Pigeon Opinion Featuring an Interview with INDOLORE

“Terry” was not intended to be a tribute to Terry Reid, but since his passing, it became one. The song recently reached the ears of Graham Nash himself (two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee), who said: ‘What a wonderful song in tribute of my dear friend Terry Reid.’

Interview with INDOLORE

(^)> What inspired you to write “Terry,” and how did your friendship with Terry Reid influence the song?

The moment the first chords and melody came to me, I thought of Terry Reid, the impact he had (and still has) on my life and career. It was high time to dedicate a song to him. Our friendship, which began in a studio in Paris in 2009, has grown over the years. Like everyone else, I loved his voice and his music, but I appreciated his humanity and generosity just as much.

(^)> How did it feel to share the song with Terry Reid while he was still alive, and what was his reaction?

This song was written as a letter of affection and admiration. It was essential that it reached him. So I sent it by message to Annette, Terry's wife. The next day, she replied, writing that they had both cried and that Terry wanted to work with me again as soon as he was better. I cried too.

(^)> Since Terry’s passing, how has the meaning of the song evolved for you personally and artistically?

The message remains the same, but it has taken on greater significance since Terry's passing. I feel as though it is gradually bringing together Terry Reid's loved ones and fans, as if the words of this song were their own.

(^)> Graham Nash praised “Terry” as a tribute—how does it feel to have such recognition from a fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

For a singer-songwriter as incredible as Graham Nash to describe my song as “wonderful” is a magnificent gift and recognition. But I also owe this recognition to Terry.

(^)> Can you describe the recording and live video session in Paris and how you captured the emotion of the song?

I couldn't have recorded this track on my own. I needed to be surrounded by my musician friends, who were also Terry's friends. So we got together in a studio in Paris to record and film ‘Terry’ live. Only by taking this risk could we succeed in capturing the sincerity of the message. I am very happy that we succeeded. I would like to take this opportunity to mention them and thank them again: Fabrice de Battista, Antoine Delecroix, Bendja and Elodie Letaeron.

(^)> How does “Terry” fit into your upcoming EP La Vie Side B, and what themes or moods can listeners expect from the rest of the project?

My new EP, “La Vie Side B”, which will be released in the spring, brings together several tributes. One to Terry Reid, of course, but also to my grandmothers and to places that have had a profound impact on me. “La Vie Side B” will be filled with gratitude.

(^)> Your music blends influences like Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, and Brian Wilson—how did these shape the sound and arrangement of “Terry”?

Like these artists, I am very sensitive to sincerity in music because that is what I myself strive to achieve: a direct path from the heart to the voice.

(^)> Having performed internationally and at festivals like SXSW, how does writing a deeply personal song like “Terry” compare to performing more public-facing material?

This has been the main difficulty I've encountered since I started out. How to make a venue as intimate as possible, how to convince an audience that is sometimes distracted to listen to my personal stories. I realised that I shouldn't apologise for it anymore, but instead embrace the discretion of my songs, even when performing live.

(^)> What do you hope listeners feel or take away after hearing “Terry”?

I would like my song “Terry” to make everyone want to discover or rediscover Terry Reid's music. That is my sole mission.

(^)> Looking back on your collaborations and past releases, where does “Terry” sit in your musical journey so far?

I feel like “Terry” is the quintessence of my music. Like a successful distillation that produces a nectar, a delicious liqueur with rock “n” roll vapors.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out INDOLORE on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist