key 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.

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

The Power of Simplicity: Unraveling the Secret to Crafting Memorable Music

Ingo — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

I can’t stop thinking about the beauty that lies in the simplicity of things. In all kinds of things, including music. And so the idea for a small blogpost on this topic was born. In the world of music, simplicity can be a powerful and often overlooked tool. Many musicians and composers – me too, at times – may be tempted to believe that complexity and technical prowess are the keys to creating compelling and memorable music. This is not always the case. It is often the simplest melodies and arrangements that resonate most deeply with listeners and stand the test of time. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of simplicity in music, why it works so well, and provide examples of iconic musical works that have harnessed the power of simplicity to achieve greatness. The Importance of Simplicity in Music Simplicity allows music to be easily understood and enjoyed by a wide range of listeners. A simple melody or chord progression can often evoke a stronger emotional response than a complex, intricate arrangement. This is because our brains are wired to appreciate patterns and predictability, making simpler music more accessible and memorable. Some of history’s most iconic songs and compositions have utilized simplicity to create a lasting impact. For example, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 begins with a simple four-note motif that is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the composer’s genius. This motif, known as the “fate motif,” is repeated and developed throughout the symphony, demonstrating the power of a simple musical idea. Another example is The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” This song features a simple piano melody accompanied by basic chords and a straightforward…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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,…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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)

From INGO VOGELMANN.

Free Volume Sliders App for Windows: EarTrumpet

Ingo — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

EarTrumpet for Windows is a must-have app for anyone who wants to take their audio control to the next level. It’s a simple and elegant audio control panel that allows you to easily manage all your audio devices and applications with just a few clicks. The app is lightweight and unobtrusive, so it won’t slow down your computer or clutter your screen with unnecessary features. One of the best things about EarTrumpet is the level of customization it offers. You can adjust the volume of individual apps, set up hotkeys for quick access, and even choose different audio outputs for different apps. It’s like having your own personal audio engineer at your fingertips. The interface is also very user-friendly and intuitive, with a minimalist design that is easy on the eyes. The app is so easy to use, you’ll wonder why Windows doesn’t have this functionality built in. Plus, it’s completely free, which is a pleasant surprise in a world where everything seems to come with a price tag. Tags: DJ, eartrumpet, free app, key, sound mixer, tips, windows app, windows mixer Related posts The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The Simple Harmonic Mixing Tool (0) The Power of Simplicity: Unraveling the Secret to Crafting Memorable Music (0) The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans (0) The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2)

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

What About a Spotify “Discover Daily” Feature? Hint: It Already Exists.

Ingo — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000

As we all know, Spotify’s “Discover Weekly” feature is a personalized playlist that is created specifically for each user based on their listening history and preferences. It is updated every Monday and consists of 30 songs that the algorithm thinks you will enjoy. And that works scary well. One of the key features of Discover Weekly is its ability to discover new artists and tracks that you may not have come across before. This is made possible using machine learning algorithms that analyze your listening history, as well as the listening habits of similar users, to identify patterns and make recommendations. In addition to discovering new music, Discover Weekly also helps you rediscover old favorites and tracks that you may have missed the first time around. This is especially useful for people who have large music libraries, as it can be easy to overlook certain tracks when there is so much to choose from. One of the benefits of Discover Weekly is that it helps you to find new music that is tailored specifically to their tastes. This can be especially useful for those who are looking to branch out and discover new genres or artists, as the playlist is constantly evolving and changing to reflect your changing tastes. Discover Weekly is a valuable tool for music fans looking to discover new music and rediscover old favorites. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular genre or just looking to broaden your musical horizons, Discover Weekly is a fantastic way to find new tracks and artists that you’ll love. “But I want new recommendations on a daily basis” …I hear you say. I get it. It is possible that Spotify…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.