Grace n’ the Cliches, the Bengaluru‑based blues trio that burst onto the scene after a birthday jam, has secured a headline slot at the Mahindra Blues Fest in Bandra. The band, which blends soulful covers with original tracks, will perform on the Garden Stage at Mehboob Studios, drawing a crowd of over 10,000 blues aficionados from across India.
Background and Context
Grace Maureen, a music teacher from Bengaluru, received an unconventional birthday gift on 10 October 2024: a spontaneous jam session with guitarist Ashwin Yung Chen and two friends. “We called them over, set up a guitar, a mic, and just played,” Chen recalls. “That night we officially formed Grace n’ the Cliches as a gift to Grace.” The band’s roots trace back to Shillong, where Grace grew up listening to a mix of pop and soul before discovering the raw power of blues legends like Etta James, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Buddy Guy.
In 2025, the trio entered the Mahindra Blues Hunt, a national competition that screens talent for the upcoming Mahindra Blues Fest. Their electrifying set—featuring renditions of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” The Allman Brothers Band’s “Black Hearted Woman,” and their unreleased original “Feeling Good Today”—earned them a unanimous victory from judges Ehsaan Qureshi, Loy Mendonsa, and Zubin Balaporia. The win not only secured them a performance slot but also positioned them as one of the most promising new acts in India’s blues scene.
With the Mahindra Blues Fest scheduled for 12–14 February 2026, the band’s appearance is a milestone for Bengaluru’s independent music community. The festival, co‑sponsored by the Mahindra Group and promoted by Hyperlink Brand Solutions, attracts international acts and has a history of launching careers for emerging artists.
Key Developments
Grace n’ the Cliches will headline the Garden Stage at Mehboob Studios, a venue known for its intimate acoustics and vibrant atmosphere. The band’s setlist will include:
- “I’d Rather Go Blind” – a soulful homage to Etta James
- “Black Hearted Woman” – a high‑energy Allman Brothers cover
- “Feeling Good Today” – an original track that showcases the trio’s songwriting prowess
- Collaborations with local musicians, including a surprise guest appearance by blues guitarist Ravi Shankar
Tickets for the festival are on sale through BookMyShow, with early‑bird pricing starting at ₹1,200. The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, making it one of the largest blues gatherings in India this year.
Grace, who did not anticipate winning the Mahindra Blues Hunt, expressed her excitement: “It’s exciting, a little surreal, and deeply inspiring all at once,” she said. “To be on such a big stage and to share it with so many incredible artists is a completely new and humbling experience for us.”
Chen added, “We’ve always believed that blues is about honesty and vulnerability. Performing at Mahindra Blues Fest gives us a platform to share that truth with a wider audience.”
Impact Analysis
The band’s success has several implications for the music industry and aspiring musicians in India:
- Visibility for Bengaluru’s Indie Scene: Grace n’ the Cliches’ rise highlights Bengaluru’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for diverse musical talent, encouraging more local artists to pursue professional careers.
- Blues Resurgence: The festival’s popularity signals a renewed interest in blues music among Indian audiences, potentially leading to more blues‑focused events and educational programs.
- Economic Opportunities: With ticket sales projected to exceed ₹12 million for the festival, local vendors, hospitality providers, and artists stand to benefit from increased footfall.
- Inspiration for Students: The band’s journey—from a birthday jam to a national stage—serves as a case study for music students on the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and authenticity.
For students studying music, the festival offers a chance to observe live performances, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the business side of music, from touring logistics to marketing strategies.
Expert Insights and Tips
Music educators and industry veterans have weighed in on what makes Grace n’ the Cliches’ approach effective:
- Authentic Songwriting: “Their originals feel like personal narratives,” says mentor Sandra Oberoi. “When you write from the heart, the audience connects instantly.”
- Vocal Care: Grace, who also teaches children, emphasizes hydration and vocal rest. “I eat very little before gigs—just a banana or two—and drink plenty of water,” she explains. “A good night’s sleep is essential for a strong voice.”
- Live Performance Dynamics: Chen notes that “blues is formulaic on paper, but each performance is a new conversation.” He advises musicians to experiment with tempo and dynamics to keep the audience engaged.
- Networking: “Building relationships with other musicians and industry stakeholders can open doors,” says music producer Rohan Patel. “Attend workshops, open mics, and festivals to broaden your network.”
- Digital Presence: “A strong online profile—social media, streaming platforms, and a professional website—helps you reach a global audience,” advises digital marketing specialist Maya Rao.
For students, these insights translate into actionable steps: maintain a clean vocal technique, write original material, engage with peers, and cultivate an online brand.
Looking Ahead
Grace n’ the Cliches plans to capitalize on their Mahindra Blues Fest exposure by touring across India and releasing a full-length album later this year. They are also exploring collaborations with international blues artists, which could lead to cross‑cultural projects and festival invitations abroad.
From an industry perspective, the band’s trajectory underscores the viability of niche genres in India’s music market. Record labels are increasingly scouting for authentic voices that can resonate with both domestic and diaspora audiences.
For students and emerging artists, the upcoming festival offers a blueprint: start with local gigs, refine your craft, leverage digital platforms, and aim for national competitions. The success of Grace n’ the Cliches demonstrates that dedication, authenticity, and strategic exposure can propel a band from a casual jam to a headline act.
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