‘The New World’ by Shearwater is an indie rock album released in 2026 that marks a bold change of direction for the Austin-based band following their departure from their old record labels Sub Pop and Matador. The album was self-released via Polyborus, with distribution support from Secretly, and funded through a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that took four years to build. It is their first fully independent project. Produced independently over four intensive years, the album embodies a global adventure and captures the light and darkness of contemporary times through the band’s distinctive, unique lens, combining intricate arrangements with the emotional depth that has long endeared them to a dedicated fanbase.
This ambitious project is the first of two new albums and demonstrates Shearwater’s evolution into a more autonomous creative force. It is available on CD, among other formats, and reflects their commitment to direct fan involvement and artistic control, free from the traditional constraints of the industry. The result is a valuable addition to their discography, ready to resonate with listeners seeking indie rock that traverses vast sonic and thematic landscapes.
