Giving Artists Permission to Be Imperfect

An insightful conversation with Folarin, a musician and creative visionary, exploring his journey, inspirations, and the impact of Tiny's Condo Sessions on Toronto's music community.

What first drew you to music, and what made you decide to pursue it seriously?

I’m drawn to the expression that’s possible with music, especially music that’s created from a certain vantage point. In terms of pursuing it seriously, after a few years of my professional life I made a decision that I wanted to work around and with creative people. I also learned about myself that I’m motivated by becoming excellent at something that I really love so that meant figuring out how to become excellent at creating in the music business

How has making music shaped who you are, both as an artist and a person?

I think I’m still being shaped as a performing artist so that part of it is still unclear. As a person, music is certainly my first point of connection with myself and I found lately with others. My experiences working in music so far have been challenging but equally rewarding. It’s forcing me to dig deep and continue to craft myself into who I want to be.

Where do you find your greatest inspiration, and how does it translate into your sound and lyrics?

Right now, my greatest inspiration is watching creatives who are ahead of me continue to achieve success and remarkable growth. It’s a huge validation of the path and the idea that success is possible if you keep hacking at it. As it relates to my sound and music, I perform covers of songs connected to my musical journey and my evolving understanding of self. Artists like John Mayer, Samm Henshaw, Paramore, Lucky Daye, and lately Tems write lyrics with incredible intention and emotion that I’m in awe of.

What themes or emotions are central to your music, and what do you hope listeners feel when they hear your tracks?

Most songs are written about love, so I guess this is the central theme of the music I play. It’s either love or emotions that are a consequence of or connected to love; happiness, loneliness, confusion, rejection, belonging, acceptance. I hope listeners feel a sense of connection and that whatever they’re feeling isn’t just them

What inspired you to create Tiny's Condo Sessions, and how has it evolved since its inception?

After playing around a few shows in the city, I felt I needed more space to practice how I would like to perform. I needed to make mistakes, fuck up and still feel supported by people in the room. That’s what Tiny’s Condo Session is about, giving artists and performers the platform to share their art and their music, but also taking away any pressure to be perfect. In the room I strive to give everyone permission to be imperfect and know that we’re there for them anyway.

What role do you envision Tiny's Condo Sessions playing in the music community, and how do you hope it impacts emerging artists?

My hope is that artists love coming to the show because it’s where they feel free to express themselves, experiment, share new music and explore their full selves as performers. 

For fans and show lovers I think the experience in the room is pretty unique. This isn’t just a concert or a regular Friday night event you’re attending. Every performer’s set is truly a collaboration between artist and audience that creates an elevated experience of the music or comedy. We’ve found that when guests show up with this in mind, they tend to walk away feeling truly refreshed and connected.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had while hosting Tiny's Condo Sessions?

I think my biggest take away so far it’s just how much the room is ready to give, how willing people are to support each performer and how invested the audience is in curating a meaningful experience. 

We’ve had shows from 15 people to 175 people, yet somehow the energy, intention, vibe and willingness remains consistent. It’s just really cool to witness. 

If you could share one key lesson you've learned from running this event that might inspire other creators, what would it be?

It’s said often but just start. I need to follow this as well, so this is also a lesson for me when I look back. Just begin. Not only do you have everything you need right now but the resources to create a bigger vision will come along the way. Just begin as you are.

How do you see the relationship between community and artistry evolving in the future?

I believe there is space for everyone and every form of artistry. With technology, we have the opportunity to build our own communities and our own audiences and we shouldn’t be afraid of gatekeepers. No room is more or less special than your room. What matters is that what's happening in your room is real, and people are connecting to it. With that in mind, growth can happen quickly if you’re paying attention to the right things and doing the right things. 

In what ways do you think Tiny's Condo Sessions can inspire a sense of belonging and connection among artists and audiences?

This is an area I want to see us grow in. I want artists who’ve played the show to always feel like Tiny’s is home and they’re welcome back. For audiences, I think the sense of discovery is important. When you find a new artist that you love in an intimate space like Tiny’s you’re likely to want to be a part of their journey from that point on. We hope that by continuing to build the show with these intentions, the rest will take care of itself.

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If you're an artist looking to share your music or a fan craving a unique experience, Folarin's Tiny's Condo Sessions could be the place where you find your people. Stay updated on the next session, and don’t miss the chance to connect with others on a genuine level.