How The Shins handled their overnight ‘Garden State’ fame: “It is a weird thing”
The Shins achieved unexpected mainstream recognition when their song 'New Slang' was featured in Zach Braff's 2004 film Garden State, appearing in an iconic scene where Natalie Portman's character urges Braff's character to listen to the track. Though the scene has become a well-documented example of early 2000s indie film clichés, it resonated genuinely with audiences at the time who appreciated a gentler take on indie romance, and the song itself proved to be a genuinely accomplished folk-pop composition.
The Shins' good fortune was enhanced by fortunate timing and circumstance. Director Braff had selected the song purely because he personally liked it, having used it previously on his television show Scrubs, rather than as part of a deliberate cross-promotional campaign. When fans flocked to discover their back catalogue following the film's success, the band already had a second album finished and released, enabling them to build on their artistic momentum without being forced to rush new material or abandon their creative vision in response to sudden commercial attention.
- The Shins' song 'New Slang' became a hit after featuring in the 2004 film Garden State, when Natalie Portman's character enthusiastically recommends it to Zach Braff
- The placement wasn't a strategic promotional deal, but a personal choice by director Braff who had previously used the song on his TV show Scrubs
- The band capitalised on sudden fame because their second album was already completed and released, allowing them to maintain their artistic direction