The shutting down of Koramangala venue Fandom had a cascade effect for gig organisers several months down the line, with Higher Ground Music Festival founders Vishwas Karanth and Avishek Dasgupta needing to “recalibrate” their plans for the second edition of the three-day indie music event.
It will now take place at Prism by Octavium, a new space off Bannerghatta Road, and in the same premises as Octavium Music Academy. “Both of us were quite bullish on not altering the festival format, and at the same time, not have a gap year,” Avishek says.
After their first edition in October 2025, the Higher Ground Music Festival follows a similar format of putting together seasoned artistes as well as rising talent. Rock artist Meg & The Miracles kick off the festival on September 25, and will be joined by rock act The Lucidwake and alternative rock band The Sandcats.
The likes of singer-songwriter Suraj Mani (from rock veterans Motherjane) will headline the final day alongside grunge-inspired rock band Dhuan and post-rock band Blue Atom Sky. In between is the festival’s Breakthrough Stage for upcoming artistes. Headlined by space-rock-inspired band Mars Mansion Mystery, newer acts include singer-songwriter Kashmira, didgeridoo-centric act Two Eyed Wizard, heavy metal/hard rock band Steel Falcon, electronic artiste Space Hydra, alternative rock band Radiostellar and Nepali rock band Same As Them.
Talking about putting together this particular set of performances, Vishwas says, “Curating a diverse lineup was actually one of the most exciting parts of putting the festival together. Across the three days, you move through different musical worlds, but there is a common thread in the quality of the music and the fact that every artiste has something of their own to say.”
Same As Them
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The organisers received over 50 applications from musicians to be part of the Breakthrough Stage, from which they chose five. “We were looking for a distinct sound, a strong sense of identity, and artistes who we felt would translate well to a live festival setting,” Vishwas says.
Both founders are particularly looking forward to Suraj Mani’s solo set, considering it is a rare outing now that his focus has shifted to touring with Motherjane. The veteran rock band released their new album Dobareh earlier this year and Suraj Mani says he might just play the title track as part of his solo acoustic set.
About preparing for the show, Suraj says, “I had to pick up the guitar and flex some muscles just to play an extended set. I was a little shocked at the effort it took because there was a time when that was all I did. But it is fun. I get to go on stage and do these big adrenaline gigs with Motherjane and the intimate warm sets as a songwriter. Best of all worlds, really.”
Megan Rakesh, the singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads Meg & the Miracles is also looking forward to Suraj’s set, but tells us her set is going to be a “crazy one with beautiful songs” that she has written and is currently recording.
As someone who has played across big festival stages as well as the club circuit, Megan says playing a more intimate venue such as Prism does not necessarily mean she is changing her approach to the performance. She says, “It usually depends on the crowd. I always look forward to getting on stage and getting to know the crowd so we have a great time. It will be fun to talk to them and get them to sing along to my songs.”
The Lucidwake are performing after a few months of focusing on their upcoming album titled I Kissed the Abyss. At the festival, their vocalist Vihaa says The Lucidwake will present five new songs from their upcoming seven-track album, with a couple of favourites from their debut project Whiteout. “It is going to be a pretty significant preview of the new album. It will also be the first time we will be performing these new songs live, which is exciting and, honestly, a little nerve-racking in the best possible way,” the singer says.
Expect songs that are centred on themes of introspection, loss, confrontation and dissociation. “There are also some of the heaviest things we have written. We’ve allowed ourselves to be more vulnerable in some places and more chaotic in others, without feeling like we have to stay within a particular radar,” Vihaa adds.
The Lucidwake
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
There is a sonic journey in store with Mars Mansion Mystery’s set as well with vocalist and guitarist Vineet Braganza explaining that their entire set has a theme. “The premise of Mars Mansion Mystery shows is that we are aliens come down from Mars, experiencing Earth for the first time. Our songs are about our journey on Earth and our experiences — some are good, some are bad — and taking people through that journey in a more immersive sound,” he says.
Headlining day two after all the Breakthrough Stage acts perform, Vineet sees it as a full circle moment of sorts that Mars Mansion Mystery can now move into the headliner space after all the time they have spent opening for other bands and “growing alongside the indie scene”. He adds, “Now it is wonderful to return the favour and get people to watch newer acts as well. We hope people come, be free and have a great time with us. It’s going to be a journey and an experience, and we are ready to rock and roll.”
Higher Ground Music Festival takes place from September 25 to 27 at Prism by Octavium, off Bannerghatta Road, JP Nagar. Tickets from ₹499 per day on Skillboxes.com.
Published – September 25, 2026 11:37 am IST
