Kula Shaker

Kula Shaker

Kula Shaker is a British psychedelic rock band formed in London in the early 1990s. The group is best known for blending traditional Indian music with 1960s-inspired rock, creating a distinctive sound that set them apart during the Britpop era. The band's classic lineup consists of Crispian Mills (vocals and guitar), Alonza Bevan (bass), Paul Winter-Hart (drums), and Jay Darlington (keyboards). Originally performing under the name The Kays, the band changed its name to Kula Shaker—a reference to a ninth-century Indian king—reflecting their deep interest in Indian culture and spirituality. Their debut album, *K*, released in 1996, was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and featuring hit singles like “Tattva,” “Govinda,” and “Hey Dude.” The album showcased the band’s unique fusion of Western rock and Indian instrumentation, including sitar and tabla, along with lyrics written in Sanskrit. Following their second album, *Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts*, released in 1999, the band took an extended hiatus in 1999. During this time, the members pursued individual projects, with Crispian Mills exploring filmmaking and solo music projects. Kula Shaker reunited in 2004 and eventually released new material, including albums such as *Strangefolk* (2007), *Pilgrims Progress* (2010), and *K 2.0* (2016). Their later work continued to explore esoteric themes and a blend of musical influences, maintaining a dedicated fan base. Renowned for their spiritually infused lyrics and elaborate live performances, Kula Shaker has earned a lasting place in the annals of alternative British rock. Despite periods of inactivity, the band remains an influential and enduring presence in the psychedelic and world rock scene.

Albums

Gigs