album Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before

Ingo — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000

Peter Gabriel’s latest album “i/o” stands not only as a testament to his enduring creativity but also as a potential crowning achievement in a career already brimming with groundbreaking work. Gabriel, a legend in the music industry, has been known for his innovative approach to music, particularly through the 80s and 90s, and “i/o” might very well be considered his best work to date. The Legacy of Peter Gabriel Gabriel’s influence on the music world has been profound and multifaceted. Rising to fame with Genesis in the 1970s, he quickly established himself as a visionary artist. His departure from Genesis and subsequent solo career in the 1980s and 90s saw him breaking new ground, particularly with albums like “So” and “Us.” These works were not just commercially successful; they were also artistically daring, blending world music with electronic and art-rock elements, and they solidified his reputation as an innovative and fearless artist. Groundbreaking Work in the 80s and 90s During the 80s and 90s, Gabriel was at the forefront of the world music movement, integrating sounds and rhythms from various cultures into his music. His use of innovative recording techniques and embrace of new technologies set him apart. Albums like “So” (1986), with its hit “Sledgehammer,” showcased his ability to merge artistic depth with mainstream appeal, featuring groundbreaking music videos that revolutionized the medium. “i/o”: A Culmination of Artistic Evolution Now, with “i/o,” Gabriel seems to have distilled his decades of musical exploration into a singularly impressive work. The album encapsulates his signature sound while pushing into new territories. The dual “Bright-Side” and “Dark-Side” mixes are a clear indication of his continued innovation, offering listeners two distinct ways to experience…

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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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New Album: “Bereft” • 3 Nov 2023

Ingo — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:12:55 +0000

I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new album, “Bereft“, available on all major platforms on November 3, 2023. This project ventures into the darker realms of music, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of voyaging through both calm and wild waters. With 9 meticulously crafted tracks, the album offers a blend of symphonic textures, glitchy rhythm work, and grand piano, enveloping listeners in a wide, epic soundscape. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a sonic voyage with “Bereft“. Tags: album, ambient, bereft, dark ambient, electronic music, music, orchestra, piano, Rhythm, sound, Soundscape, Wild Waters Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0) An Homage to Danny Tenaglia (0) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) NEW ALBUM: “As Above, So Below” (2)

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Why I’m a Pantheist. And What About My Album “GOD”?

Ingo — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:37:51 +0000

From my earliest memories, the universe has always been a source of profound fascination. The night sky, a tapestry of stars and cosmic wonder, seemed to pose questions that penetrated the very core of my being. My quest for answers led me through various domains – religion, philosophy, and empirical science. Yet, none offered the holistic understanding I yearned for. That is, until I discovered Pantheism. At its core, Pantheism is a worldview that is both elegantly simple and profoundly deep: the universe and everything within it is divine. But let’s clarify what I mean by “divine,” as it’s a term often misunderstood. For me, divinity is not about an anthropomorphic God sitting on a celestial throne. I’m an atheist in that regard, finding no logical or empirical basis for such a deity. Instead, my sense of the divine is rooted in the inherent order that permeates the universe – an order that allows for the existence and functioning of all things. This divine order is not a set of commandments but a natural, self-organizing system that can be observed in everything from the laws of physics to the complexity of biological systems. It’s the reason why planets orbit stars, why ecosystems maintain their balance, and why we, as conscious beings, can ponder our place in the cosmos. This order is the closest thing to “God” in my Pantheistic view, and it’s an understanding that fills me with awe and wonder. When I first encountered the concept of quantum entanglement, it felt like a scientific affirmation of this divine order. Here were particles, separated by vast distances, yet intrinsically connected in a way that defied classical understanding. It was as…

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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…

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REVIEW: Extreme’s “SIX” – A Symphony of Sonic Surprises and Unapologetic Authenticity

Ingo — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 16:11:50 +0000

(Isn’t the album cover extremely awesome?) As a grizzled veteran of the rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster, having clocked up a half-century on this spinning rock we call Earth, I’ve been a passenger on the Extreme journey since the band’s genesis in 1985. Their latest offering, “SIX”, is a testament to their musical evolution, a sonic tapestry that weaves together the threads of their past while boldly striding into uncharted territory. “SIX” opens with “Rise“, a track that hits you like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. It’s a powerful opener that sets the tone for the album, a narrative about the fickle nature of fame that resonates with anyone who’s been around the block a few times. It’s a reminder that success is transient, a theme that echoes through the annals of rock history and reverberates in the hearts of seasoned fans like me. Next up is “#Rebel“, a track that lives up to its name in every sense. It’s a rebellious anthem that channels the spirit of Marilyn Manson, a stark departure from Extreme’s usual style. It’s a bold move, but it’s this willingness to push boundaries and experiment with new sounds that has kept Extreme relevant over the years. “Banshee” and “Other Side of the Rainbow” offer a softer side of Extreme, with their intimate ballads that hark back to the band’s earlier days. These tracks are a comforting reminder of the band’s roots, a nostalgic nod to the past that old fans like me can appreciate. They’re like a warm blanket on a cold night, a familiar comfort that wraps you in a cocoon of melodic memories. “Small Town Beautiful” and “The Mask” continue this…

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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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“Elegy for the Living” Info and Pre-order

Ingo — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 07:01:56 +0000

I’ve been sitting on this material for a very long time, 7 years to be exact. It never turned out the way I originally intended because life kept getting in the way. I’ve finally reopened it, remixed and mastered it (especially for Tidal, by the way, lossless in 48khz and 24bit), took care of the artwork and handed the thing over to the distribution. You can pre-order the album now (Spotify for streaming, iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp for sales), just note that — as of now — it may be a few more days before it becomes available for pre-order on the platforms mentioned. As always, you get the best sound quality from Bandcamp, and you can also pre-order the album there now and get 1 track right now. I would strongly recommend this version to anyone who cares a little bit about high sound quality, or at least Tidal if you have an account there. The album is sonically produced and mastered to a very high standard, in other words: it sounds absolutely extraordinary. The official release is on June 2, 2023, 0:00 in your time zone. Thank you for your patience with me and for your loyalty over these many years. It means everything to me. I will try to make up for the long wait with a lot of new, exciting, upcoming music in the near future. I’ll work a bit more on the new studio until the summer, and then nothing will stand in the way of the next big thing. Tags: album, bandcamp, mix, mixed, music, music production, remix, sound, Spotify, Streaming music services, Tidal Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to…

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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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NEW ALBUM: “As Above, So Below”

Ingo — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 09:41:05 +0000

I made a new record titled “As Above, So Below“. It’s electronic, atmospheric, and dark. It will be released on January 4th, 2023 (on my 50th birthday) first on bandcamp as high resolution 24bit 48khz lossless files. On that day I’ll be celebrating my birthday in a hut somewhere at 3,000 meters in the Swiss Alps and I’ll be happy if you buy the album. You can listen to one track before the release on bandcamp. 4 weeks later, on February 3rd, 2023, it will be released on every imaginable streaming platform and store worldwide. It will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Resso, Luna, YouTube Music, Amazon, Soundtrack by Twitch, Pandora, Deezer, Tidal, iHeartRadio, ClaroMusica, Saavn, Boomplay, Anghami, KKBox, NetEase, Tencent, Qobuz, Triller, Joox, Kuack Media, Yandex Music, Adaptr, Flo, MediaNet, Snapchat. Tags: album, ambient, Ambient music, Apple Music, bandcamp, electro, electronic, electronic music, facebook, hd, Instagram, music, play, sound, soundtrack, Spotify, Streaming music services Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) The Best-Selling Songs of the 80s in the UK and Germany (0) Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) Spotify: My Love-Hate Relationship with the World’s No. 1 Streaming Service (0)

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Spotify vs. Apple Music — Distribution — How to Pursue a Musical Career — From an Artist’s Perspective

Ingo — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:31:53 +0000

In this article, I’ll look at the two biggest music streaming providers, we’ll look at a good distribution service, and we’ll look at if and how you can or should pursue a music career. The two big boys in the music streaming business As an artist, it is important to choose the right streaming platform to showcase and distribute your music. There are many options available, but two of the most popular are Spotify and Apple Music. While both platforms have their pros and cons, it is important to weigh the options and consider which one is the best fit for your needs as an artist. First, let’s take a look at Spotify. With over 345 million monthly active users, Spotify is the largest streaming platform in the world. It offers a wide range of features for both artists and listeners, including personalized playlists, podcasts, and live audio. For artists, Spotify provides a variety of tools to help promote and monetize their music, including the ability to create artist profiles, upload music, and track streams and listeners. One of the biggest benefits of Spotify for artists is the potential to reach a large audience. With millions of users, there is a good chance that your music will be discovered by new listeners. Additionally, Spotify offers a program called Spotify for Artists, which provides resources and insights for artists to help them grow their careers. However, there are some downsides to consider as well. For one, the royalty rates on Spotify can be relatively low, with artists earning around $0.004 to $0.0084 per stream. This can make it difficult for independent artists to earn a significant amount of money from their…

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Dire Straits “Brothers in Arms” – A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

Ingo — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:00:00 +0000

I grew up listening to the band Dire Straits and to this day “Brothers in Arms” is my all-time favorite album. When I hear the album’s title track on a good system today, it still brings tears to my eyes, it’s that good. Mark Knopfler’s guitar sings and cries, the whole piece is extremely powerful but understated. A classical musician analyzed the piece very aptly from her point of view. Worth watching: Tags: album, British musicians, Brothers in Arms, classical, Classical music, Dire Straits, guitar, Guitarists, Mark Knopfler, music, Musicians, ost, system Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) The Top 50 Most Successful Albums of All Time (0) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The 10 Best Drummers of All Time (According to Me) (0) REVIEW: Extreme’s “SIX” – A Symphony of Sonic Surprises and Unapologetic Authenticity (0)

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Recommendation: Solar Fields “Formations” (2022 Album)

Ingo — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

First of all, to be very clear: this is not meant to be a review, just a recommendation, but a hot one. I’ve been a big fan of Solar Fields for many years. Every production simply sits and fits perfectly. The new album is pretty much the best I’ve heard from him, ever. It also really tops the material for me that made him famous in the electronica/ambient scene and in game music. Check this out: Let me know what you think in the comments. Tags: 2022, album, ambient, Ambient music, Chill-out music, electro, electronic, electronica, formations, music, recommendation, Record producer, solar fields Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0) NEW ALBUM: “As Above, So Below” (2) An Homage to Danny Tenaglia (0) A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing (0)

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Why I Abandoned Social Media

Ingo — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:04:05 +0000

When social media became “the new thing” and every artist was recommended to join the hype, I was very skeptical at first. I came late to the party of the two top dogs, Twitter in 2007, Facebook only in 2009, after the pressure on me from all sides grew too great. At least that’s how it felt to me at the time, or what I told myself… but there’s a good chance I just had the same need for recognition as everyone else and was afraid of missing out and not being recognized appropriately. As you grow older, fortunately that disappears. Instagram was about photography once I thought Instagram was pretty good at first… the filters looked cool and it was more about the photos than anything else. Until Facebook took over and turned it into a drug for people with an inferiority complex. Anti-Social Media I’ve never really felt comfortable with anti-social media, and I’ve also struggled to generate huge followings. There were decent numbers lately, but not enormous. That may have something to do with the fact that my audience has a rather limited affinity for social media. Something like that always has a direct connection with the kind of music you make. In all these years, I have experienced everything on social media that internet experts and psychologists are now warning of: abuse, hate, completely pointless and unnecessary discussions, exposing the private to the public (something I don’t like at all) and a very stupid thing: living out conflicts in public, in front of people you don’t really know. Necessary for artists? For a long time, I myself succumbed to the belief that as an artist you…

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