Interviewed by the Portland Mercury on his being let go from the Shins, former drummer Jesse Sandoval chalks up his dismissal to his own shortcomings, explaining that he has a “slower learning curve than polished musicians.” Sandoval went on to explain that “in the studio, I didn’t have the luxury to take lots of time to execute drum parts, and you can’t really piecemeal drums. So my weaknesses showed and I know that frustrated [lead singer James Mercer].”
Sandoval explains his being fired as a result of Mercer’s desire to “do something else,” and expresses his confusion and frustrations over the bizarre turn of events that culminated in a final phone call terminating his participation in the band. Discussing his continued confusion over the matter, Sandoval claims: “I’m usually the first one to defend James or at least try to help them understood how this came to be. But, yet, behind closed doors, I’m upset to the point where I’m livid, or I’m okay with it, or happy about it. That’s why I feel like I’m a walking contradiction at many times.”
Despite the turmoil, Sandoval seems to be doing well- he’s currently running a successful New Mexican food truck, Nuevo Mexico, in Portland. The latest iteration of the Shins is currently at work on a new album, to be released via Mercer’s Aural Apothecary record label early next year.
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