15th Bend is the professional name of a Canadian independent musician who got a late start but is quickly making up for lost time. These pages are full of stories of artists who launched new musical projects during the lockdowns and quarantines of the last two years. However, 15th Bend may be the first story we’ve heard of someone starting a successful music career from scratch.
When the world shut down in March of 2020, one man from Toronto decided to use the time to fulfill a lifelong dream and learn to play guitar. His initial goal was relatively modest. He simply wanted to learn a few songs from some of his favorite Classic Rock guitarists.
He took to the instrument in record time and soon found himself writing his own original pieces. Next he was teaching himself the ins and outs of home recording and 15th Bend was born. By mid 2021 he had a YouTube channel. By the end of the year the prolific producer had released over a dozen singles to all major streaming services.
Recently, 15th Bend shared with The Static Dive a collection of four instrumentals that he recently released. The songs are a testament to the guitarist’s remarkable journey so far. In less than two years he accomplished a series of feats which logically should have taken a decade or more. He taught himself to play guitar, write his own music and then record, produce and distribute it. Most impressive of all is the fact that he’s really good at all of the above.
The selections 15th Bend shared with us are all chilled-out instrumental pieces. Although guitar was the original inspiration for the project, the artist has clearly educated himself on the ways of downtempo electronic music. “Distance” opens the set with ambient synths and a laid-back shuffling groove. Soon the guitarist enters the mix with a slow-hand Blues style reminiscent of the later work of Clapton and Gilmour.
As suggested by the title, “Loss” is a melancholy instrumental dedicated to lost loved ones. The track takes the 15th Bend ambient Blues sound into some darker terrain. “Balance” follows with a mix of percussive arpeggios, ethereal synths and some really tasteful guitar playing. Everything about the sound belies the artist’s status as a beginner.
“Memories” is the newest of the four songs, released worldwide on January 3, 2022. 15th Bend takes the track deep into the world of electronic music, with a synth-driven rhythmic groove reminiscent of some of Alan Parson’s solo material. As a producer and as a player, 15th Bend has reached in months a level that takes most players years to acheive. For example, the extended solo in “Balance” is his best work yet and features the style and technique of a seasoned player.
It is a surreal journey, which seems like a dream for someone starting so late in their life (mid 30s). I hope it inspires others, that it is never too late to learn something new and follow your passion!
15th Bend
Check out all four songs below. You can also hear each track on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. Or dig into 15th Bend’s entire catalog on your favorite streaming service. And follow the links below to connect with the artist. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting new project.