Certain songs bear the burden of true friendship and Terry by Indolore is such a song. This is not a standard tribute song. It is a personal, close, and heart to heart talk that is accompanied by sincere admiration, precious memories, and the silent sensation of loss. Initially as a personal message, it became much more than that, an emotive message to the legendary Terry Reid.
Taped live in the studio in the company of close collaborators, Terry has a very genuine tone that smacks you right in the face. The soft acoustic set-up and sincere, nearly conversational vocals allow each feeling ample space to breathe. There is no sense of forcing or overproduction. Rather, the song gives into its simplicity completely, and that is the place where its power lies.
Guillaume Simon is a Paris-based singer-songwriter who blends acoustic closeness and real emotional depth, and appears to be behind Indolore. His life experience and significant partnerships have influenced his work of art in very strong directions and Terry is one of the best moments in his life.
It is a song in which memories, gratitude and profound respect coexist in a perfect harmony. It is silent, it is held back, and it is completely memorable. Terry is evidence that the best music is usually the music of the most personal sources.
Listen to Terry below
Follow INDOLORE on
For anyone new to your music, who is INDOLORE, and what kind of journey do you take listeners on with your songs?
I am a French musician/producer, and I sing my own songs. I express myself in a certain acoustic intimacy, trying to touch the heart, to capture and convey emotions in the most direct and authentic way possible.
“Terry” feels so heartfelt right from the start. What made you decide now was the perfect time to release this tribute?
I don’t know if it’s the perfect moment, but releasing “Terry” on the first day of spring seemed symbolically close to the song’s message.
“Terry” is a tribute to your good friend Terry Reid. If you had to describe the song’s vibe in three words, what would they be?
Friendship, admiration, and gratitude.
The lyrics feel like a personal letter. How did you capture that sense of deep admiration and affection in the music itself?
It was initially a letter in song form for Terry Reid, in which I wanted to summarize in a few sentences the impact that this immense artist and wonderful human being had on my life. When I wrote and recorded the song, Terry was still with us. It wasn’t meant to be a tribute. Perhaps that’s why its message will, I hope, remain indelible and full of life.
You and Terry Reid are close friends and collaborators. What’s one memory from working together that always makes you smile?
We recorded several tracks together in Paris. We also performed together on stage in London. I have so many incredible memories with him. I remember a moment away from the spotlight when I was welcomed into his and his wife Annette’s home in Palm Desert, California (with my friend Fabrice de Battista, who participated in the recording of “Terry”). After a wild evening fueled by copious amounts of cocktails made in the Mojave Desert, we attempted a memorable jam session, memorable not for the “avant-garde” music we produced but for our coyote-like laughter!
In your letter to Terry, you say meeting him changed your life. Can you share a specific way he’s inspired you, both in music and personally?
First, I would say that Terry Reid gave me the right to raise my artistic level, through his example and his validation. This giant told me, through his presence, his involvement, his words: you’re good, keep going. And then, from a human perspective, Terry was so generous that he lit up and warmed every place he went, and for a long time afterward. Here too, he set an example simply by being himself.
You wrote that the words came to you “like a letter.” Walk us through that magical moment – where were you, and what sparked it?
It was late at night, I was sitting on the kitchen floor with my guitar, which I hardly ever do. And then, a series of chords and the beginning of a melody later, the writing of “Terry” began. It’s strange because I had the presence of mind to put my phone down and film the moment, as if I already sensed that everything that would make up this song needed to be archived.
You brought friends into the studio who are also Terry’s friends. Who joined you, and how did that group energy shape the track?
As mentioned above, Fabrice de Battista (keyboard) was with me in the studio, along with Antoine Delecroix (bass, sound engineer) and Bendja (drums). I wanted to record this track live with musicians who also knew Terry Reid well, to give us the best chance of capturing the authenticity of the message. On top of that, Elodie Letaeron (the director of the video) managed to film the live session in the studio, which added even more magic to the mix!
This feels like more than just a song – it’s a gift to Terry and yourselves. How do you hope it resonates with fans who admire him too?
I sincerely hope that Terry’s fans will identify with this song. I would also like those who are not yet familiar with Terry Reid and his music to feel inspired to discover it and love it. Because, believe me, you can’t help but love him!
Friendships like yours with Terry are rare in music. What advice would you give to artists about finding and nurturing those kinds of bonds?
Starting and nurturing a friendship is never easy. What I can say is that it’s based on true mutual respect. And specifically with Terry, the key was that I didn’t expect anything in particular from him, I just felt really comfortable with him, both in music and in real life, and that was enough for me.
As part of your latest album rollout, how does “Terry” set the tone for what’s coming next?
“Terry” is the first single from my new EP, “La Vie Side B,” which will be released before summer. This EP will be an expression of my gratitude to the people and places that have left a lasting impression on me.
