music industry 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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

You Need to Fail to Succeed

Ingo — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 08:47:45 +0000

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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…

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 Future of Jobs in the Music Industry

Ingo — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

As we enter the age of automation and artificial intelligence, many industries are undergoing significant changes, and the music industry is no exception. From the way music is produced and distributed to how it is consumed, the music industry is evolving rapidly. But what does the future hold for jobs in the music industry? Will machines take over and leave musicians out of work? Let’s take a closer look. The music industry has always been notoriously difficult to break into. Even with the advent of digital technology and social media, it’s still a highly competitive industry that requires talent, perseverance, and a little bit lot of luck. That said, the digital age has created a whole host of new opportunities for musicians, songwriters, and producers. With platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud and whatnot, artists can now reach a global audience from the comfort of their bedroom, without the need for a record label or a massive marketing budget. But what about the more traditional jobs in the music industry? The jobs that require certain expertise? Well, it’s true that some of these jobs may become automated in the future. For example, there are already AI programs that can compose music and even write lyrics. However, machines can’t replace the human touch when it comes to music. Music is an art form, and there will always be a demand for talented musicians who can connect with audiences on an emotional level. In fact, the rise of technology in the music industry has created new job opportunities that didn’t exist before. For example, there is now a growing demand for experts in music data analysis. With the rise of streaming services, record labels…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

Spotify: My Love-Hate Relationship with the World’s No. 1 Streaming Service

Ingo — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

As an artist, I have my fair share of frustrations with Spotify, believe it or not, as much as I promote my music on the platform. I do it because it’s the easiest and shortest route for fans to access my music. For no other reason. Spotify Spotify is a streaming service that has taken the world by storm. It offers millions of songs, podcasts, and other audio content to users around the globe. On the surface, it seems like a great service that provides a lot of value to its users. However, if you scratch beneath the surface, you’ll find that Spotify is far from perfect. In fact, there are several reasons why Spotify should be criticized. First of all, let’s talk about the way Spotify treats artists. As a musician myself, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to make a living from your art. Spotify pays artists a fraction of a penny per stream. In other words, if you’re a musician on Spotify, you’re most likely not going to make much money. You might get a lot of streams, but those streams aren’t going to pay the bills. But it’s not just the low pay that’s the problem. It’s also the fact that Spotify doesn’t give artists any control over how their music is presented on the platform. The algorithms that Spotify uses to curate playlists and recommend music are a mystery to everyone, including the artists themselves. This means that even if you’re a talented musician with a unique sound, you might never get discovered on Spotify because the algorithm doesn’t favor your style of music. And then there’s the issue of Spotify’s business model.…

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.

Interview With Myself (And Then You)

Ingo — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0000

I did this many years ago, and here is a very recent (2023) version. The template for this comes from here: 33 Questions For An Interview With Yourself Feel free to pick this up and do it yourself. Link back to this post, so I can see it. 1. What Do You Do for a Living? Well, the fact that you ended up here means you already know at least part of the answer. I’m a music producer, composer and sound engineer, mainly. I work for myself, so I make my own music, and I work for others whose music I either write and produce or edit. I also have a “day job” that feeds me reliably and pays the bills, because I could no longer make a living from music alone. That used to be different, but unfortunately, that’s the way it is today. But I really like my second job. I work with great people, and I can do my work in a relatively free and creative way. I am a marketing manager and board member in the textile industry. There is no good reason to complain. 2. Who Do You Love? Okay, then I’ll be completely honest. You asked for it. I love my friends, some of whom I’ve had for a very long time, and my partner and our dogs. To put it succinctly to the point. Of course, the issue is more complicated. I have a big and fucked up family history that could be described as broken. In this respect, love is not dripping from every crack. I love certain people in this family in a certain way, but that’s more through blood ties…

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.

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.

Steven Wilson Openly Talks About the Music Industry

Ingo — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

I recently found a very interesting interview with the man, Steven Wilson. Take your time, it’s a very long interview, but it’s worth it. Tags: British musicians, music, music industry, Musicians, Porcupine Tree, Record producer, Steven Wilson Related posts The Best Albums of All Time, According to Me (With Occasional Commentary) (2) The Future of Jobs in the Music Industry (0) The 10 Best Drummers of All Time (According to Me) (0) Rick Beato Interviews Steven Wilson (0) Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Album Review: He’s Back, Better Than Ever Before (0)

From INGO VOGELMANN.

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…

From INGO VOGELMANN.