in september 1995 kula shaker were joint winners of the in the city contest (along with placebo), which quickly resulted in a record contract with columbia records, who were eager to sign another band that had the multi-platinum, crossover appeal of oasis. a debut single, "tattva (lucky 13 mix)" (later re-recorded for their debut album) was released on cd and limited 7" vinyl in january 1996, but it entered just outside the uk top 75, at number 86. "tattva" was followed quickly in april by the band's second single, "grateful when you're dead", a slice of jimi hendrix-esque rock which was to become their debut uk top 40 single (entering at no. 35). music press and public alike finally began to take notice of the band, and this sudden exposure propelled the re-released (and re-recorded) "tattva" to no. 4 in the uk singles chart. the band's upward climb continued with their third single "hey dude", a more traditional rock song which was only kept off the top spot by the spice girls when it was released in august.