PREMERE | Terrace, 'Just Say Maybe'
Simon Lock introduces the final chapter of Terrace; press photo courtesy of the artist.
In the face of new beginnings, all good things must eventually come to an end. The phases that lead toward personal and creative growth. The stages that teach us to love wholeheartedly, to be present and be there for our fellow sisters and brothers (and everyone in between). As we traverse through our own collective cognitive development toward greater states of consciousness, we observe the evolution of our own work and how those trajectories have both changed us and others. As artists, observers, appreciators, activists and other denizens of our shared humanity we are always in a state of flux. We are mercurial creatures forever learning, listening, creating, thinking and partaking in the ongoing narratives that make up our shared universal village. From painting in caves to creating art on digital tablets, porta-studios and so forth; together we move with the trends and times as our world continues to constantly develop (both for better and for worse).
With today’s release of the wistful and hopeful album Just Say Maybe, Simon Lock presents the last Terrace release before moving on toward new creative pastures. For the past decade we have followed the dance-forward Vancouver-based outfit and all of their musical progressions that dearly soar the friendly stratospheres with a romantic volition. As Lock touches down on the tarmac of today’s rapidly changing earth, we are graced with an opportunity of infinite beauty. Just Say Maybe is a glimmer of all the goodness that can be. It is an album that embraces the possibility of a kinder and more benevolent reality. It is a chance to accept the things that we cannot change and share beams of love and light to a world in need of care and compassion beyond the fickle flicker of virtue signaling and other empty gestures. Just Say Maybe is about giving love a chance and leading a life full of heart instead of hate and the rancor that consumes our planet.
The opener “Under the Sun” races with an ecstatic abundance of unabashed joy and appreciation for all that exists in our shared communities. Simon meditates on the memories and the absences of loved ones on “Frank”, as “Bliss” basks in the temporal nature of things accepting that while all things must pass and fade away — an intrinsic and beguiling beauty remains. Arpeggiating synths comprise the cosmic rain of “Comet”, a track about the importance of letting go of the baggage that bogs us down and the relief and newness that arrives with casting away the things that burden us. The turbulence of our modern era is explored on “Crazy Times” that offers a sense of hope and resolve during a current era of uncertainty and seemingly unrelenting anxiety. “The Gentleman” holds tight to a vestige of goodness in the face of unprecedented and chaotic circumstances in a track that is both moody and graciously moves with care and loving consideration. Notions of the passing time and invitations to participate in dance steps moves gallantly via “In Time” that motions toward a greater paradigm. The serene landing of “Lands Down” mixes aches of melancholy, recalling the routes traveled and the new flight paths of new possibilities. Just Say Maybe scans the landscapes known, contends with the turbulence of weathered storms that holds out for what wonders might present themselves along the courses that lead to destinations unknown.
In a long distance late night cable after a flight from Paris; Simon Lock shared the following with us on the final Terrace album:
This record, Just Say Maybe, ties the ends of this project I started in 2011 called Terrace. It was a project that I started with the aim of making music that encapsulated escapism and this essence of a new found positivity and excitement in my life. I wasn't the only one aiming to do this. There were many bands with this same intent. However, I was never an artist. I was a dad, an airline pilot, a very common gentleman. I learned the entire process of how to put emotion and energy into a 4/4 beat, and try to make music that people want to listen to while on vacation, whilst dreaming, or even making hummus. I made a few stinkers along the way. Took many different approaches on getting there. It took a while to find my way as a producer. Many life experiences helped shaped this. Moving, getting divorced, finding happiness and maintaining this happiness through growth and constant exploration.
When it came time to write this record, I didn't know it would be the last per se. I scrapped the first two records and dug deeper to make what I now knew would be the final chapter in the Terrace story. And as I am not sad that this is the end, as I have three new completely different projects in the works, I am reflective about Terrace. With this record I want to leave behind what I feel is my most honest work to date. Just Say Maybe harnesses my life and mood for the last three years. Cherishing my family, friends, new love and loss of some very important people in my life. And all of that has been invigorating and inspiring.
Meditations by Simon Lock of Terrace; press photo courtesy of the artist.
This record is a true story. It is meant for everyone's own interpretation. To make it your own. To remember all the things that you truly love and enjoy, “UNDER THE SUN”. To take a song about mourning and make it a love song, “FRANK”. To champion the people you love the most and share your dreams and thoughts with each other, “BLISS”. Feel the excitement of new love, and the doubts and struggles that can come with it, “COMET”. To look back at the last two years and all the mayhem it created and to have found one thing that becomes a beacon in your life, “CRAZY TIMES”. To understand that after all these things we've endured, personally, via tough times, pandemic induced, physically, that we still truly believe and have hope that tomorrow holds endless possibilities, “THE GENTLEMAN“ (also contains the title Just Say Maybe in the chorus). To tempt your lover to take a giant stride with you no matter the consequence, “IN TIME”. To reflect on the journey of your life for the last decade and proclaim that it is full of hope and love, “LANDS DOWN”. And I leave you with that. It's a recipe meant for each individuals interpretation. Just Say Maybe. That's all we need to do. Is Just Say Maybe.
Thank you for all of your support through all of these years. It has meant absolutely everything. I will be back. And I'll see you under the sun.
Terrace’s last album Just Say Maybe is available now via their imprint TechnoFunk.