Alonza Bevan: The Bassist Behind Kula Shaker's Britpop Psychedelia
Alonza Bevan is the English bassist and songwriter best known as a founding member of the chart-topping Britpop band Kula Shaker. Hailing from London, his musical journey is defined by the band's 1996 debut album K, which soared to number one on the UK Albums Chart and achieved double platinum status.
Early career
Born in 1968, Alonza Bevan's musical path began in earnest during the early 1990s. He co-founded the band The Kays with vocalist Crispian Mills, a partnership that would form the creative core of their future success. This early incarnation evolved into Kula Shaker, signing with Columbia Records in 1995 and quickly recording their first material.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived explosively in 1996 with the release of their debut album K. Driven by hit singles like Tattva and Govinda, the album fused psychedelic rock with Indian classical influences. It debuted at number one in the UK, was certified double platinum, and propelled Kula Shaker to international fame.
Key tracks
Tattva — This Sanskrit mantra-driven single became an unlikely top 5 UK hit, defining the band's unique spiritual rock sound.
Hey Dude — As the lead single from K, its heavy guitar riff and catchy chorus announced the band's arrival to a mainstream audience.
Govinda — A devotional hymn that showcased the band's dedication to Eastern philosophy, becoming a live favorite and signature track.
Hush — The band's high-energy cover of the Billy Joe Royal song, which gave them a major US rock radio hit and expanded their global reach.
Sound of Drums — A key track from the 2007 reunion album Strangefolk, highlighting Bevan's continued songwriting role in the band's later period.
Following Kula Shaker's initial split in 1999, Alonza Bevan pursued other projects, including forming the band Red Sky July with his partner Charity Hair. He also established himself as a producer and recording engineer at his own studio. The 2004 reunion of Kula Shaker marked a return to consistent activity, with Bevan contributing to subsequent albums like 2010's Pilgrims Progress and 2016's K 2.0.
Fans of Alonza Bevan's driving bass lines and melodic sensibilities within the Britpop and psychedelic rock sphere should also explore Oasis for anthemic guitar rock from the same era. The intricate songcraft of The Charlatans shares a similar 90s UK alternative foundation. The experimental edge of The Chemical Brothers connects to Kula Shaker's own forays into dance-rock fusion. For more modern psychedelic explorations, check out Temples and their revivalist sound.
The music of Alonza Bevan and Kula Shaker maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations that celebrate the 1990s. Their hits are staples on online rock radio streams dedicated to Britpop and psychedelic music, ensuring their sound continues to reach new generations of listeners.
You can hear the influential work of Alonza Bevan, from classic Kula Shaker anthems to deeper album cuts, featured across multiple stations on our platform. Tune in to discover his catalog through the curated rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.
