It’s starting to seem like we can’t go a week without reading a story about a major recording artist attempting to free themselves from the bonds of their record label, doesn’t it? Today, we’re talking about The Shins, who, according to Billboard.com, plan to self-release their forthcoming album through band member James Mercer’s label Aural Apothecary, ditching their long-time imprint Sub Pop.

But they may not be looking to sever ties completely. According to band manager Ian Montone, "The deal will be more of a [pressing and distribution] deal than a traditional record deal." That label could very well be Sup Pop, Billboard reports, but the band is still exploring other avenues, such as the possibility of a digital partner. They have a while to make a decision, though, as the band plan to make the record first, which won’t happen, according to Mercer, until 2009.

"What this all comes down to," Montone said, "is the band's desire to own their masters, as well as team up with a label partner that will assist with additional marketing, radio, and various costs."

So where does this leave Sup Pop? The loss of The Shins would be a serious blow to the label, about 1.6 million hit points worth, a staggering amount in today’s industry climate, though especially harsh for an independent label. I don’t want to go as far as to call The Shins jerks or anything (business is business and you gotta do what you gotta do), but it would be a shame for the band to cut Sup Pop completely out of the game. Not for nostalgia’s sake really, but more out of respect for the people who’ve had your back since before Zach Braff decided to make you his favorite band. This move by The Shins is today’s equivalent of an indie band signing to a major label, but without (hopefully) all the traditionally negative metamorphosis. Regardless, I hope it works out for them. Their last album, Wincing the Night Away, was my "guilty pleasure album of 2007."