Bent Rushmore
Tallinn
Hailing from Estonia, Bent Rushmore is a standout artist in the blues and electronic music scenes. He is best known for his role as the lead guitarist in the popular band, Köömes.
Bent's formative years were shaped under the shadow of the Soviet Union, where Estonia was part of the communist superpower. During that era, popular western genres like disco and rock'n'roll were prohibited, forcing these music styles into the underground. Bent's father, a taxi driver by day, clandestinely smuggled vinyl records at night. He purchased LPs from visiting foreigners, recorded the music on cassette tapes, and discreetly distributed these to local DJs and music enthusiasts. This not only served as a supplemental income but also exposed Bent to a vast array of music.
Bent took part in this covert operation, often pressing the "record" and "dolby" buttons during these recording sessions. It was through these experiences that Bent's profound appreciation for music was kindled. By the 90s, while still in high school, Bent began to DJ, using his father's music collection as his foundation.
Despite his early immersion in music, it wasn't until 2005 that Bent picked up an instrument - an electric guitar. While showing off his newfound skills playing Nirvana songs, he discovered that his good friend had secretly purchased a bass guitar and had been practicing. This revelation led to the formation of the band "Köömes." The two friends enlisted a drummer, began writing songs, and started rehearsing in the drummer's basement.
Köömes has since evolved, expanding into a six-member rock band with four studio albums under its belt. The band's music has gained significant airplay on Estonian radios and has graced stages across the country.
While Bent continues to contribute to Köömes, he has also pursued his solo career. In 2017, he released his first solo album "Soi Dog," a melancholic blues album that reflects on the struggles and mundanity of everyday life. The album, released on digital platforms and vinyl, grapples with existential questions, acknowledging our collective struggle to find meaning in life.
In 2018, Bent ventured into electronic music production, experimenting with keyboards and synthesizers. This new direction culminated in the 2019 release of his meditative album "Steps to Calmness." Bent describes the album as a soothing balm for our chaotic world, hoping that his music can help listeners find inner tranquility.
Bent's musical journey is far from over. He continues to craft new music and anticipates future releases in both the blues and electronic genres. Stay tuned for more from this diverse and ever-evolving artist.
Bent Rushmore’s tracks
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