Read what I said, I didn't say they all pressed their own CD's, though that would be truer to a real definition of Indie.  Many/most of them are on small, truely independent labels, with independent visions, distinct from the mainstream market, hence the name indie.  ie...Independent.  Independent, not dependent upon the mainstream. 

Sub-pop is Indie??? !!!   Ok, then your definition of a major label and mine are different.  Indie in affectation, maybe or style, but not in anyway Indie otherwise.  It is an established, very well marketed and sold, Major Label.  Really.

"Sub Pop is a RECORD LABEL based in Seattle, Washington, famous for first signing Nirvana, Soundgarden, and many other bands from the local scene. They are often credited with taking the first steps towards popularizing grunge music . They are 49% owned by TIME WARNER, one of the largest media conglomerates in the world."  (source: Wikipedia).

Time-Warner smacks of Indie?   Hmmm....don't think so.  

 So, if the Label has the name Sub-Pop, it's Indie, if the Label has the name SONY or BMG,  it's a major label.  OK, I get it.

The Shins are not indie. Not by any stretch of the imagination.  They are a rock band signed to a major label.   If they are considered Indie, then the Indie moniker has no meaning other than to describe a group classification, or style of music, similar to punk, alternative (forgot...what that meant), pop etc..