Human Archives • INGO VOGELMANN

Destroyed Residential Building Under Gray Sky

The Complexity of Engaging With My Russian Fans

26 September 202326 September 2023Leave a comment

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 both humbling and inspiring. According to my multi-platform statistics, the Top 50 countries where my music is most listened to are as follows:

🇺🇸 United States
🇩🇪 Germany
🇷🇺 Russia
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇦 Ukraine
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇨🇦 Canada
🇯🇵 Japan
🇹🇷 Turkey
🇫🇷 France
🇮🇳 India
🇦🇺 Australia
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇪🇸 Spain
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇵🇱 Poland
🇮🇱 Israel
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇮🇹 Italy
🇷🇴 Romania
🇦🇹 Austria
🇨🇱 Chile
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇵🇭 Philippines
🇳🇴 Norway
🇫🇮 Finland
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇹🇼 Taiwan
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
🇵🇪 Peru
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇪🇨 Ecuador

Fan Support by Continent

When we consider the fan support by continent and adjust it for the total population, the list becomes even more telling:

North America (Approx. 579 million population)
Europe (Approx. 748 million population)
Asia (Approx. 4.6 billion population)
South America (Approx. 430 million population)
Africa (Approx. 1.3 billion population)
Oceania (Approx. 42 million population)

It’s interesting to note that despite Asia’s massive population, it ranks third in the list, suggesting that the per capita fan engagement is higher in North America and Europe. Similarly, Africa, with a population of around 1.3 billion, ranks lower.

Europe’s second-place ranking is particularly noteworthy given its smaller population compared to Asia. The high level of engagement from European countries speaks volumes.

The Weight of the Numbers

The presence of Russia (#3) and Ukraine (#5) in my Top 50 ranking is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s a testament to the universal language of music, its ability to transcend political and cultural barriers. On the other hand, it serves as a constant reminder of the ethical tightrope I walk on. Engaging with fans from countries actively involved in conflicts that have resulted in atrocities is a moral minefield.

The Fan-to-Population Ratio: A Revealing Metric

One of the most striking aspects of my fan base is the disproportionate level of support I receive from Ukraine. Despite the vast difference in population sizes, Ukraine ranks impressively high in my Top 50 list, even surpassing many larger countries. This outsized support from Ukraine is not just heartwarming; it’s a testament to the love and passion I receive from the Ukrainian people.

🇺🇦 Ukraine (5th in the ranking, 37 million population): The support from Ukraine is remarkable when you consider its population size. The country ranks impressively high on the list despite having far fewer residents than many other nations in the ranking.
🇷🇺 Russia (3rd in the ranking, 144.4 million population): Despite its large population and high ranking, there’s a discrepancy here. The per capita support from Ukraine is significantly more intense.
🇺🇸 USA (1st in the ranking, 331 million population): As the largest country on the list, it’s not surprising that the USA tops the ranking. However, in relation to its population size, the support isn’t as intense as it is from smaller countries.

This contrast adds another layer of complexity to my ethical considerations. While the sheer numbers from Russia are higher due to its larger population, the intensity of support from Ukraine is incredibly meaningful. It serves as a constant reminder of the human aspect behind the statistics and the ethical tightrope I walk on when engaging with fans from these conflicting nations.

The Harsh Reality of War

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not merely a political issue; it’s a devastating humanitarian crisis. Reports of war crimes, including targeted attacks on civilians, forced deportations, and sexual violence, are more than just headlines – they’re a horrifying reality for countless individuals. What complicates matters further is the seeming indifference or even tacit approval of these actions by a significant portion of the Russian populace. This societal lethargy in the face of human suffering adds another layer of complexity to my dilemma.

Specific Atrocities

It’s crucial to understand the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. The invasion by Russian forces has led to a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. According to credible sources, including the International Criminal Court, there have been numerous war crimes committed, ranging from targeted attacks on civilians to mass killings, forced deportations, and sexual violence.

Over 121,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped and deported.
During the siege of Mariupol, thousands of residents were forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia.
Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of civilians are rampant.
Attacks on civilians, including the use of cluster munitions in populated areas, have been documented.
Massacres like the one in Bucha have occurred, where hundreds of civilians were killed, some through execution.

Just to name a few.

A Balancing Act

Herein lies the essence of my moral quandary. My music enjoys popularity in the Top 50 across multiple platforms, including in countries like Russia and Ukraine, which are embroiled in a deeply troubling conflict. This presents a precarious situation: How do I reconcile the love and support I receive from Russian fans with the harsh realities of their country’s actions? How can I engage with my Ukrainian fans without appearing insensitive to the immense suffering they are enduring?

No Easy Answers

I hope this post, framed by my comprehensive Top 50 ranking, offers a nuanced perspective on the moral and ethical challenges I face. While I am profoundly grateful for the love and support from all my fans, the ongoing geopolitical crises compel me to reassess how I engage with fans from countries involved in such devastating conflicts.

For those interested in learning more about the situation, I recommend visiting the Wikipedia page on war crimes in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. As we navigate these complex issues, let’s all strive for a more peaceful and just world.

Beyond Words: Why the Generic Masculine Still Holds Value

5 September 20235 September 2023Leave a comment

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, is not just a matter of words; it’s a matter of action. It’s embedded in my daily behavior, emanating from my core beliefs. When I use the generic masculine, I do so with the full understanding that I am referring to all genders. My use of the term is not a reflection of bias or exclusion, but a linguistic choice rooted in a broader perspective of equality.

This brings me to the topic of gendered language, a subject that has become increasingly contentious. I reject the push for gendered language for two fundamental reasons. First, we already have a well-functioning language. It has evolved over centuries, shaped by countless influences, and it serves its purpose well. To dismantle it in the name of progress is to ignore the richness and complexity that make it what it is. Second, language and culture cannot be forced; they must evolve organically. You can’t dictate how people speak or think; you can only influence it. And influence is a slow, gradual process, one that takes place over generations, not overnight.

Interpretation is a tricky thing. It’s influenced by our experiences, our culture, our personal biases. When you hear the word “man,” you bring to it a lifetime of experiences that color its meaning. It’s never just a word; it’s a word seen through the lens of your life. And that lens is never neutral; it’s always weighted, always influenced by a myriad of factors that you may not even be aware of. You hear “man,” and you think “human,” encompassing both male and female. Someone else hears “man,” and they think “male.” Neither interpretation is right or wrong; they’re just different, shaped by different lives, different experiences.

And that brings us to the crux of the matter: responsibility. I can’t control how you interpret my words. I can’t control the lens through which you see the world. I can only control my own lens, my own interpretation. And for the vast majority of people, “man” means “human,” irrespective of gender. When I use the generic masculine, I do so with the understanding that it includes everyone, not just one sex or gender. I don’t intend to discriminate or to exclude. But I also can’t be responsible for how you interpret my words. That’s your responsibility, shaped by your lens, your life.

So where does that leave us? It leaves us with a choice. We can focus on the words, dissect them, analyze them, change them. Or we can focus on the real issue: the mind. Changing the words without changing the mind achieves nothing. It’s a superficial solution to a deep-rooted problem. But change the mind, and the words will follow naturally. They’ll become what they were always meant to be: tools to communicate, not the final destination.

My DNA: A Restless Globetrotter with Viking Echoes

11 August 202311 August 2023Leave a comment

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:

England and Northwestern Europe: 44%
Sweden and Denmark: 16%
Wales: 4%
Northern Italy: 2%
Ireland: 2%
German-speaking regions of Europe: 32%

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 of influences and histories. Our true essence isn’t just defined by our birthplace but by the myriad experiences, memories, and ancestral calls that resonate within us.

As I continue that odyssey, finding fragments of home in the most unexpected places, I’m reminded of Hemingway’s words:

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Reflecting on this journey of discovery, both of self and ancestry, it’s evident that life has been a whirlwind. The path has been filled with challenges, moments of breathtaking beauty, and experiences that seem enough for more than one lifetime. Through it all, I’ve come to a place of acceptance. I take life as it comes, embracing each moment, each revelation, and each challenge. And while the journey has been incredibly full and often relentless, I find solace in the knowledge that when the day comes, I’ll be in acceptance of that too, having lived and experienced enough for multiple lifetimes.

P.S. fun facts:

I’m also related to the Heavy Metal singer Doro Pesch (which I like as a person but am not a fan of her music) and artist/painter Franz Kels, both from Düsseldorf, Germany. A huge bunch of my ancestors are from Düsseldorf, starting in the year of 1490.
My great granduncle went to the USA on the “Fürst Bismarck” in 1902. That’s why I still have many relatives in the Philadelphia area today.