Migdalor – A story of both darkness and light

Who is the man behind the Migdalor project?

Behind Migdalor stands Ilan Or – a man who lives and breathes music, nature, and spirit. I live close to nature, in a place that gives me peace and deep inspiration. I’ve been playing live instruments since I was a child, and music has always been my way to express emotions, process experiences, and heal myself – and hopefully others, too.

I’m turning 35 this May, and I carry with me a life story filled with both darkness and light. My music reflects that contrast – always seeking balance, depth, joy, and freedom.
For me, Migdalor is not just a musical project. It’s a way of life – an ongoing process of growth, connection, healing, and evolution.

Ilan, when and how did your musical and Psytrance journey start? When did you start music production?

I started the Migdalor project after many years of dreaming about creating my own original music. For a long time, I wavered between my artistic passion and the challenges of daily life – struggling with the decision to commit fully to being a musician in a world where it’s not always easy, emotionally or financially.
I’ve been making music since I was a child, but it was only at the age of 30 that I dared to admit to myself that I’m truly a musician.

 

Throughout my twenties, I was focused on rebuilding my inner self. I went through intense mental health crises…. reaching breaking points that led to hospitalizations. It took me eight years to get back on my feet, and through it all, music was there – healing me, holding me, supporting me.

 

Throughout my twenties, I was focused on rebuilding my inner self. I went through intense mental health crises after my military service, reaching breaking points that led to hospitalizations. It took me eight years to get back on my feet, and through it all, music was there – healing me, holding me, supporting me. When I finally felt strong enough within myself, I found the courage to bring this project into the world.

Psytrance music, in particular, has held a special place in my heart since my teenage years. I felt that within it lies a secret of creation – a space where I could connect with my truest self in a profound way. It was the closest I’ve ever felt to home, to truth.

The name Migdalor (which means “Lighthouse” in Hebrew) came to me through a friend who once told me that I am a lighthouse – grounded, stable, and shining light for others. It moved me deeply, especially after so many years of total instability in my life. Choosing this name became a symbol of the journey I’ve been through, and the light I wish to share through my music.

Tell us about your latest releases.

My latest release is an EP called S.O.D, which includes two tracks. “Sod” means “secret” in Hebrew, and the track was inspired by the mystical concept of Sod HaKabbalah – the secret teachings of Kabbalah. The second track, “Manifesting Generator,” was inspired by the Human Design system, which has been a powerful influence in my life.

I often create music that connects both to my physical and spiritual experience – and this EP felt like a cosmic alignment, a deep merging of both worlds.

My most recent single Right is actually one of my older tracks that had been sitting in a digital drawer for a few years. For me, this track explores the energetic interaction between artist and audience during a live performance – that subtle field of exchange that can’t be seen, only felt.

The connection with Shamanic Tales felt completely natural – expansive for both my creativity and consciousness. It gave me a strong sense of freedom and alignment.

The visual artwork of both releases also speaks to me deeply – in texture, in color, in energy. I feel like I’ve begun to find my own visual language, or at least it’s slowly starting to take shape.

Please describe your musical style. What is the vision behind your music?

My musical style always touches on the balance between light and darkness – both metaphorically and in the sound choices I make. I strive to create from a place of freedom and connection, so I feel that my music truly reflects who I am and the experiences I’ve gone through.

I’ve been influenced by a wide range of music throughout my life, long before I discovered Psytrance – and all of that, along with my personal experiences, emotions, thoughts, and intentions, flows into the music I create. To me, music is a mirror of the full spectrum of being human.

I often receive feedback from people across the spectrum, and one of the things I hear most is that my music sounds “different.” I really love that. I believe that being different is a gift – and I try to embrace that in my sound.

Tell us more about your studio set-up. What is your favourite tool as a producer?

One of the approaches I connect with most is “less is more.”
My studio setup is relatively minimal, but it gives me everything I need. I use a pair of high-quality monitors from Dynaudio, and I work with Ableton Live as my main DAW. I have one external synth – the Nord Lead 4 – which I use to record all my external parts.

The rest of my production is done using virtual instruments and effects – mainly Diva, tools from Soundtoys and FabFilter, and a lot of the amazing stock devices that come with Ableton itself.

For me, the key is to know your tools well enough to get anything you dream of out of them – and above all, I care about keeping the workflow smooth and enjoyable.

My studio is in a peaceful, pastoral location, surrounded by nature, and filled with art I love. That environment deeply supports the creative process for me.

What and who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from many sources – and the list is endless.

I grew up on Israeli music from the ’90s, with artists like Berry Sakharof, Eifo HaYeled, and Rockfour playing a big role in shaping my early taste. One of my all-time favorite Israeli artists is Eviatar Banai – I feel a deep connection to his music.

On the global side, I’ve always been inspired by legends like Bob Marley, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Fugees. My influences range from hip-hop to heavy rock – it’s really diverse.

I’ve also always been drawn to phenomenal instrumentalists – like the bassist Victor Wooten. His playing blew my mind and still does to this day. A live show that features that level of musicianship is always my favorite kind of experience.

When it comes to Psytrance, it all started for me with Shpongle and Infected Mushroom – long before I even discovered the festival scene. Later on, labels like Zenon Records really captured my heart, especially projects like Tetrameth and Grouch.

Here in Israel, LOUD were a huge inspiration for me – and they still are. The scene here is alive and full of amazing creators, and I’m constantly inspired by the people around me.

What is your ultimate Psytrance track?

Tetrameth – The Eclectic Benevolence.
This track opened my mind to new dimensions of what Psytrance can be. It’s deep, intelligent, emotional, and completely unique. A true masterpiece that still inspires me every time I listen.

Future plans?

Of course, my main intention is to keep creating and diving deeper and deeper into music – to continue this journey with it and through it.

I’d love to play in more places around the world, to experience and share music at festivals across all continents.

I also see myself exploring and creating music in a wide variety of styles, with full freedom of expression – and I know that will unfold naturally over time.

Follow Migdalor: