About


Good Rest is the Chicago-based solo project of musician, producer, and audio engineer Tristan Smith.


Blending experimental recording techniques with indie folk and cowboy country songwriting practices, Good Rest is poised to release a series of haunting and ethereal songs soon - starting with "In the Clearing."

Tristan grew up in Seattle, raised on John Prine, Townes van Zandt, and Neil Young. With a few stints in grunge bands, jazz combos, and electronic bedroom pop, Tristan has landed at home among artists like Alice Phoebe Lou, Andy Shauf, Florist, Toro y Moi, and Adrianne Lenker.

As an electrical engineer and audio equipment designer as well as a musician, Tristan's work is shaped by a deep understanding of the underlying technology usually hidden behind knobs and faceplates in the recording studio. Leaning on opinionated tools like lo-fi microphones and self-built gear, the Good Rest sound is textured, soft, and one of a kind in origin.