issued their first release

The Shins issued their first release — the 7″ EP Nature Bears a Vacuum — in 1998 via Omnibus Records. Following the completion of their debut single release, “When I Goose-Step”, the Shins embarked on a tour with Modest Mouse. Mercer became a “hermit” crafting what would become the group’s debut album, and became depressed with his life in Albuquerque. Friends of the band, including Zeke Howard from Love As Laughter and Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse sent record labels cassette demos of the band’s songs. Mercer sent a demo to Sub Pop Records in Seattle, Washington , and label co-founder Jonathan Poneman caught a concert in San Francisco while the band was on tour with Modest Mouse. He offered the band a one-off single deal, and the Shins’ second single, ” New Slang “, was included as part of their Single-of-the-Month series, issuing a 7” single to fan club members in February 2001. Positive press for “New Slang” made the group’s debut album one of the most anticipated indie rock albums of 2001, and Sub Pop signed the band in full. “Before you knew it, my whole life was upside down: I got signed, I quit my job, I moved out of town, the big relationship I’d had for five years ended. All of a sudden my whole life was up in smoke”, recalled Mercer.