Bengaluru Band Grace n' the Clichés Triumphs at Mahindra Blues Hunt, Earns Prestigious Festival Slot
In October 2024, Grace Maureen, a music teacher residing in Bengaluru, received an extraordinary birthday present that would alter her musical journey. Ashwin Yung Chen, the guitarist with whom she frequently performed at various hotels and cafés across India's IT capital, orchestrated a casual jam session by inviting three friends. "We officially formed a band called 'Grace n' the Clichés' as a gift to Grace," Chen fondly recalls. This spontaneous creation has since blossomed into a significant musical force.
From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition
Now, a year later, the Bengaluru-based ensemble, which traces its origins to Shillong, is preparing for a landmark performance at the Mahindra Blues Festival in Bandra. This opportunity comes after the band captivated judges Ehsaan Qureshi, Loy Mendonsa, and Zubin Balaporia during the recent Mahindra Blues Hunt competition. Their winning set featured powerful interpretations of classic blues tracks, including:
- Etta James' iconic "I'd Rather Go Blind"
- The Allman Brothers Band's "Black Hearted Woman"
- Their own unreleased original composition, "Feeling Good Today"
Grace expresses a mix of emotions about their achievement: "It's exciting, a little surreal, and deeply inspiring all at once. 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." She admits she did not anticipate winning the competition, making the victory even more meaningful.
Musical Roots and Artistic Evolution
Grace's musical foundation was laid in Shillong, where she was adopted in 1998 and named by her mother. Her early influences included powerhouse vocalists like Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion. As she matured, her tastes expanded to encompass soul and blues legends such as Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. In Bengaluru, she and Chen, both music educators, dedicated their evenings to exploring the city's vibrant independent music scene, attending gigs and performing at intimate venues.
Their partnership deepened through music, with Grace often losing herself in performance—closing her eyes and singing passionately into the microphone while Chen provided intricate guitar accompaniment. Whether perched on a bar stool, seated in a chair, or on the floor, she transformed any space into her personal stage.
The Enduring Appeal of Blues Music
While the duo has experimented with various genres, blues music has captivated them uniquely. Chen shares his profound connection to the style: "Whenever I hear Robben Ford play, there's nothing else I can do in life but listen." He notes that artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy evoke similar intense reactions. Chen emphasizes that, though blues might seem formulaic to some, it thrives on individual expression and nuanced inspiration drawn from master musicians.
Band Philosophy and Preparations
The band's name, Grace n' the Clichés, was chosen simply because "it sounded nice," yet it belies a serious artistic mission. With one foot in Shillong and the other in Bengaluru, the group has performed extensively across multiple cities. Grace reflects on their growth: "With every rehearsal and performance, we continue to evolve not just as individual musicians but as a cohesive unit." Their repertoire, blending covers and original songs, aims to "heal the world," as Grace describes it.
Chen adds his perspective: "Music is the language that conveys every emotion. Of course, don't share OTPs and bank details. But other than that, don't be afraid of vulnerability." This openness extends to their creative process and performances.
As they prepare for their upcoming Garden Stage performance at Mehboob Studios, Grace shares her pre-show ritual: she eats very little—perhaps a banana or two—and drinks plenty of water. Being a vocal coach who teaches children, she is acutely aware of the strain performances can place on her voice. "I'm very conscious about taking care of it," she states, citing advice from her mentor, Sandra Oberoi: "When you have a good sleep, you will have a good voice."
Looking forward to their festival appearance, Grace promises audiences: "People can expect honesty in our music and the joy of seeing our dreams slowly coming to fruition." The Mahindra Blues Festival, presented in association with The Times of India, is co-sponsored by the Mahindra Group of companies and promoted and produced by Hyperlink Brand Solutions. Tickets for the event are available on BookMyShow.
