Introducing The Multi-Dimensional Duo… Rest For The Wicked

If you’re a lover of indie rock, pop-punk, and alternative genres’ then Rest For The Wicked is the new music collective for you. Made up of Melbourne artist Ben Townsend and Sydney experimental producer Tasker, the duo blends their unique talents to create a boundless musical product. Their latest single ‘Feel The Same Way’ is the perfect example of this untamable artistry. Set to the background of an indie-pop-rock sound, the track explores the early stages of a relationship and finding the courage to open up about your feelings.

Their vulnerable new single is just the beginning for the Aussie duo. With goals to create a safe space for people feeling “alone or imprisoned by their thoughts”, Rest For The Wicked is ready to be a positive outlet for music listeners all over the world. We were able to chat with Tasker about everything from their new release, romantic advice, a potential EP release and so much more. Read the full interview below.

Hey Tasker! Thanks for sitting down with SPINDLE. How’s it going?

I’m in lockdown getting my life together.  I’m fitter, happier, and more productive.  I’m comfortable not drinking too much and getting regular exercise at the gym (3 days a week) plus getting on better with my associate contemporaries. I’m at ease eating well (no more microwave dinners and saturated fats) and I’m sleeping well with no bad dreams and no paranoia

This past year and a half has been a rollercoaster, how have you and Ben been managing?

Life was a rollercoaster before COVID and will continue to be so after. You never manage, yet you somehow do. Just gotta have fun with it all. Do what feels good. See everything for the joke it is.

Let’s take it back to the beginning. What inspired you two to create Rest For The Wicked?

We had some fun and effortless sessions writing together and the next logical step was to make a project to put our songs out. I like hanging out with Benny a lot, so it’ll be good to tour together under the RFTW banner.

Your sound is unreal! It’s filled with an array of genres that seamlessly flow together. How would you two personally describe your sound and what are you striving to create sonically?

THANK YA! I call our sound ‘Pub Pop’. We’re just a couple of delinquents who like getting trashed at the local and know how to write some catchy hooks.

Sonically, we just do whatever the hell we want or feel like on the day. I’m always getting obsessed with some random shit and will draw from that influence in the moment. The only real goal is to not box ourselves in.

Can you take us through your creative process? What does a studio session for Rest For The Wicked look like, in person or virtually? How does it work with you both in different cities and how do you approach your different backgrounds in music?

I prefer writing in person. I’m on the laptop, Benny’s on the paper and pen. We’re both extremely ADHD so we talk shit and walk around in circles for 9 hours, by the time you get kicked out of the studio you got a song or 2.

We’ve got to talk about your latest track ‘Feel The Same Way’! It’s giving 90s nostalgia from start to finish! What themes did you want to explore with this track and your project?

Sonically, I just wanted to re-contextualize/rip off The Pixies – what would those songs sound like made by a kid on a laptop?

What’s one piece of romantic advice that you wish to share with fans?

If you feel sick, just be sick. If you love someone, just tell them. – Chris (Simpsons artist)

With two singles currently making the rounds, are you two planning for an EP or album release soon?

Yeah, probably an EP or something. We got a ton of songs already done so I’m sure they will see the light of day soon. I’m kinda cool with just dropping singles though. We can’t tour in Australia right now so it’s keeping the water flowing out the tap.

Can you give us some insight into what fans can expect from the upcoming body of work or future releases?

The songs are better. The songs are bigger. The songs are different.

Looking ahead, what are five goals you want Rest For The Wicked to achieve?

Play at the State of Origin.

Get rich.

Get famous.

Get fat.

Meet Wayne Coyne.

Watch the official video for Rest For The Wicked’s latest single ‘Feel The Same Way’ below and listen to it here.