James Mercer is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie rock band The Shins. He was born on December 26, 1970, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mercer formed The Shins in 1996 and the band gained widespread acclaim with the release of their debut album, "Oh, Inverted World," in 2001. The band's music is characterized by Mercer's melodic vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and catchy guitar hooks. They have released several more albums since their debut, including "Chutes Too Narrow," "Wincing the Night Away," and "Heartworms." In addition to his work with The Shins, Mercer has collaborated with other artists and musicians, including Danger Mouse for their project Broken Bells. He has also composed music for films and television shows, including the 2013 film "Wish I Was Here," which was directed by Zach Braff. Mercer is known for his introspective lyrics, unique vocal style, and skillful guitar playing. He continues to write and perform music with The Shins and other projects, and is considered to be one of the most influential and respected indie rock musicians of his generation.