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A Kaleidoscope of Sound: A Conversation with Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker

Next month, two titans of psychedelic rock, Kula Shaker and The Dandy Warhols, are bringing their co-headlining tour to San Diego. On Friday, October 3rd, they will take the stage at House of Blues for what promises to be an unforgettable night. Fans will be thrilled to know that Kula Shaker is touring with its complete classic lineup: Crispian Mills (guitar/vocals), Jay Darlington (Hammond organ), Alonza Bevan (bass), and Paul Winter-Hart (drums). Ahead of the show, we had the distinct pleasure of chatting with frontman Crispian Mills about their brilliant new album and the experience of working with the incredible Mad Alchemist Liquid Lightshow.

ListenSD: Your most recent album, Natural Magick, brought the original lineup back together. What was it like revisiting that chemistry, and how do you feel it has influenced the band’s sound and dynamic on this current tour?  
Crispian Mills: Yes, exactly. Bands are all about chemistry. Having Jay come back was momentous. Jay is part warlock, part berserker. He hits the keys of his Hammond organ with spell books and double-headed axes. It brings an added element of danger. It’s good for rock n roll.
LSD: You’re sharing the stage with The Dandy Warhols, who have a very distinct sound and history. Are there any particular Dandy Warhols songs or aspects of their live show that you especially enjoy or find intriguing from a musical perspective?
CM: Sometimes you listen to a band and you can tell that their record collection was not that dissimilar to your own. It’s nice to go out with another good live band who compliments your vibe and shares some of the pressure of touring. 
LSD: Beyond the well-known hits (“Hush” was HUGE in Mexico City where I am originally from), what’s a Kula Shaker song that you personally feel represents the band’s true essence or a significant moment in your journey, and why?
CM: “Govinda” is the first that we ever played. It was born out of a jam at Glastonbury festival and has stayed with us for our whole career. It’s an ancient spiritual song from India so it’s got a transcendental magic that stops it from getting tired. It always feels fresh.
 
LSD: Given your strong visual presentation, from album art to stage presence, how much thought goes into the overall aesthetic of a Kula Shaker show, and how do you feel it enhances the audience’s experience of your music? and How did you decide to work with Lance, Mad Alchemist Liquid Lightshow? we are huge fans and look forward to seeing you together!
It’s called SOUND & LIGHT. Visuals are essential, they’re half of the experience. I was following Mad Alchemist on Instagram for years. Nobody else was doing that kind of fantastic liquid light work here in Europe, and even in America it’s still quite rare. So I was geeking out on the colours and the whole immersive approach, and eventually I just messaged him and we arranged for him to come to the UK and we did a great tour that blew people’s fragile eggshell minds. We can’t wait to do it again in North America.

Don’t miss Kula Shaker and The Dandy Warhols next month at House of Blues on October 3rd. Get your TICKETS HERE.

Photo credit: Dutch Doscher
Interview by Narda Crossley

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