Kula Shaker
The band are known for their interest in traditional Indian music, culture, and mysticism, with a number of their most famous songs, including "Tattva" and "Govinda", featuring lyrics written in Sanskrit. The name Kula Shaker was itself inspired by King Kulasekhara, an Indian emperor from the 8th century. In addition, many of the band's songs feature traditional Indian instruments, such as the sitar, tamboura, and tabla, juxtaposed with guitar-heavy, Western rock instrumentation. Despite achieving commercial success, Kula Shaker were unpopular with many critics, with "The Observer"'s Simon Price describing them in 2014 as a "joke band".
Swear and Shake
Swear and Shake was an indie folk band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Formed in 2010 by Kari Spieler (vocals, lyrics, guitar), Adam McHeffey (vocals, lyrics, guitar, banjo), the band included Shaun Savage (electric bass). Time Out New York described their sound as "postcard-perfect indie folk with an undercurrent of sly humor." Swear and Shake self-identify their sound as "Big Hook Americana". The band relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Nashville, Tennessee, in November, 2014, to write their second full-length record. On November 23, 2017, via social media, the band announced their breakup and that they will be moving onto new projects after 7 years as Swear and Shake.