On Depth, Restraint, and the Power of Honest Dance Music

In a world of endless drops and overcooked BPMs, Tel Aviv’s Idan Ben Tal is quietly carving out space for something more reflective. His new single “Columbus, IN” isn’t trying to shout above the noise—it invites you to lean in, listen close, and move with meaning. Blending analog warmth with digital precision, Ben Tal’s minimal house sound is all about subtlety and soul.

We sat down with the DJ/producer to talk sonic restraint, emotional honesty, and why the dancefloor still has room for the inward gaze.

1. Your new track feels like it’s dancing and daydreaming at the same time – was that the intention? Or did it surprise you where it ended up?

That’s such a beautiful way to put it. I definitely lean into contrast when I write, and in this case, I wanted the track to feel both grounded and drifting—like it’s moving forward, but with its head in the clouds. It started as a loop with a kind of dubby bounce, but I kept layering textures that felt hazy and melodic until it felt like the track had this soft-focus memory quality. It surprised me how gentle it ended up being. I usually aim for something more percussive, but this one asked for space.

2. “Columbus, IN” – what drew you to that title?

Columbus is a small city in Indiana known for its surprising amount of modernist architecture. I passed through it briefly once and the name stuck in my mind—something about the contrast between the place’s unassuming Midwestern quiet and the stark beauty of its buildings. The track isn’t about the city itself, but more about that feeling: being in a place that feels still on the outside but is stirring with inner complexity.

3. You mentioned balancing melancholy with groove – are those two things you think about a lot when writing?

Yes, almost obsessively. That balance is the core of what I try to express. I want the music to move people physically but also hit something emotional—some kind of nostalgia, longing, or unresolved thought. A good groove opens the body, but it’s the melancholic undertones that open the heart.

4. We love the minimal, hypnotic feel. What led you to write music like this?

I’ve always been drawn to repetition and subtle changes. There’s something meditative about it—like watching light change slowly through a window. Minimal, hypnotic music gives space for the listener to fill in the blanks with their own emotions or associations. Artists like DJ Sprinkles, Jan Jelinek, and Rhythm & Sound really shaped my ear in that regard. Writing this way feels honest to me.

5. There’s a tenderness in this track. How do you keep emotion front and centre when making electronic music?

I try to make sure that every element—no matter how technical—serves a feeling. I spend a lot of time sculpting sound so that it feels human: pads that breathe, imperfections in the timing, tiny field recordings that add texture. I also don’t rush the process. If something feels too cold or detached, I strip it back and ask myself what it’s missing emotionally. That constant checking-in helps me stay grounded in feeling.

6. What does your ideal night out look like in your music scene?

It starts with good sound and ends with some kind of magic. A small room, a proper system, a crowd that’s open to discovery. Ideally it’s a lineup where you don’t know every name, but each set tells a story. Some of my favorite nights in Tel Aviv or Berlin happened in low-key spaces where you lose track of time and leave feeling lighter.

7. What’s something you’ve heard recently – a track, an artist, even a sound – that made you stop?

There’s a track by Huerco S. called “Promises of Fertility” that I revisited recently, and it floored me again. It’s just so patient and textured. Also a DJ set by Sedef Adasi from a few months ago really stuck with me—warm, playful, and deep in all the right ways.

8. And what are your plans for the rest of this year musically?

I’m finishing up a small body of work—an EP that expands on the mood of “Columbus, IN” but explores more rhythmic tension. I also want to launch a mix series that focuses on emotional electronic music and invite some of the people I admire most to contribute. And of course, more gigs. I want to keep building bridges between the scenes I love, from Tel Aviv to Berlin and wherever else the sound takes me.

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About Idan Ben-Tal

Idan Ben Tal is a Tel Aviv–based DJ, producer, and music curator recognized as a central figure in Israel’s underground electronic music scene. With a deep knowledge of house, techno, ambient, and experimental music, his sets are known for their emotional depth, dynamic pacing, and carefully selected tracks that span genres and decades.

Idan has performed at many of Tel Aviv’s leading venues — including Shelter Club (formerly Breakfast Club), Kuli Alma, Romano, Teder.fm, Sputnik, Port Said, and Club Rafi — as well as international spots like Paloma in Berlin and art galleries and cultural spaces across Israel. His presence is equally felt off-stage: he’s curated and programmed some of the city’s most forward-thinking parties and music nights, offering a platform for emerging artists and fostering a sense of community among listeners and creators alike. From intimate late-night sessions to open-air gatherings, his events have helped define the sound and spirit of Tel Aviv’s left-field dance culture.

Alongside his work as a performer and curator, Idan is a respected voice in Israeli music media. He has hosted and produced shows on major stations such as Kan 88, Galgalatz, and Eco99FM, championing underground sounds and bringing global electronic music to national airwaves. His “500 Tracks” project — a daily online series spotlighting some of the greatest underground electronic tracks of all time — further reflects his passion for musical discovery and storytelling.

Whether behind the decks, curating a lineup, or shaping taste through radio and digital platforms, Idan remains a driving force in Israel’s alternative music landscape.

Follow Idan Ben Tal’s journey here

https://www.instagram.com/idan_bental

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