Shins To Leave Sub Pop

Celebrated American act The Shins have stunned fans by parting ways with their long time home of Sub Pop.

Founded in Seattle more than two decades ago, Sub Pop languished on the sidelines of American music after the grunge boom subsided. However the label has made a number of crucial signings which mean it holds perhaps an even greater cultural influential than in the heady days of the early 90s.

Foremost amongst the new wave of Sub Pop groups have been The Shins. The group have released four albums on the label including 2007's 'Wincing The Night Away'. Hitting number two on the Billboard charts it was the fastest selling album the label had ever released.

In an interview with Billboard magazine last year the band's manager revealed that the group were planning on releasing their new album through frontman James Mercer's Aural Apothecary label. A ray of light remained for Sub Pop, though, with the band insisting that the imprint could assist them with distribution.

At the time Sub Pop general manager Megan Jasper said "The Shins have been a huge part of Sub Pop's story. We'd love to continue working with them."

However according to American magazine Pitchfork that relationship is now at an end. The magazine quotes a source at the label who claims the band are working on new music which will not be released via Sub Pop.

No official statement has been made from the band.