Jesse Sandoval (born November 15, 1974)[1] is the former drummer of American indie rock group The Shins.
Sandoval initially formed Flake with singer-songwriter James Mercer, guitarist Neal Langford and bassist Marty Crandall in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1992.
Sandoval and Mercer then went on to form The Shins as a side project, intending to play as a duo, but were eventually joined again by Marty Crandall on keyboard and Dave Hernandez on bass.
"[2] Sandoval gave his side of the story in an interview with the Portland Mercury, stating that he "unequivocally got fired" but did not bear Mercer any ill will.
He drew upon his experience helping in his mother's food cart, which worked festivals in New Mexico.