Germany Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans

Ingo — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer for Russian Readers Before we proceed, I want to make it abundantly clear that I fully support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. This post may contain viewpoints that are upsetting to some, particularly my Russian fans. While I appreciate your support for my music, it’s crucial to be transparent about where I stand on this issue. As you might know, I have a diverse fan base that spans across the globe. I’m grateful for the love and support I receive from all corners of the world. Especially strong are the Latin American countries, the Baltic region, but also Turkey, Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan and – of course – Russia. However, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has put me in a difficult position, particularly when it comes to engaging with my Russian fans. I feel compelled to address this issue openly, as it’s something that has been weighing heavily on my mind. Music has an unparalleled ability to bring people together, regardless of their geographical location, cultural background, or political affiliations. However, in a world increasingly divided by geopolitical conflicts – most notably the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine – I find myself grappling with a complex moral dilemma. Specifically, how do I navigate interactions with my fans from countries embroiled in such conflicts? To delve deeper into this issue, I’ve compiled a comprehensive Top 50 ranking of countries where my music is most popular, based on data from SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music. The Global Footprint of My Music: A Comprehensive Top 50 Ranking First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my fans around the globe. Your unwavering support has been…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

My DNA: A Restless Globetrotter with Viking Echoes

Ingo — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:19:34 +0000

Every one of us is a unique tapestry of stories, experiences, and ancestral whispers. Born in Germany, a land steeped in history and culture, I always believed it to be the anchor of my identity. But life, with its intricate twists, had other plans. While Germany provided the canvas for my early years and ignited my passion for electronic music, it never truly felt like home. An inner restlessness, a yearning for distant shores, always stirred within me. My mother – never too fond of my adventurous mind – often called me “restless” and a “globetrotter,” and she couldn’t have been more accurate. An exploration into my DNA paints a vivid picture that resonates deeply with my inner wanderer: While the Germanic heritage was evident, it was the Northern influences that truly resonates. Every journey to the North, whether to England, Sweden, or Denmark, feels like a homecoming. The landscapes, the people, the very ethos of the North seem familiar. With a a bit of a physical appearance reminiscent of a Viking and a northern-like seriousness, coupled with a dry and dark humor, I often feel more at home among the fjords and northern lights than in the center of Europe. And amidst these revelations was another that leaves me in awe: Ernest Hemingway, the literary titan, is my 9th cousin, meaning we share common relatives 9 generations back. To think that I share a lineage with a man whose words have touched the very soul of humanity is both humbling and exhilarating. This exploration into my DNA is a testament to the intricate web of existence. We are more than the sum of our parts, shaped by a myriad…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

The 10 Best Drummers of All Time (According to Me)

Ingo — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:18:55 +0000

In the world of music, there are legends who have the power to move souls with their rhythmic magic. Among them, the drummers stand tall as the untamed giants of the beat, the fiery guardians of the groove. Spanning across genres, from the smoky realms of jazz to the thunderous realms of rock, these sonic revolutionaries ignite fires within our hearts. Now, behold the divine pantheon of the ten awe-inspiring drummers who have transcended mere virtuosity to become symbols of passion, power, and pure musical wizardry! (In no particular order, although Gavin Harrison and Simon Phillips are my 2 absolute favorites) 🥁 Drum roll, please! 🥁 Gavin Harrison Simon Phillips Mike Mangini Gergo Borlai Nick D’Virgilio Sarah Thawer Buddy Rich Jeff Porcaro Marco Minnemann Chris Coleman So, there you have it, my personal top 10 drummers who’ve ever graced a drum throne. From legends of the past to modern maestros, these drummers have shaped the way I hear and feel music. 🥁💥 Tags: album, Albums, Autodidacticism, Avedis Zildjian Company, Beat (music), Big Big Train, Buddy Rich, Creativity, DJ, Dream Theater, Drum, Drum kit, Drum stick, Drum Workshop, Drummer, education, Evolution, Extreme, Facial expression, Finesse (song), Funk, Gavin Harrison, Genesis (band), Germany, Groove (music), guitar, Heavy metal music, History, how, jazz, Jazz drumming, Jazz fusion, Jeff Porcaro, Joe Satriani, King Crimson, Like, love, Ludwig Drums, Marco Minnemann, Meinl Percussion, Michael Jackson, music, musical, Musician, Musicians, Nick D'Virgilio, ost, Paiste, Pearl Drums, play, pop, Porcupine Tree, Pro-Mark, Progressive metal, Progressive rock, Pure Genius, Remo, Rhythm, Rhythm section, Rock music, Rosanna (song), Sabian Cymbals, Session musician, Simon Phillips (drummer), singer, Slingerland Drum Company, Solo (music), Sonor, sound, Spock's Beard, Star, Steve Vai, Steven…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

Brexit: The Massive After Party Hangover

Ingo — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:57:34 +0000

Ah, Brexit. The political equivalent of deciding to break up with your long-term partner because you’re tired of them leaving the cap off the toothpaste. It was a decision that promised sovereignty, prosperity, and control. But, like waking up after a night of heavy drinking, the reality has been a little less rosy. Let’s take a look at the ‘morning after’ effects of this political bender. So, there you have it. The ‘Brexit Bonanza’ in all its glory. A smorgasbord of economic contraction, trade disruptions, labor shortages, and a whole lot more. But hey, at least they’ve got control, right? And isn’t that what it’s all about? Control over your own destiny, even if that destiny looks a bit like a car crash in slow motion. But don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end. After all, they’re British. A stiff upper lip, a love of queuing, and a knack for making the best of a bad situation. Let’s raise a cup of tea to Brexit, the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers! And remember, that’s what happens when you decide to jump off a cliff and then try to build a parachute on the way down. Tags: BBC News, Brexit, Business, Consumer, Cost, Economic effects of Brexit, Economy, European Union, Euroscepticism in the United Kingdom, Export, Extreme, Food, Germany, Globalization, Goods, how, Impact of Brexit, Inflation, Labour economics, Like, love, OECD, ost, play, Price, Real income, Reality, Shortage, Sovereignty, Trade, Uncertainty, United Kingdom, Withdrawal from the European Union, Workforce Related posts The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans (0) The 10 Best Drummers of All Time (According to Me) (0) Who Gets to Stay Afloat?…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

A Personal Take On Rammstein

Ingo — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:57:40 +0000

I’ve always been one to appreciate a wide range of music, but there’s one band that I’ve never been able to get on board with: Rammstein. The German metal band has long been a source of controversy, and for me, their actions and representations have always been a step too far. Let’s start with their performances. Rammstein is known for their grandiose shows, complete with pyrotechnics and dramatic theatrics. Generally, not really my thing. Plus, beneath the spectacle, there’s an element that’s deeply unsettling. The band’s use of Nazi propaganda aesthetics and right-wing iconography is, in my opinion, a blatant disregard for the historical trauma associated with these symbols. As the taz article “Verharmlosung von Rammstein: Eiertanz ums Eiserne Kreuz” aptly points out, their shows “[deliver] a celebration of flame-encircled masses as updated staging strategies of the NS propagandists Leni Riefenstahl and Albert Speer and imitate these models under the insignia of the musical shock troop, an Iron Cross.” Some might argue that this is all part of their artistic expression. But let’s cut the crap here. This isn’t just about pushing boundaries or being edgy. This is about using loaded symbols for shock value and, as some suggest, as a marketing strategy. And that, my friends, is where I draw the line. But the controversy doesn’t end there. The band’s lead singer, Till Lindemann, is currently embroiled in a MeToo scandal, facing allegations of sexual assaults against young female fans. This, coupled with Lindemann’s past lyrics that fantasize about the rape of a drugged woman, paints a troubling picture. The taz article states, “If the just exploding scandal gains further substance in the face of the alleged pattern of…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

The Best-Selling Songs of the 80s in the UK and Germany

Ingo — Sun, 21 May 2023 07:00:00 +0000

I’m delighted to take you on a nostalgic journey again, back to the heart of my youth and a remarkable decade in music – the 1980s. Being born in 1973, my formative years were spent in the midst of an explosive era of music innovation and creativity. The unforgettable melodies, the iconic artists, and the cultural movements that framed this period have left a lasting imprint on me. Each song on this list sparks a unique memory, a moment of time encapsulated within the chords and lyrics of these classic tunes. Back then, we saw a massive shift in the music landscape, from the raw acoustic and earthy sounds of the 70s, transitioning into the vibrant, electronic, and synthesized beats of the 80s. This era was marked by its pioneering use of new technology, synthesizers, and production techniques, a stark contrast to today’s music that thrives on digital platforms, streaming services, and social media influence. And of course, let’s not forget the extraordinary fashion statements – the big hair, the neon colors, and the shoulder pads that were as bold as the music itself! Now, join me as we travel back in time, revisit the top-selling and most popular songs in the UK and Germany for each year of the 80s, and explore how these hits shaped the music and culture of the time. Right before we dive into this musical journey, a little surprise awaits you at the end of this post – a link to a carefully curated Spotify playlist featuring all the top-selling songs from the 80s in the UK and Germany that we’re about to explore. Keep reading and enjoy this nostalgic trip, knowing that a…

From INGO VOGELMANN.