Tali Birenberg
Meet Israel Tel Aviv-born UK Open Mic performer Tali Birenberg:
Hi Tali Birenberg, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:
Do you play solo only, or also in a group?
Solo
How old are you?
47
Where were you born?
Israel Tel Aviv
Where did you grow up?
Israel Tel Aviv. Growing up in Israel gave my music its emotional depth, a mix of intensity, heart, and storytelling. Tel Aviv’s artistic chaos pushed me to write boldly, while London brings out my theatrical, indie, and electrifying side. The combination shaped my voice: Mediterranean warmth with London’s raw stage energy.
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
Tel Aviv gave my music its emotional fire and storytelling. London shaped my sound. I grew up loving the British greats, from The Smiths to Oasis, Coldplay, and the whole London indie energy. That mix between Mediterranean depth and British edge became my voice.
Where are you based now, and why?
Based in Tel Aviv, where I’m currently recording my album. It’s my creative home base the place where the songs are written and shaped. I fly to London often for gigs because London brings out a different side of me: raw, electric, indie, alive.
What got you into making music in the first place?
I’ve been playing piano since I was seven, music was infused into me by my parents, and I grew up listening to everything from the 40s to the 90s. I’ve always had a deep love for Britpop and the British sound. Beatles, The Smiths, Oasis, Coldplay and that shaped a big part of who I am as an artist.
I taught English for years, so the language flows naturally, and I’ve always been an Anglophile studied English literature and linguistics for my BA drawn to English literature, Gothic stories, and the whole cultural world around them. London has influenced me so deeply that the entire B-side of my album is dedicated to it. “She’s Back” is literally my comeback story/song in London, and many of the songs in that section were written in, or inspired by, the UK. Creating in London feels instinctive, like a musical homecoming.
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing
Piano
Piano
Rapping
Basic guitar skills; former lead vocalist in a live band.
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
My musical influences include Suzanne Vega for her poetic song-writing, Lady Gaga for her piano-driven performance energy, Coldplay for their collaboration and reinvention, Cyndi Lauper for her unique voice, Led Zeppelin for their timeless rock power, Kim Wilde for her iconic 80s creativity, The Beatles for their foundational brilliance, Oasis and The Smiths for shaping my Britpop and lyrical sensibilities, and the London indie scene, which deeply inspired the B-side of my album including my comeback track She’s Back.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
My song-writing process usually reflects a state of mind or a period in my life. In my early years I wrote more rock-driven, rebellious songs on the guitar, inspired by Led Zeppelin and the bands I loved as a teen. Later, during my Paris phase, my writing became more lyrical, melancholic, and romantic. Today, with the London energy in my life, my songs are more upbeat, open, groovy and piano-based expanding in sound and spirit. My music evolves with me, and every place I live in or travel to leaves its fingerprint on my writing.
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
15
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
On and off for about 10–15 years. I performed with bands in the past, but as a solo artist I’ve embraced open mics more regularly to share my original music. Mainly to expose my original songs and connect with new audiences. Open mics also help me refine my performance skills and grow as a live artist.
What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?
Don’t overjudge yourself and don’t compare your progress to others. Open mics are a powerful way to grow as an artist, to strengthen your performance skills, share your originals, and build real confidence. It’s also a community: a space to support other musicians, give and receive feedback, and simply have fun on stage. Keep showing up, stay open, and enjoy the journey.
What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?
The hardest part for me is the short stage time. Just when I’m fully warmed up and feel like I’m really connecting with the song and the audience, my slot is over. Sometimes I feel ready for a longer set, and it’s challenging to step off right when the energy peaks. But it also pushes me to make every minute count.
What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?
Probably the most bizarre open gig I ever played was a studio jam in my country, where the lineup was so eclectic that nothing connected, neither musically nor stylistically. Every artist came from a completely different world, and there was no thread or concept linking the performances. And yet, somehow, it worked. Everyone supported each other, the contrasts were hilarious, and the whole night turned into this funny, chaotic, eclectic celebration of music.
If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?
Yes
What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?
My biggest obstacle right now is the recording and production process, mainly the budget it takes to get into the studio and move things forward. I know I write strong music, but documenting it, producing it, and turning it into a polished marketing project is always the hardest part. I love creating, but as an independent artist I also have to handle promotion, logistics, and studio deals, things that usually happen smoothly once you have a bigger team or an agent. That’s the main challenge at the moment.
What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?
What people find most surprising about me is how far I’m willing to step outside my comfort zone to follow my dream. I had a successful, stable career teaching English in my country, but I chose to leave it behind and dedicate my life to music, even as a divorced mother of two. Many people thought I wouldn’t take that risk, but I did. I based myself between Tel Aviv and Europe, kept pushing forward, and discovered that London audiences truly connected with my sound. I constantly challenge myself, whether in life or on stage, and I’ve surprised even myself with how much courage I’ve found along the way.
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
The most exciting project I’m working on right now is my album. I’ve already recorded five songs from my ‘Parisian’ era, so to speak, a romantic, cinematic chapter with melodic ballads and a vivid, storytelling sound. Now I’m creating the B-side: my London phase. It’s upbeat, pop, trip-pop, with hints of rap and the electric energy I picked up from performing in the UK. Many of these songs were written in London or inspired by my trips here, including my comeback track She’s Back. The contrast between the Paris and London sections makes this album feel alive, surprising, and very personal. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?
Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?
https://open.spotify.com/album/6h6uShfJjanc8Aoxh8v26l?si=rP35vH1zSmyyo7kTlpXIMg
Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DAJWhWRXE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
www.instagram.com/talibirenberg?igsh=MWx6eGtneHNzcHRmbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/talibirenberg?igsh=MWx6eGtneHNzcHRmbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
www.facebook.com/share/1DAJWhWRXE/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/share/1DAJWhWRXE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nxWQOSPuUmLUBgQqT8ZaBwTLztiBs0FQU&si=GYzCZ1Os5TZqnmDF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nxWQOSPuUmLUBgQqT8ZaBwTLztiBs0FQU&si=GYzCZ1Os5TZqnmDF
on.soundcloud.com/pE9XjeBjdU6bzsFpEp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on.soundcloud.com/pE9XjeBjdU6bzsFpEp
We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?
London has given me a second musical home, and I’m excited for every new stage, every collaboration, and every connection along the way. Thank you believing in me. ❤️