's Spiral'
'Simple Song'
'It's Only Life'
'No Way Down'
'September'
'Bait and Switch'
'Fall of '82'
'For A Fool'
'40 Mark Strasse'
'Port of Morrow'