This 2016 Transatlantic Modern interview features Crispian Mills discussing the 20th-anniversary milestone of the debut album K, the evolution of Kula Shaker, and their album K2.0.
Key Highlights
- Band Reunion and Evolution: Following a lengthy breakup starting in 1999, the band returned organically during an era transformed by digital music downloading. Bypassing traditional major-label pressure, they launched their own label to rebuild independently, eventually bringing things full circle with K2.0.
- Songwriting and Perspectives: Mills reflects on how world events and the human condition influence his lyrics—balancing politically tinged tracks like "Death of Democracy" with more introspective, spiritual themes, noting that politics is ultimately a "dead-end street."
- Recording Spaces and Process: The band shares stories about recording in eclectic environments, ranging from Dave Gilmour’s famous Astoria houseboat for Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts to a converted Belgian barn and a boutique West London studio equipped with a vintage EMI valve desk.
- Reflections on the 90s & Britpop: Mills views Kula Shaker as an anomaly of the 90s Britpop wave sparked in the wake of Nirvana, expressing skepticism toward modern reality talent shows like The X Factor for stripping away youthful musical rebellion.
- Live Material & US Tour: At the time of the interview, the band was preparing for their first US tour in 17 years and assembling a new live album capturing the enduring energy of their early material.
