Business Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

You Need to Fail to Succeed

28 October 202328 October 2023Leave a comment

And I did, many times. That doesn’t mean I always succeeded after I failed, but whenever I succeeded it never came without failure before. That said…

A New Paradigm for Music Makers

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, The Crow Hill Company emerges as a breath of fresh air. While still in its early stages, the platform promises an ever-growing collection of free professional resources for music makers. But what sets it apart is its philosophy: it aims to be a “love letter to music makers.” This isn’t just a repository of tools; it’s a community, a support system, and most importantly, a philosophy that values the process as much as the product.

What’s in the Vault?

While the company is tight-lipped about upcoming content, they’ve teased that it’s something they’re “incredibly reluctant to share,” which only adds to the intrigue. Given the secrecy, one can only speculate about the revolutionary tools and resources that might be in store for members.

The Maestro Behind the Mission

Christian Henson is a name that commands respect in the world of music composition. With a career that boasts multiple nominations and awards, he’s a versatile talent who’s worked on everything from TV shows to epic sci-fi films. But what truly sets him apart is his unique, self-taught approach to working with the orchestra, a skill honed through collaborations with a diverse range of artists.

The Spitfire Legacy

Before The Crow Hill Company, Henson made waves with Spitfire Audio, a company that provides essential tools for composers. Spitfire developed a cult following and became a significant supporter of the music industry. This experience undoubtedly informs his new venture, bringing a level of expertise and credibility that’s hard to match.

The Importance of Failure: A Lesson in Resilience

In a recent video, Christian Henson tackles a subject that’s often swept under the rug: failure. But he doesn’t just talk about it; he embraces it as an essential part of the creative process. The video serves as a manifesto for all creatives, urging them to see failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone.

Why We Need to Fail to Succeed

Henson argues that success is often the byproduct of a series of failures. These failures, or “fluff ups” as he calls them, are not just obstacles but valuable lessons. He stresses the importance of repurposing these failures into lessons that can guide future endeavors. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of The Crow Hill Company, making the platform not just a resource hub but a support system for creatives.

The Symbiosis of Philosophy and Practice

What makes The Crow Hill Company and Christian Henson’s message so compelling is the seamless integration of philosophy and practice. They don’t just provide the tools for success; they equip you with the mindset needed to use those tools effectively. This dual approach ensures that you’re not just technically proficient but also emotionally and philosophically equipped to navigate the complex landscape of creative work.

A New Era for Music Makers?

The Crow Hill Company, backed by the wisdom and experience of Christian Henson, promises to be more than just another platform for music makers. It’s a philosophy, a community, and a treasure trove of resources rolled into one. As someone with over 30 years of experience in the music industry, I can say that this is exactly the kind of holistic approach that can redefine how we think about music production.

Are you ready to embrace failure as the ultimate teacher?

Watch this:

person holding man wearing clown face art

Brexit: The Massive After Party Hangover

20 June 202320 June 2023Leave a comment

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.

Economic Contraction: The UK is the only major rich economy that remains smaller than prior to the pandemic. The UK is projected to be 4% worse off than it would have been if it had voted against Brexit. Source: BBC News, OECD.
Decrease in Real Income and Per-Capita Income Level: A UK exit has been predicted to lead to a decrease in real income by 6.3%-9.5%. Source: Michigan State University. Surveys of economists showed overwhelming agreement that Brexit would likely reduce the UK’s real per-capita income level. Source: Wikipedia.
Trade Disruptions and Adverse Impact on Trade: New rules and paperwork for companies trading with the EU led to an initial dip in exports and may have deterred some small exporters. The variety of goods exported has also decreased. Brexit has had a significant adverse impact on UK trade, reducing both overall trade volumes. Source: BBC News, Politico.
Increased Import Costs and Inflation: The price of food imported from the EU has risen, potentially by as much as 6% over 2020 and 2021, leading to higher costs for consumers. Brexit is weighing on imports and exports, sapping investment, contributing to labor shortages, and worsening Britain’s inflation. Source: BBC News, CNN Business.
Stalled Business Investment and Exacerbated Economic Weaknesses: Uncertainty surrounding Brexit has led to a stall in business investment. If investment had continued its pre-referendum trend, it could be about 25% higher than it is now. Brexit has exposed and exacerbated underlying weaknesses in the British economy, such as low productivity and low business investment. Source: BBC News, Institute Global.
Labor Shortages and Worker Shortage: Changes in immigration rules have resulted in labor shortages in sectors such as transport, hospitality, and retail, leading to service disruptions and increased costs for consumers. About 20,000 EU citizens left the UK after Brexit, leading to a significant shortage of workers in fields such as retail, hospitality, and goods transport. Source: BBC News, StudySmarter.
Slow Progress on New Trade Deals: While the UK has struck 71 trade deals, most of them replicate deals that existed when the UK was part of the EU. New deals with Australia and New Zealand are expected to provide only a small boost to trade and deals with major players like the US and China remain elusive. Source: BBC News.
Job Losses in Financial Services: The financial services sector have lost 7,000 jobs due to Brexit. Source: BBC News.
Negative Impact on Irish Trade: Brexit has had negative impacts on Irish trade, with adverse knock-on effects on Irish production and ultimately Irish GDP. Source: Copenhagen Economics.
Decrease in Imports: Research shows a 25% decrease in UK imports from the EU compared to imports. Source: Open Access Government.
Reduced Competitiveness: Brexit has damaged Britain’s competitiveness and is expected to make the country poorer in the decade ahead. Source: Resolution Foundation.
Impact on People Flow: Brexit has affected the flow of people, with EU citizens now having to apply for work or study in Britain. Source: The Economist.
Increased Business Costs: The drop in the value of the pound after Brexit raised import prices, business costs, and inflation, but did not boost wages, exports, or the competitiveness of the UK economy. Source: Financial Times.
Impact on Developing Countries: Brexit could cause the number of people living in extreme poverty in developing countries to rise by up to 1.7 million. Source: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik.
Impact on Supply Chains: The new rules have led to drastic consequences for some companies, with 17% of surveyed companies ceasing their export trade with the UK due to Brexit. Source: KPMG Germany.
Impact on the EU: The EU lost about one-sixth of its economic output due to Brexit, and the negative consequences and challenges go beyond the GDP effect. Source: The Guardian.
Higher Barriers to Trade, Capital Flows, and Labor Mobility: When the United Kingdom left the European Union, higher barriers to trade, capital flows, and labor mobility affect output and jobs not only in the UK but also in the EU. Source: International Monetary Fund.
Negative Impact on Globalization: Brexit is seen as a vote against globalization, which has weakened forces in the EU that favor integration. Source: The Balance.

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.

A Personal Take On Rammstein

7 June 20237 June 2023Leave a comment

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 sexual assaults by frontman Till Lindemann against young female fans, Rammstein would again be number one in Germany, but in the biggest MeToo case.” This is a stark reminder that we need to hold our idols accountable, regardless of their artistic contributions.

And then there’s the academic trivialization of Rammstein’s actions. A book titled “Rammstein’s ‘Deutschland’. Pop – Politics – Provokation” presents the band’s controversial actions as “complex works of art”. The taz article criticizes this perspective, stating, “The reader ‘Rammstein’s ‘Germany’. Pop – Politics – Provokation’… presents the result of cultural science research on Rammstein’s pop-cultural total work of art permeated with fascist aesthetics, right-wing iconography, and sexual violence fantasies.”

To me, this feels like a dangerous oversimplification that overlooks the potential harm such portrayals can cause. It’s like saying, “Sure, they’re playing with fire, but look at how pretty the flames are!” It’s a way of avoiding the hard questions, of sidestepping the uncomfortable truths.

While some may appreciate Rammstein’s boldness and refusal to conform, I find their actions deeply problematic. The controversy surrounding Rammstein serves as a reminder that as consumers of art, we need to keep our eyes open and our minds critical. We need to hold artists accountable for their actions, especially when they exploit historical trauma and personal boundaries for shock value.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the music. It’s also about the message. And when that message is wrapped up in controversy and exploitation, it’s time to take a step back and ask ourselves: is this the kind of art we want to support?