Kula Shaker
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Kula Shaker, the London-based band known for their fusion of Indian mysticism and 1960s-inspired psychedelia, creating some of the most distinctive sounds of the Britpop era.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: London, England
Active years: 1995–1999, 2004–present
Associated genres: Post-Britpop, raga rock, neo-psychedelia
Record labels: Columbia, Sony BMG, Cooking Vinyl, Strange F.O.L.K.
Members: Crispian Mills – lead vocals, guitars, tamboura, harmonica / Alonza Bevan – bass, additional guitars, piano, vocals / Paul Winterhart – drums, percussion / Jay Darlington – keyboards, organ, piano, Mellotron
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1995 by Crispian Mills, Alonza Bevan, and Paul Winterhart, with Jay Darlington completing the lineup.
Their name, Kula Shaker, was inspired by King Kulashekhara, a 9th-century Indian saint and philosopher.
Early songs blended 1960s psychedelia with Indian instruments like sitars and tablas.
Won the In The City contest in 1995, securing a deal with Columbia Records.
Rise to Prominence
Released debut single “Tattva” in 1996, followed by “Grateful When You’re Dead” and “Hey Dude,” both Top 10 UK hits.
Debut album, K (1996), reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved double platinum status.
Notable tracks like “Govinda” (sung entirely in Sanskrit) set them apart from their Britpop contemporaries.
Commercial Success and Albums
K (1996) became one of the fastest-selling debuts of the Britpop era, featuring hits like “Tattva” and “Hush.”
Second album, Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts (1999), had a polished sound but struggled commercially, selling just over 100,000 copies in the UK.
Reunited in 2004, releasing Strangefolk (2007), K 2.0 (2016), and most recently, Natural Magick (2024).
Later Activities and Legacy
Crispian Mills faced controversy in 1997 for remarks about the swastika, leading to negative media attention that overshadowed their music.
Despite setbacks, the band reunited and continued to explore their unique fusion of psychedelia and spirituality.
Their latest album, Natural Magick (2024), highlights a creative resurgence.
Notable Facts
Their debut album, K, sold over 850,000 copies in the UK.
“Govinda” was the first UK Top 10 single sung entirely in Sanskrit.
Supported Oasis at their iconic Knebworth concerts in 1996.
Defining Lyric
"Well The Truth May Come In Strange Disguises" – Tattva
Discography
K (1996)
Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts (1999)
Strangefolk (2007)
Pilgrims Progress (2010)
K 2.0 (2016)
1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs (2022)
Natural Magick (2024)
Essential Listening
“Tattva” – Their breakout single and a signature blend of East and West.
“Govinda” – A spiritual anthem sung entirely in Sanskrit.
“Hey Dude” – A rock powerhouse that defines their high-energy sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to Kula Shaker Now
Kula Shaker’s ability to merge Indian mysticism with classic rock sensibilities continues to set them apart. With their latest album, Natural Magick, they demonstrate that their creative spark remains as vibrant as ever.
See you on down the road.
