On November 27, 1996, Sparklehorse performed live on the French TV show NPA, a notable moment reflecting the band's growing recognition during this period. Prior to this performance, Sparklehorse had released their debut album, "Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot," in 1995, which garnered critical acclaim for its unique blend of lo-fi rock and imaginative lyrics. The success of this album helped cement the band’s position in the alternative music scene and set the stage for their subsequent work. By the time of the live recording, Sparklehorse was riding the wave of this initial success, and their performances were characterized by a fusion of melancholic melodies and experimental sounds, an aspect that was evident in their live rendition of "Rainmaker." Additionally, Sparklehorse's frontman, Mark Linkous, was known for his struggle with mental health issues, which often influenced his artistic output and added layers of depth to his performances.