Life 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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Aaron Spears: A Rhythm That Never Ends

Ingo — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000

The music world has been left with a void that’s hard to fill with the sudden passing of Aaron Spears. Although I never had the chance to witness his artistry live, his music and influence have deeply resonated with me. Aaron was not just a drummer; he was a musical savant whose talents transcended what one might expect from a “typical” musician. He had an uncanny ability to craft complex rhythms and melodies that were not just technically demanding but emotionally profound. His drumming was a language of its own, speaking to the hearts of those who listened. Interestingly, while the artists he drummed for – names like Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Usher, and Chris Brown – never quite aligned with my musical taste, Aaron’s drumming itself was a different story. His skill and artistry were so compelling that they transcended genre and personal preference, serving as an inspiration to me and countless others. Aaron was a pioneer, always pushing the boundaries of what music could be. He was a master at blending different musical styles, creating something entirely new and groundbreaking. His work in various genres, from pop to jazz to gospel, showcased his versatility and depth as an artist. But Aaron was more than just an extraordinary musician. He was a man filled with warmth and humor, inspiring those around him. He had the rare gift of creating an atmosphere of community and cohesion in a room full of strangers. His humility and genuine love for his craft made him not just respected, but deeply loved by his peers and fans alike. The news of his sudden death at the age of just 47 has shaken us all.…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

My 50 Simple Pleasures in Life

Ingo — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Life is a series of moments, some grand and some simple. While the grand moments often steal the spotlight, it’s the simple pleasures that really make my journey worthwhile. As someone who has lived in various corners of the world and experienced life’s many facets, I’ve come to appreciate these small joys most. They are the unsung heroes that add color to my days and warmth to my soul. Here’s a list of 50 simple pleasures – inspired by this – that make my life great. While the list is personal, I believe that the essence of these joys is universal. They remind us to pause, to breathe, and to savor the small moments that often go unnoticed. In a world that’s increasingly complex and demanding, these simple pleasures are my sanctuary, my moments of zen. I hope you find your own simple pleasures that make your journey just as rewarding. Tags: Contentment, Conversation, Electric bicycle, Essence, Exercise, Extreme, Feeling, Gratitude, guitar, Hearing, Hiking, house, Joy, Joy of Cooking, Life, Man, mix, music, Nature, ost, Recording studio, Rib eye steak, Solitude, Song, sound, Star, Sunset, The Grand Moments, The Smell of Rain, Thunderstorm, Zen Related posts Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0) An Homage to Danny Tenaglia (0) A Psychological Guide to Harmonic Mixing and Composing (0) The Ultimate Harmonic Mixing & Composing Chart (12) The Top 50 Most Successful Albums of All Time (0)

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Beyond Words: Why the Generic Masculine Still Holds Value

Ingo — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:01:19 +0000

In a world that’s constantly changing, where every word is dissected and every phrase analyzed, the debate over the generic masculine stands as a testament to the complexities of language and society. Words are tools, yes, but they are also more than that. They are the framework through which we interpret the world, and yet they are not the world itself. They are symbols, and like all symbols, they are subject to interpretation. Just like my music, which is mostly without lyrics. But despite that, music is a form of communication. It’s language, subject to interpretation. The generic masculine has come under fire. Critics argue that it’s a relic, a leftover from a time when men were the default, the standard, the norm. They call for new language, inclusive language, language that reflects the diversity of human experience. But here’s the thing: language is a reflection of the mind, and the mind is where discrimination takes root. You can change the words all you want, but if the mind remains unaltered, you’ve achieved nothing. You’ve put a new coat of paint on a crumbling wall. Before we go any further, let’s make one thing clear: the issue of gender identity is a separate matter altogether. My stance on the generic masculine should not be conflated with my views on gender identity. I am the best man to a queer couple, comprised of a trans woman and a cis woman. I understand that there are individuals who feel they were born into the wrong gender, and I respect their journey. This is not about denying the complexities of gender identity; it’s about the complexities of language and interpretation. Equality, for me,…

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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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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…

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Who Gets to Stay Afloat?

Ingo — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:08:18 +0000

Alright, let’s get this straight. We’ve got five business dudes who thought it would be a hoot to drop $250,000 each to get up close and personal with the Titanic wreck. You heard that right. A quarter of a million bucks to see a sunken ship. Now, they’re lost at sea and the world is on the edge of its seat, biting its nails, waiting for news. And don’t get me wrong, I feel for them. I really do. And for their loved ones waiting in agony for any shred of news. It’s a fsitucked up and rather sad situation, no doubt about it. Meanwhile, hundreds of refugees are drowning in the Mediterranean and it’s like everyone collectively decided to play a giant game of ‘see no evil, hear no evil’. Why? Because they aren’t rich? Because their journey wasn’t some luxury adventure, but a desperate escape from war and poverty? Here’s the thing. Both these groups of people are (one even literally) in deep shit. But for entirely different reasons. The adventurers are in trouble because they chose to be, because they wanted a thrill, a story to tell. The refugees? They’re in trouble because they had no other choice. Because staying where they were was even more dangerous than the perilous journey they embarked on. And yet, we’re more invested in the fate of five rich guys who willingly put themselves in danger than in the lives of thousands of people who had no other choice. So, what can we do? We can start by shifting our attention and compassion to those who need it most. And that’s not the rich adventurers in their luxury submarine, but the…

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