Mendy Portnoy shares his journey from a musical London household to becoming a producer, performer, and creative force behind projects like Thank You Hashem. Growing up surrounded by siblings who sang and played instruments, Mendy discovered his gift for music by ear long before formal lessons. He reflects on learning piano out of curiosity and sibling rivalry, the soulful influences that shaped his sound, and the deep sense of connection music brings—whether through late-night jam sessions or synagogue melodies that unite communities.

In this conversation, we explore how Mendy’s creative path took him from family harmonies to international performances and into the world of music production. He opens up about finding authenticity in art, balancing soul with technique, and building a life around creativity while staying grounded in family. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his work with Thank You Hashem, where he helps shape a modern Jewish creative “lighthouse” that blends music, media, and inspiration. Mendy’s advice for young creatives: trust your gut, ignore the noise, and make the art that feels true to you

About Mendy:https://www.instagram.com/mendyportnoy

https://www.youtube.com/user/pianobyear1/videos

Artists Mendy thinks you should know:Omri Mor

https://www.instagram.com/omrimormusic - https://www.jamd.ac.il/en/node/7478

Israel Portnoy - https://www.instagram.com/israelportnoymusic/?hl=en

Tsivia Abraham - https://www.instagram.com/tsiviaabraham_art

More about Orange Socks:

Contact us at orangesockspodcast@gmail.com

Now on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orange-socks-podcast/id1749369628

On Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Ec3LbPdujZG531xKLPssh?si=381bf3bb2b624ffd

On Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@OrangeSocksPodcast

Connect with Yitzchok Moully

https://www.instagram.com/moullyart/

https://www.moullyart.com/