dance Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

An Homage to Danny Tenaglia

Ingo — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000

In the rich tapestry of electronic music, Danny Tenaglia stands as an artist whose works transcend genre boundaries and touch the heartstrings of listeners. His latest magnum opus, “GU45: Brooklyn,” is more than just a DJ mix album; it is the essence of a life dedicated to curating soundscapes that defy norms and embody the soul of a city. It’s a journey through House music, and it bangs like only Danny Tenaglia can make it bang. Brooklyn: A Love Letter “Brooklyn” is an homage to Williamsburg, Brooklyn – the cradle of Danny’s musical odyssey. Comprising 42 tracks, the album is a rich collection of stories narrated through the beats of artists like Guy J, Moderat, Ralph Falcon, and Monika Kruse. It serves as the perfect finale to the Global Underground series, which already features milestones in Tenaglia’s career like “Athens” and “London” which I as a young DJ grew up with. In my opinion, “Brooklyn” is the best of Danny. Ever. Tenaglia’s career is a sequence of moments that have shaped not just a genre but the entire club culture. From his beginnings at Paradise Garage to his influential stint at Cheers in Miami, he has always created soundscapes that cross boundaries. His remix of “Surrender Yourself” in 1992 was more than just a hit; it was an expression of his musical ethos. “Mix This Pussy” (1994) and his residency at Twilo (1996) further solidified his status as a visionary. When I met Danny about 15 years ago at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, I encountered a person whose warmth and attentiveness were as profound as his music. He is just the the nicest and sweetest guy, and an…

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A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing

Ingo — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:21:18 +0000

Harmonic mixing is an advanced technique used by top DJs and producers worldwide. It involves mixing tracks that are in the same or related keys, enabling long blends and mashups. The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool on my website is designed to make this process even more straightforward. It’s an evolution of the Camelot Wheel, providing you with a unique code for each of the 24 possible musical keys (12 major and 12 minor keys). This tool is not just for DJs but also for music theory students and musicians who want to better understand the relationships between different musical keys. The Emotional Landscape of Musical Keys Understanding the emotional nuances of each key can add another layer of depth to your mixes or compositions. Let’s delve into the psychological characteristics of each key, along with examples from the electronic music world to illustrate these points. Major Keys Minor Keys Practical Uses and Personal Recommendations The Camelot Wheel and the Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool are primarily used by DJs and music producers to group keys based on their harmonic relationships. Keys adjacent to each other on the wheel are considered compatible and can be mixed or transitioned between more easily than keys that are further apart. This avoids dissonance or clashes between different musical keys, making your mixes smoother and more emotionally resonant. It’s worth noting that my recommendations for chord progressions are based on my personal experience and expertise as a musician and composer. There are 7 possible following keys that I find harmonious or serve a meaningful corresponding purpose. However, these are my personal recommendations and should always be taken with a grain of salt. Conclusion Understanding the emotional…

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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…

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The Top 50 Most Successful Albums of All Time

Ingo — Thu, 18 May 2023 12:26:47 +0000

Music has the power to move us, to make us feel, and to bring us together. Each song carries its own story, but when songs are woven together into an album, they form a narrative that’s bigger than the sum of its parts. And while every album tells a story, there are those that resonate on such a profound level that they transcend time and place, becoming cultural phenomena in their own right. In this post, we’ll journey through the annals of music history, exploring the top 50 most successful albums of all time. These albums have left an indelible mark not just on the music industry, but on society at large. We’ll look at the incredible artists behind these masterpieces, the years they were released, and the net worth these musicians have amassed over their careers. From The Beatles to Michael Jackson, from Madonna to Pink Floyd, this list encompasses a diverse range of musical styles and eras. So, whether you’re a music aficionado seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or a newcomer wanting to discover some of the greatest albums ever made, join me as I delve into the tales of triumph, creativity, and innovation that have made these albums the most successful in music history. Let’s tune in to their stories! The Playlist Here’s the playlist containing each album with every song (763 songs, 51 hours and 38 minutes) in it in the order of the list above: Artist’s Net Worth Ranking Based on the above, I’ve compiled a list of artists ordered by their estimated net worth. These figures are associated with the success of some of the world’s most iconic albums, with releases spanning…

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The Exasperating Trilogy of Modern Speech: Upspeak, Vocal Fry, and the ‘Like’ Epidemic

Ingo — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Modern communication – a brilliant, marvelous tapestry weaved with an array of eloquent sounds, linguistic acrobatics, and… upspeak, vocal fry, and the incessant use of “like”. The grand opera of language has been hijacked by these three renegade stars, ensuring every sentence sounds like a question, a dying engine, or a Facebook algorithm’s dream. Upspeak: The Question that Never Ends Upspeak is fascinating in its ability to leave listeners in a perpetual state of suspense. Imagine listening to a thrilling murder mystery where every sentence ends on a cliffhanger. Now, apply that to every conversation in your life. Every declarative statement, every assertion is turned into an open-ended question. The suspense, initially thrilling, soon becomes like a song stuck on loop – it’s fun at first, then it starts to grate on your nerves. Moreover, upspeak can undermine the speaker’s authority and credibility. In professional settings, constant questioning inflections can signal uncertainty or a lack of confidence. It’s as if the speaker is continually seeking validation, which can be quite irksome when you’re looking for decisive, assertive communication. Example: This linguistic accident has become pretty popular among the younger demographic. Gone are the days of confident, assertive statements. Instead, we’re now serenaded by a constant stream of interrogatives. Whether you’re ordering coffee or presenting a groundbreaking scientific discovery, with upspeak, everything sounds like you’re asking for directions to the nearest surf shop. Vocal Fry: The Groan that Grows on You Vocal fry is the audio equivalent of nails on a chalkboard for some. That low, creaky vibration that has become extremely popular is grating to the ear, especially when it’s used excessively. It makes conversations sound tedious and monotonous, sucking…

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Harmonic Mixing and Composing with the Camelot Wheel

Ingo — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Harmonic mixing and composing have become essential skills for modern DJs and music producers, as they strive to create seamless, engaging, and emotionally resonant mixes and compositions. The Camelot Wheel, a popular tool in the electronic dance music scene, offers a systematic and intuitive approach to harmonic mixing, making it easier for artists to identify compatible musical keys and create harmonious transitions between songs. This essay explores the concept of harmonic mixing, the functionality of the Camelot Wheel, and its practical applications in both mixing and composing. Harmonic Mixing Harmonic mixing refers to the process of blending two or more musical tracks that are harmonically compatible, meaning they share the same key or a closely related key. This technique allows DJs and producers to create smooth transitions between tracks, enhancing the overall flow and emotional impact of a mix or composition. By paying close attention to the harmonic relationships between songs, artists can build tension, create moments of release, and maintain a consistent musical narrative throughout their sets or compositions. The Camelot Wheel: A Practical Tool for Harmonic Mixing The Camelot Wheel, also known as the Circle of Fifths, is a circular diagram that visually represents the relationships between the twelve major and twelve minor keys in Western music. Each key is assigned a unique alphanumeric code, with major keys labeled from 1B to 12B and minor keys labeled from 1A to 12A. Adjacent keys on the wheel share a close harmonic relationship, making them suitable for mixing or composing. The simplicity of the Camelot Wheel lies in its ability to quickly identify harmonically compatible keys. DJs and producers can easily find the next track by moving one step clockwise,…

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The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool

Ingo — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:36:56 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you: The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool, which is designed to help you always mix or compose harmoniously. No matter which recommendation you follow, the result will always fit. All you have to do is decide on the direction you want your mix or composition to go. Here you will find the very simple tool, easy to use for everyone. You can also find it at the top of the menu under “Stuff“. Let me know what your experience with the tool is, and I wish you much joy and success with it! Tags: camelot, chord progression, chord progressions, chords, compose, composing music, composition, dance, Disc jockey, DJ, dj mixing, djing, electronic, Electronic dance music, electronic music, Energy, harmonic, harmonic mix, harmonic mixing, harmonics, harmonies, help, how to, how to dj, key, mix, mixed, mixed in key, mixing, music, music production, music theory, musical, recommendation, Relative key, sound, techno, tips, tools, traktor Related posts The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) Harmonic Mixing and Composing with the Camelot Wheel (0) Why I Abandoned Social Media (3) The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing (0)

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The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary)

Ingo — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:12:26 +0000

They say you are what you like, and if that’s true, then my taste in music speaks volumes about my private and musical personality. These albums have been with me for ages, some newer than others, but all of them share a common thread: they’re all incredibly good. I’m not trying to sound like an old fogey pining for the good old days, but I do feel sorry for the youngins who missed out on the era when this music was being created. Luckily for them, it still exists and is audible. But buyer beware: just because something’s labeled “remastered” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an improvement. Some remasters are, dare I say it, worse than the original tracks. It’s not ideal, but we can’t control the rights holders who sometimes replace the original tracks with these subpar versions. Fortunately, the listening technology these days is better than ever, so there’s that. Back in the day, getting noticed as an artist was almost as hard as finding a needle in a haystack because there was no internet. Record managers were the gatekeepers who decided who was worth investing in, and when they did, they invested big. I’m talking piles of cash, enough to set everyone up for life. But hey, that’s what you had to do to get the best musicians, sound engineers, and technology available. Producing an album was a massive undertaking, and failure wasn’t an option. Sure, that whole process might seem a bit shady, but there were some advantages to it. If you could sing or play your instrument like nobody’s business, you had a chance to become a superstar. If you looked good too, well, let’s just…

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The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart

Ingo — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:09:57 +0000

Before you dig in… The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart is a visual aid for musicians, producers, composers and DJs to easily create music that always has harmonic chord progressions. This sheet is now widely used worldwide as a teaching and practical tool in music and DJ schools and has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times. The situation As both a DJ and composer, the Circle of Fifth or the Camelot Key Wheel system — amongst others — have always been handy tools for me to write and mix music harmonically. There are just too many options in chord progressions than I could ever have in my memory (maybe you can, but I don’t). So yes, I could always have a look at above mentioned helpers to orientate myself through the notes and chords jungle, in case needed, which is not always the case. I have the most common chords in my head. Just not always. As a composer I’m fine with the musical key/chord system, i.e. “A minor“, but as a DJ it isn’t very likely (for me, again) to remember all the musical chords to know what to mix into what. So, Mark Davis came up with Camelot Keys (used in Mixed in Key, which I prefer, because of its accuracy) and then there are the Open Keys (Traktor). Which is basically a range of 12 keys for each gender, major and minor chords. “A minor” is 8A (Camelot Key) or 1m (Open Key). In a nutshell: if you mix 1A into 2A (and so forth, up until 12A and then into 1A again) you’re generally fine. Your mixing transitions will always be harmonic, no key clashes. This…

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