Once again, I have the Eclectic Music Lover blog to thank for alerting me to the music — and latest video — of Terry Gomes. In the words of Jeff Archuleta, proprietor of the above-mentioned blog, Terry’s latest track, “Dark Riders,” is “a six and a half minute long instrumental track with progressive elements, though Terry’s twangy guitars lend a strong Western vibe to the proceedings.”

What inspired you to make an animated video to go along with “Dark Riders”?

Circa 2012, I had a vivid daydream where I imagined the entire scenario that plays out during the video. The character actually represents a younger version of myself. I composed the music to go along with the images I had imagined. They were quite clear in my mind so the music came out fairly quickly. I recorded all of the guitars, bass and organ on my own during this time. Since the ideas were based on a daydream, I knew right away that I wanted it to be presented through (mostly) black and white animation. I felt like it would translate best and most accurately in this format. I should note that at the time, I was watching a lot of old TV westerns, as well as listening lots of Stravinsky and a small amount of Dick Dale. 

“Dark Riders” is an instrumental track. How do the images you use in the video correspond with what you’re endeavoring to convey in the song?

Around the same year cited above, I switched from writing singer/songwriter material to writing instrumental works in a variety of genres. So, the instrumental music was a given. As for the video, since the images in my head fueled the musical sections, I can’t really separate the two. They are tightly intertwined. 

How did you make the video?

Jumping ahead to 2019. I had noted Ottawa drummer Jeff Asselin add drums to my existing parts. With the music completed and with more time on my hands due to pandemic lockdowns, I wrote an outline of the story and concept I had visualized many years before. I was then referred to a skilled animator named Andrés Olmos and over the next 2 1/2 years, we worked on and off on the project with his drawing and animation skills bringing my music and daydream visions to life. The result you see involved many hours back and forth between us.

Have you done any animation in the past? 

This was my first animation project. 

Do you think you’ll make animated videos to accompany future musical projects?

I might but I don’t have any immediate plans for that. Lol I must admit that the process was very time-intensive and exhausting. It was all new to me. I was only equipped with my daydream, compositional skills and the hope that it could be brought to life via animation. I learned a lot from Andrés during the process and he was a pleasure to work with. 

To conclude, if people have specific questions about the content, I will not likely be able to answer them. I simply don’t know. Where the main character came from and what eventually happens to him are a mystery, even to me. And I like it that way. Even daydreams can defy explanation. All I can say is that I hope people enjoy the music and the ride!