Task: Explanation
Input (English): Natalie Anne Merchant (born October 26, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She joined the American alternative/folk rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and left it to begin her solo career in 1993. She has since released seven studio albums. Question: Was The Shins formed before Natalie Merchant left the rock band 10,000 Maniacs? Answer: no
Output (English):  She joined the American alternativefolk rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and left it to begin her solo career in 1993.