Ibukun Sunday: The ‘Monday Is OK’ Mix

Music

Lagos-based composer and violinist Ibukun Sunday knows a thing or two about using sound to free the mind.

As such, his musical imaginings, which have been picked up by labels like Syrphe, Noise à Noise, Sounds for the Soul Records and Mystery Circles, are deeply spiritual and enchanting.

Last year he released his label debut, The Last Wave, for Phantom Limb’s Spirituals offshoot, and now he makes his return with Mantra, this time exploring Hindu philosophical texts which he pairs with his signature blend of ambient soundscapes, West African traditional music and field recordings captured around his home of Nigeria.

Ahead of the album’s release at the beginning of next year, we invited him to help us restore ourselves as we enter one of the last week’s of the year. For his Monday is OK mix, which was recorded in three different countries, he pieces together his own recordings alongside music from Almanacs and Werner to create “a transcendental sound journey”.

Ransom Note · Ibukun Sunday: The 'Monday Is OK' Mix

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you, what are you?

I am Ibukun Sunday, currently in Lagos.

Tell us about the Monday mixtape you’ve put together for us. If it were to be drawn what would it look like?

The monday mixtape is to ease the listener into a transcendental sound journey.

If it were a food what would it be?

Bread and egg hopefully.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

You have to free your body and your mind. (Free spirit)

What should we be wearing?

You have to wear something free.

Where was it recorded?

It was recorded in 3 different countries and mixed in Lagos.

Are you on the same wavelength as the boomtown rats or do you actually like Mondays?

Normally Monday is my rest day love it.

Who got you hooked on music?

My Parents. (My Mother mustly)

What was the first record you heard and how did it make you feel?

The first record I can’t remember but I had this feeling of wanting more.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Ginkgo by Ryan. These Haunted Objects by Orbital patterns

What are you obsessed with at the moment?

Making more music I guess.

If you could travel in time…where in time would you go? Why?

I would like to go to the time were my grandmother was alive to tell her how I love her so much and compose some music for her.

Some self help questions for a Monday…

Am I excited to dive into the challenges that I have lined up for the week?

Yes.

Am I looking forward to engaging with the people I am meeting or working with?

Yes am always looking forward to the engaging with people.

Am I going to my dream job?

Yes.

Am I being compensated fairly for the value I bring to my job?

Do I feel energised, rested, and confident?

At this moment No.

If you were trapped on a desert island with one other person, who would you choose?

Nobody

How long would it be before you eat them?

That’s not going to happen because I will be the only one there.

Your doctor says you need more exercise….what do you take up for exercise?

Good meditation rest.

What’s your answer to everything?

No answer.

Anything else we need to discuss?

If you enjoy my mix, be sure to check out my debut release Mantra on Phantom Limb.

Tracklist
1. Almanacs – Luna Nueva
2. Almanacs – A Neighbourhood Tale
3. Werner – Filippo Rieder
4. Werner – Ale Z
5. Ibukun Sunday – Avaśisyate
6. Ibukun Sunday – Last Earth
7. Ibukun Sunday – We Live in A Litigious Age (A Time of Life)