A chat with Ollie Mundy

Ollie Mundy is a name fast becoming synonymous with boundary-pushing, groove-laden house music. A seasoned DJ and producer, his journey hit new heights in 2024 with the launch of his record label, OVAVA Music, and a string of standout performances at legendary venues like Fabric London, Burning Man, and Pikes Ibiza. His melodic, Afro-infused sound has gained global recognition, with tracks like ‘Kirima’ and ‘Nothing’ earning widespread support. As he prepares for another season in Ibiza and a year of breaking new talent through OVAVA, Ollie continues to evolve—always guided by the music, the people, and the dancefloor energy that fuels his creativity.

2024 seemed like a milestone year for you again. What have been the standout moments?

It really felt like a milestone year... There were several standout moments that defined the year. One of the highlights was the realisation of a lifelong dream with the launch of my record label, OVAVA Music, during the summer. Additionally, releasing my own music for the first time on a couple of esteemed labels was a significant accomplishment. The year also saw unforgettable performances in iconic music hubs… Fabric in london, the Burning Man in US, and Pikes in Ibiza, adding to the memorable experiences of 2024.

Ibiza will be on the horizon again soon! What excites you most about this upcoming season? 

Ibiza has always held a special place in my heart, as you can imagine. This year, I've made the decision to spend a significant amount of time there, balancing my presence between Ibiza and London. By investing more time on the island, my aim is to cultivate new connections, draw inspiration to create more music, and some interesting gigs.

Back To Mine and Days Of Disco have become a key part of your Ibiza journey. How has your residency evolved over the years?

The Back To Mine Parties at Pikes are an absolute blast, with an incredible atmosphere and fantastic people. I'm truly excited to delve deeper into the party music side of my repertoire this summer. Can't wait to get back in the TUB and keep the good times rolling!

Tell us a bit about what’s been going down at OVAVA of late. What’s been the biggest learning curve in running your own label?

In 2025, our focus is on fostering new talent by introducing emerging artists to the label, providing a platform for some to release their first-ever music. Our inaugural release for the year will feature NatalieJane, a rising talent who has been making waves in Bali and Tulum in recent months. We're thrilled to showcase her music and kick off the year with a fresh perspective and sound.

Your recent releases ‘Kirima’ and ‘Nothing’ gained widespread support. What makes these tracks special to you?

‘Kirima’ was a fantastic track for both me and OVAVA. Working with Nes Mburu, a talented artist, was an absolute honor, and his vocals truly added a unique touch to the song. 

And.. 'Nothing’ is a much more daring and experimental track for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of exploring different sounds and observing how they resonated once the tracks were released. 

Both songs performed exceptionally well for us and provided a fantastic conclusion to 2024

How do you know when you’re finished a track? What’s your general production process look like? 

When creating a track in the initial creative stage, I gather my ideas and put together a loop, testing out various elements to see how they work together. I prefer to dedicate a couple of hours over a few days to this process. Once I have the core idea, I give myself a single day to arrange and finalise the track. After that, I spend a few days listening to it, making a couple more tweaks, and then it's off to be mastered. Setting deadlines is crucial for me; otherwise, I feel the track will never truly be finished.

You’ve played at legendary venues like Fabric in London and Hot Situations in NYC. How do crowds in different cities influence your performances?

Absolutely, every party may have its unique vibe, but at the core, I believe that the location doesn't significantly alter how people behave. Music serves as the universal language that transcends barriers and unites individuals from different backgrounds. It's the common thread that brings everyone together, fostering a sense of communal experience and connection.

Burning Man seems to hold a special place in your career. What keeps drawing you back to the Playa?

Oh, that place never fails to amaze me. The people, the music, and the unique setting all contribute to an experience that is truly extraordinary. Every visit to Black Rock City leaves me with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of inspiration. Burning Man is a place where creativity, connection, and self-expression converge in a way that is truly magical and transformative.

Your tracks have been supported globally, from Germany and France to Egypt and Australia. Do you tailor your sets depending on the region?

I customize my sets for every party, not just based on the location. Although I may have an initial plan, often I arrive at events with little knowledge of what to expect. As a result, I have to adapt to the party's atmosphere and work in the tracks I truly want to play based on the vibe of the crowd.

You’ve shared the stage with legends like Jo Mills and Soul Central. What have you learned from these experiences? 

We often look up to many individuals in our lives, yet we sometimes overlook the fact that they are human too. Despite this, being in the company of those who have accomplished what you aspire to do is truly inspiring. Therefore, when you receive advice from such individuals, it tends to be golden.

Your production style blends melodic and Afro-house elements. How has your sound developed over the past year?

My music style has evolved over the years. To be honest, I don't intentionally set out to create a specific sound; it's more about what naturally emerges when I'm experimenting with sounds. When constructing the layers of a track, I choose sounds that resonate with me in that moment. However, I draw inspiration from a variety of tracks, both old and new, that fuel my creativity.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers trying to make it in Ibiza?

I believe it comes down to socializing, spending time on the island, maintaining consistency, reliability, offering diverse music, and, most importantly, don't be a dick!

Your label OVAVA Music is hosting exclusive events next year. What can fans expect from these parties? 

OVAVA Music's exclusive events next year will offer people a unique experience, In nice locations with great people dancing to good music.

Looking ahead to 2025, what are your biggest goals both personally and for OVAVA Music?  

As we look towards 2025, our main focus both personally and for OVAVA Music is to discover and promote new talent with exceptional music. Our goal is to provide these artists with the opportunity to create chart-topping tracks. Additionally, we aspire to host OVAVA label parties featuring our new artists at exclusive and distinct venues.

Finally, if you could introduce yourself via one of your releases, what would it be and why?  

If I were to introduce myself through one of my releases, it would have to be 'Sitoki'. This track holds a special place in my heart as one of my earlier releases and remains a personal favorite. Despite not receiving the attention it deserves, I continue to play and listen to it regularly, as it still captures that magical essence that initially inspired me.

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