In an industry that constantly seeks the new and extraordinary, Tally Koren has carved a space that is refreshingly intimate and raw. Known for her epic, warm, and vulnerable sound, the seasoned indie-pop singer-songwriter brings over 20 years of artistry to her latest endeavor, a stripped-down version of What Was I Made For?. Originally by Billie Eilish and featured in the Barbie movie soundtrack, Koren’s rendition takes listeners on a journey through delicate introspection, offering a profound emotional experience that is both haunting and hopeful.
Koren’s musical path is as captivating as her voice. Starting her journey at just three years old, the artist found an early love for singing and playing piano. However, a childhood setback in a talent competition saw her put music aside, leading her to a successful modeling career that lasted until she was 26. “For all those years, I was singing in front of the mirror and dreaming that I would be a singer,” Koren reflects. It wasn’t until she studied under a top vocal coach, who likened her voice to the legendary Karen Carpenter, that Koren began her true journey as an artist.
Fluent in both English and Spanish due to her upbringing in Mexico City until the age of 17, Koren’s multicultural background adds depth and versatility to her music. This rich tapestry of life experiences is evident in her authentic and heartfelt delivery.
Tally Koren’s reputation as an independent artist is built on years of dedication and success. She has earned playlist spots on BBC Radio 2, with airplay from major hosts including Graham Norton, Chris Evans, and Steve Wright. Television appearances on Virgin Media Playlist and London Live, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and The House of Lords, highlight her standing in the industry. Her live shows have ranged from the grand setting of The National Arboretum to sporting events like MK Dons football matches, showcasing her ability to resonate across diverse audiences.
“Tally’s lead vocal floats like a majestic dove and allows the lyrics to breathe so that they can be embraced by the listener.”
One of her standout career moments came in March 2023 when her remix for It’s Who You Are climbed to No. 13 on the commercial pop charts, rubbing shoulders with giants like Pink and Taylor Swift. Soon after, the remix of Not Satisfied reached No. 10, affirming Koren’s position as a formidable force in the indie-pop scene.
What Was I Made For? (Stripped-Down Version) is the latest testament to Koren’s artistic vision. Collaborating with electric guitarists James Livett and Chris Wilkinson, and with strings and mixing by Phil Curran, the song transforms into an intimate meditation on identity and purpose. Critics have embraced the song warmly, with Edgar Allan Poets noting, “Tally’s bare-bones production, Livett’s haunting guitar, and Koren’s dreamlike vocals come together like a whispered revelation.” The Just Listen to It blog echoed this sentiment, praising, “Tally’s lead vocal floats like a majestic dove and allows the lyrics to breathe so that they can be embraced by the listener.”
The music video, shot by Koren herself as a selfie on the iPhone 16 Pro Max for a personal touch, complements the song’s vulnerability. This cinematic black-and-white footage, recorded on a moody day, adds an emotional resonance that culminates in a message of hope. As Koren notes, “Although I recorded the vocals on a dark moody day… I’m so happy that I’ve managed to end the video with a message of hope.” This release is exclusively a video, emphasizing the raw and visual nature of the piece. Currently, Koren is working to add the song to her personal Spotify account but has not been successful so far.
Koren’s latest release can be found as a video on her YouTube channel, and for more insights into her journey and updates on her music, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
