James Mercer

James Mercer is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the indie rock band The Shins. Formed in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the late 1990s, The Shins rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their breakout album Oh, Inverted World, and Mercer’s melodic songwriting quickly became a defining sound of the indie music scene. With hits like “New Slang” and “Phantom Limb,” the band's thoughtful lyrics and catchy guitar lines struck a chord with fans around the world.

In addition to his work with The Shins, Mercer also teamed up with producer Danger Mouse to form the duo Broken Bells, showcasing a more experimental pop sound. Over the years, releases like Heartworms and its reimagined counterpart The Worm’s Heart have kept Mercer's songwriting front and center, blending introspective themes with inventive arrangements. His knack for clever wordplay and memorable melodies continues to influence a new generation of indie rock artists.