Bent

Bent is an English electronic music duo formed in the late 1990s, consisting of members Simon Mills and Neil Tolliday. They gained prominence in the early 2000s with their unique blend of downtempo and ambient music, characterized by lush soundscapes and intricate melodies. Their debut album, 'Programmed to Love,' released in 2000, received critical acclaim and established them as prominent figures in the chillout music scene. Over the years, Bent has continued to evolve their sound, experimenting with various musical genres and collaborating with different artists.

Bent's music is influenced by a wide range of genres including ambient, downtempo, trip-hop, and electronica. They cite artists such as Massive Attack, Air, and Boards of Canada as significant influences on their sound. Additionally, their work is often inspired by film scores and classical music, which contribute to their cinematic soundscapes.

Bent is known for their meticulous production techniques, often layering multiple sounds to create rich textures in their music. They have also remixed tracks for various artists, further showcasing their versatility. The duo is known for their DIY approach to music production, often recording and mixing their albums in home studios.

Bent played a crucial role in popularizing the downtempo genre in the early 2000s, particularly in the chillout and lounge music scenes. Their work has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertising campaigns, contributing to the broader appeal of electronic music. They are recognized for their ability to create emotionally resonant music that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

Bent has received several nominations and accolades in the electronic music scene, including recognition at the International Dance Music Awards and various electronic music festivals. Their music has been featured on multiple award-winning compilations.

Bent has covered a variety of songs throughout their career, often infusing them with their signature downtempo style. Notable covers include their rendition of 'Sailing' originally by Rod Stewart and 'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime' by The Korgis.