Quote of the month: "The moments we share unite us."

An elegant, anonymous tag on the side of Discount Optical at Lansdowne and Bloor - something even clear vision does not always have the foresight to acknowledge or understand. A statement so simple. I saw it at the beginning of April and had a gut feeling that it would inspire the kickoff reflection for something... perhaps this month's newsletter. 

These moments - public, private, personal or universal - can be savoury or not-so. Bonds formed in the moments where space, ideas, conversation, values, actions - despite the ills in this world - my most favourite: music - one that surpasses all (in my opinion) and remains a language and method of unity no other medium could ever express. 

April Awe:

• Went to Montreal for gigs at 180g and Bar Le Record, engaging in moving conversations and spontaneous magic. Extending gratitude: to Rhandy, our pals, Max Daigle and Parker Mah - we fuelled the dancefloor for Ondes Continentales at Bar Le Record - blessed to share music with these fine folks! Thanks to friends: Claudine, Minoe & Phil, Pascal-Angelo, Pablo, Andie, Christophe & the team at 180g for making it a really special weekend! :) 

• Trust The Process Press continues Afro Brasilica - a multidisciplinary creative residency at CONTXT by Trane,  and celebrated International Jazz Day on April 30. Upcoming: May 7 featuring guest DJ RonJon, sharing a special set of music in the format of his beloved former iLive radio program, Colours of Rhythm. RSVP here. 

• Facilitated a creative communications workshop for the awesome artists of Pretty Girls Siiing on April 29 - check out the reflection below!

• This month: Trust The Process Press produces a new exhibition by SAMBAranthony called Breaking Sound, part of CONTACT Photography Festival (May 1-31).  Join us for the launch on May 2, featuring a stellar local DJ lineup and jazz band! More info.

* pictured above: the vision centre of Bloordale *

Creative Communications 

Reflection of the Month

The Identity of An Artist

I'm writing this the morning after being a part of a truly special evening with Pretty Girls Siiing - an empowering community and gathering series embodying music, fun and creativity designed to help artists elevate their vocals while bonding with other women. My unparalleled, talented friend, Sabre, is a co-founder, and has created a truly wonderful space alongside BLUE WILL and Marley (check out their music!). I was invited to facilitate a workshop about communicating artistic identity. I spent much time creating and refining reflection prompts and writing practices to dig deep, unpack and explore what defines one's 'artistic identity.' 

What unfolded was an organic, fluid and honest conversation amongst the entire group, a dozen artists packed in a small rehearsal unit at Lynx Music. I began the evening with an poetry activity. I asked the group (I made one, too) to create a haiku poem that follows:

Line 1 (5 syllables): share your core values or ethos as an artist/person

Line 2 (7 syllables): detail the ways in which you express yourself

Line 3 (5 syllables): the intention you have for your art

Here's mine, as an example: 

Sound, community

Layered, raw, funky, vibrant 

Create and connect.

I shared several reflection prompts that sparked an open conversation as the group shared whatever came to mind - we spoke about:

• what messages we intend to communicate in our music

• how we can re-frame societal-perceived 'quirks' or 'challenges' as 'gifts'

• what we're certain about in our artistry at present

• what levels of support we need to simply...do what we need and wish to do in this wild world of music 

(Leaving these here for you to ponder on, too -  there's a massive list with more. Feel free to connect with me if you'd like to read them.)

At this point of my career journey, there is nothing I love more than to connect and cultivate with artists in this way - these workshops challenge me to reflect, too, and I don't take these experiences for granted. Also - a big shout out my two dear pals, Ice The One and Rachel Romu for being present. It made my day! 

I extend gratitude to the entire team and artists of the Pretty Girls Siiing community - you're all gems and to echo the above... 

"The moments we share unite us."

THE FOLD on Frisson Radio | CIUT 89.5 fm, CFRC 101.9 fm
produced with Frisson Founders: Miks Lamont & Nabeel Pervaiz

• 🎙 ICYMI: had a super heartfelt chat with the awesome Big Jacks & Angela Apigo about collaboration, praise, creativity & more - listen. 

• 📻 TUNE IN: on Saturday, May 9 for a chat with amazing producer, mentor + so much more, Kadhja Bonet - 5 pm ET, 89.5 fm.

SOUND TRAVELS

Another Setting Radio (Toronto, ON) & Jolt Radio (Miami, FL)
produced by Sonic Fold (Ola) | Archive

• Mix Passport on Jolt Radio - March 25, 2026: a live recording from Afro Brasilica by olasconola & That Dude From Lupinore - listen.

• Sound Travels syndicates with Another Setting Radio! An awesome Toronto based digital radio station, connecting the music with the community they are a part of, and the spaces they share. We'll be broadcasting our archival episodes of Sound Travels monthly - listen. 

• Next up - a chat with Fion aka Sadstab on May 3 - listen to original.

• 🔊 ICYMI: there's a ton of insightful conversations here. 

pictured above: TTPP in good company at La Rama 

Places & Spaces
May 2026

~ olasconola DJ gigs ~

May 2 - Breaking Sound Reception @ High Notes Coffee + Vinyl - Info 

Come check out the exhibition and listen to some amazing records by an awesome local DJ lineup from 1-9 pm! I'm on at 4:30 pm. 

May 7 - DJ Ron Jon guests at Afro Brasilica, CONTXT by Trane - Info

Ron rocks the decks with Rhandy and I next week! More programming and activations to be announced - RSVP here. 

May 10 - We, Otherwise DJ Set & Poetry Session @ Tranzac Club - Info

I'm deeply honoured to be invited to share an intentional playlist of some of my most moving, prose-laden records for this lovely new residency at the Tranzac. Will be facilitating a community poem in tandem - check out the details.

May 17 - Rollout's The Heat - 2026 season kick-off! 

The iconic, OG, community jam returns - lineup and info to be announced!

Stay tuned here.

May 22 - That Dude From Lupinore's All Dressed series @ The Little Jerry

Spinning records of all flavours and seasonings! Stay tuned here.

May 23 - Sonic Sancocho @ Drom Taberna - Info

Featuring Marta Elena & her band, DJ General Eclectic and our signature soup!

May 30 - Transient Radio Launch @ Standard Time - Info 

I love supporting local, grassroots radio! Thrilled to be one of many DJs at the launch of a new Toronto platform doing cool things! Set time TBC - come through all day into the wee hours for a marketplace, libations, conversation and music. 

More to be announced at the link below...

*pictured above (photo by Claudine!): Equipe Ondes Continentales @ Bar Le Record
L-R: Max Daigle, That Dude From Lupinore, olasconola, Rhythm & Hues *