DJ, radio host and music curator Idan Ben-Tal is a central figure in Tel Aviv’s underground electronic music scene. His contributions to the house, techno and genre-blending dance realm are unrivalled, and his original music speaks volumes on behalf of that knowledge and passion for the process.
We were blessed with the opportunity to interview Idan, to find out more about what drives him, his creative approach, his thoughts on AI music creation, and plenty more. Here’s how it went.
* * *
Where are you right now, and what have you been working on this past month?
I’m still based in Tel Aviv. Over the past month, I’ve been finishing some new tracks in the studio and continuing work on my music discovery series — both on TikTok and radio. I’ve also been curating a few events and staying close to the local scene, which keeps me inspired.
What was it about techno and house or electronic music at large that first inspired and drew passion from you?
It wasn’t one track or genre — it was more of a feeling. I remember hearing certain records that didn’t follow traditional structures but still moved people. That freedom — the ability to create tension, release, emotion, and rhythm with just texture and groove — really pulled me in. And the fact that electronic music is constantly evolving keeps it exciting.
What’s been one of your most memorable live DJ performances, and what would be your dream venue or event to appear at?
One that really stuck with me was a long, late-night set at Shelter (formerly Breakfast Club) in Tel Aviv. The crowd was tuned in from the first track, and it felt like we went on a journey together — no pressure to deliver “bangers,” just a mutual trust in the flow. As for a dream gig, I’d love to play at Panorama Bar one day. Not just for the prestige, but because it feels like one of the few remaining spaces where you can go deep and take risks.
You’re also a radio host and show curator – how do you search for and choose which tracks to feature, and where do you find the best inspiration for your own music?
A lot of it comes down to listening — obsessively. I spend hours on Bandcamp, digging through radio shows, and listening to sets from small clubs across the world. For the radio, I try to balance tracks that are timeless with newer sounds that push things forward. When I’m producing, I draw inspiration from that same process — from tracks that stay with me not because they’re loud, but because they’re subtle and honest.
Having been a huge part of the building of Israel’s current nightlife and scene, how important are both creativity and collaboration in maintaining society’s passion for this music?
They’re essential. The scene here grew from collaboration — artists, curators, venue owners, radio programmers — all pushing together.
“Tel Aviv’s scene thrives when people share ideas, challenge each other, and build something that feels local but connected to the world. Creativity is what keeps it alive. Without risk or experimentation, it all becomes predictable.”
What are your thoughts on AI music creation, and how will you maintain authenticity, skill, and originality, as things continue in this direction?
AI is a tool, and like any tool, it depends how you use it. What worries me isn’t the tech itself — it’s how easily it can flatten music into content. For me, authenticity comes from process — the mistakes, the trial and error, the human stuff. As long as I stay close to that, and to the feeling that made me love music in the first place, I think the originality will take care of itself.
Is there anything else we should know?
Just that I’m in it for the long game. Whether it’s DJing, producing, or curating, I care about music that lasts — music that stays with people long after the party ends.
* * *
Find Idan Ben-Tal on Instagram.
