Crispian Mills, English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and director

Crispian Mills, born Crispian John David Boulting on 18 January 1973, is a distinguished English artist known for his versatile contributions as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and film director. Recognized also by his spiritual name, Krishna Kantha Das, Mills has carved a significant niche in both the music and film industries over a career spanning more than three decades.

His professional journey began in 1988, but it was as the charismatic frontman of the psychedelic indie rock band Kula Shaker that Crispian Mills truly rose to prominence. Kula Shaker captivated audiences with their distinctive sound, which skillfully blended traditional British indie rock with elements of psychedelic music and profound Eastern mysticism, often incorporating instruments like the sitar and spiritual lyrical themes. Their debut album, K, released in 1996, was a phenomenal success, achieving double platinum status in the UK and cementing their reputation as a unique and influential voice in the Britpop era.

Exploring New Creative Avenues: The Pi and Jeevas Projects

Following Kula Shaker's initial disbandment in 1999, Crispian Mills embarked on new musical explorations. He maintained his association with Columbia Records, a subsidiary of the then Sony BMG, and began performing and touring with a collective of talented session musicians under the moniker Pi. This period saw Mills venturing into a slightly different musical direction, even securing a notable support slot for global pop superstar Robbie Williams. Despite extensive touring and the completion of studio recordings, the proposed Pi album was ultimately rejected by the record label, leading to its unfortunate shelving without a full official release.

After a brief hiatus from the public eye, Mills re-emerged in 2002 at the helm of a new musical endeavor: The Jeevas. As their frontman and lead guitarist, he steered the band towards a "back-to-basics" rock sound, a departure from Kula Shaker's more ornate psychedelic textures. The Jeevas released two studio albums, 1,2,3,4 (2002) and Cull (2005), gaining a dedicated following. However, The Jeevas disbanded in 2005, a strategic move that paved the way for the eagerly anticipated reunion of Kula Shaker.

The Return of Kula Shaker and Subsequent Releases

The reformed Kula Shaker made a triumphant return to the music scene, releasing their third album, Strangefolk, in 2007. This marked a significant moment for fans who had long awaited their distinctive sound. The band continued their prolific output, with Crispian Mills leading them through subsequent successful releases.

In 2010, Kula Shaker released their fourth studio album, Pilgrims Progress, which further showcased their evolving yet signature sound, exploring themes of spirituality and personal journey. Six years later, in 2016, they unveiled K 2.0, an album that served as both a new artistic statement and a poignant celebration of the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut album, K. To commemorate this milestone, Crispian Mills rejoined Kula Shaker for a series of sold-out UK tour dates, allowing long-time fans and new listeners alike to experience their electrifying live performances once more.

Crispian Mills: A Visionary Behind the Camera

Beyond his celebrated musical career, Crispian Mills has also made notable contributions to the world of film as a director. This facet of his artistic expression demonstrates his diverse creative talents. His directorial debut came with the critically acclaimed horror-comedy film A Fantastic Fear of Everything, released in 2012. Mills not only co-directed this feature alongside Joe Stephenson but also co-wrote the screenplay, demonstrating his comprehensive involvement in the cinematic process. The film, starring renowned actor Simon Pegg, highlighted Mills's ability to craft engaging narratives and visual experiences, further solidifying his status as a multi-talented artist.

A Legacy of Talent: The Illustrious Mills Family

Crispian Mills hails from one of Britain's most distinguished entertainment dynasties, boasting a rich heritage in both film and theatre. He is the son of two celebrated figures: actress Hayley Mills, an iconic child star who achieved international fame with films like Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, and director Roy Boulting, known for his work on classic British cinema. His lineage extends further to his paternal grandparents, the legendary Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills and the acclaimed playwright and author Mary Hayley Bell, who together formed a formidable creative partnership. Crispian is also the nephew of actress Juliet Mills and directors John Boulting and Jonathan Mills, continuing a long line of artistic excellence. Furthermore, he is the half-brother to Jason Lawson, connecting him to even more branches of this remarkable family tree. This deep-rooted connection to British cinematic and theatrical history undoubtedly influenced his own artistic pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispian Mills

What is Crispian Mills best known for?

Crispian Mills is predominantly known as the charismatic frontman of the British psychedelic indie rock band, Kula Shaker, famous for their unique sound and hit debut album, K, which achieved double platinum status in the UK.

What other bands or projects has Crispian Mills been involved with?

Following Kula Shaker's initial split, Crispian Mills fronted the rock band The Jeevas, releasing two albums. He also pursued a solo project under the name Pi, although its album was ultimately rejected by the record label and never fully released.

Has Crispian Mills directed any films?

Yes, Crispian Mills is also a film director. His directorial debut was the 2012 horror-comedy film A Fantastic Fear of Everything, which he co-directed and co-wrote, starring Simon Pegg.

Is Crispian Mills from a famous family?

Indeed, Crispian Mills comes from a highly esteemed family of entertainers. He is the son of iconic actress Hayley Mills and director Roy Boulting, and the grandson of the legendary Oscar-winning actor Sir John Mills and playwright Mary Hayley Bell, part of a long lineage in British cinema and theatre.