Mumbai, January 24, 2026 — A last-minute cancellation unexpectedly landed Canadian rock band Mother Mother a coveted spot at Lollapalooza India, marking their debut performance in the country.
Unexpected Invitation Leads to Indian Debut
The band seized the opportunity to play for a new audience, a feat guitarist-vocalist Ryan Guldemond says is rare for Canadian rock acts.
- Mother Mother’s Lollapalooza India set came together due to a sudden opening on the festival lineup.
- The band is eager to experience Mumbai’s culture, favoring immersive exploration over typical tourist attractions.
- Their 2025 album, Nostalgia, explores themes of spirituality and the search for peace, resonating with India’s rich spiritual landscape.
- Despite their recent viral success on TikTok, Mother Mother embraces all avenues of recognition and plans a high-energy Lollapalooza performance.
“There was a cancellation, and so we got sort of a last-minute invitation. We had like an afternoon to decide,” Guldemond explained from his hotel in Mumbai. For the band, established since 2005, the decision was “an easy yes.” “I don’t even know of any peers that have come to India,” he added, highlighting the unique opportunity.
Guldemond has already begun to soak up the Mumbai atmosphere. While the band did enjoy tea at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, his preferred method of experiencing a new city is simpler: “My favorite thing to do is just to walk around and soak up the true energy of a city. I don’t love doing the obvious touristy things, but just walking for hours, especially with a camera.” He also noted a peaceful view from his hotel window—pre-dawn meditators facing the ocean.
Interestingly, Mother Mother’s 2025 album, Nostalgia, includes a song titled “Namaste.” Guldemond admits the connection to India wasn’t intentional, but he sees a thematic resonance. “There’s a lot of spiritual themes and spiritual angst in our music… trying to find peace, trying to find enlightenment, but failing, and struggling with your humanity. So it’s cool to be in a place that’s so spiritually rich.”
High-Energy Setlist Planned for Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza attendees can anticipate a “pretty high energy, positive” performance from Mother Mother. However, “Namaste” won’t be on the setlist. “I think it’s a bit slow for our Lollapalooza set. I think we need to come out with a bang.”
The band has a substantial catalog to draw from, spanning two decades. They plan to perform hits that gained traction on TikTok, such as “Hayloft,” alongside fan favorites like “Burning Pile,” “Verbatim,” and “Amrs Tonite,” and incorporate crowd-pleasing medleys.
Around 2021, Mother Mother experienced a resurgence in popularity as older tracks went viral on social media. “Hayloft II” notably became the most searched lyric in America that year. “The lyrics were the most searched lyrics in America in 2021. To me, that was just a crazy statistic. Couldn’t believe it,” Guldemond recalled.
While some artists might resist being labeled a “TikTok sensation,” Mother Mother has embraced this unconventional success. “I think you have to ride the wave. There’s a natural rhythm to success when it comes your way, and I think it’s appropriate to honor the moment and be grateful for it and not resent it because it’s painting you in a [certain] light.”
Their most recent album, Nostalgia, marked a return to their indie rock roots, characterized by triple vocal harmonies, after exploring different sonic territories on albums like Grief Chapter and Dance and Cry. The album features both previously unrecorded older songs and new material. While the reception was positive, Guldemond acknowledged it wasn’t their most commercially successful release. “And that’s okay too. It’s just a chapter in the book, right? Every chapter can’t be explosive.”
Looking ahead, after completing their festival appearances in 2026, Mother Mother plans to focus on writing new material. Guldemond hinted at a departure from the retrospective nature of Nostalgia, suggesting a darker, more complex, and progressive sound with “more math” – meaning more intricate arrangements and less formulaic songwriting.
As they prepare to take the Lollapalooza India stage, Guldemond expressed hope that this performance will be “the beginning of more time in the country.” For a band that has learned to adapt to viral fame, streaming algorithms, and unexpected opportunities, Mother Mother promises a performance filled with energy, connection, and a two-decade repertoire that resonates with audiences, regardless of when they first discovered the music. “We just keep marching forward,” Guldemond concluded.
