‘This and That’ by INGER
INGER, das geistig-musikalische Kind von Ludger Thomaßen und Ina Könnicke-Thomaßen, ist ein Duo, das sich durch seine unverwechselbare Klangwelt und kreative Synergie auszeichnet. Das Wesen von INGER liegt in der harmonischen Mischung aus Ludgers instrumentaler Vielseitigkeit und Inas eindrucksvollem Gesang. Diese Kombination resultiert in einem Klang, der unverkennbar INGER ist, ein Klang, der den Geist des Experimentierens und die Freude an der musikalischen Entdeckung einfängt.
Heute markiert den feierlichen Augenblick der Veröffentlichung des
Debütalbums “This and that”, welches sich durch seine unverwechselbare und charakteristische Klangwelt auszeichnet.
Die Palette an selbst aufgenommenen Instrumenten, Synthesizerklängen sowie elektronischen Beats und Gesang illustriert eindrucksvoll das umfangreiche Spektrum ihrer künstlerischen Expression. Der Eröffnungstitel
“Never been to Goa” dient nicht nur als überzeugender Einstieg, sondern auch als Navigator durch das gesamte Werk, indem er eine erste Kontur des musikalischen Vorhabens skizziert.
Zu meinen persönlichen Höhepunkten des experimentellen Albums zählen neben dem einleitenden Stück die Titel “Johnny Can’t Wait”, “That Is What I Want” und “Velvet”, wobei diese Auswahl natürlich meiner individuellen Perspektive und meinem Geschmack entspringt.
In seiner Gesamtheit präsentiert sich “This and that” als ein herausragendes Album, das sich wohltuend vom Mainstream abhebt und einen mutigen Blick über den musikalischen Tellerrand der heutigen Zeit wirft.
‘This and That’ by INGER [EN]
INGER, the brainchild of Ludger Thomaßen and Ina Könnicke-Thomaßen, is a musical duo distinguished by its unique soundscapes and creative synergy. The essence of INGER lies in the harmonious blend of Ludger’s instrumental versatility and Ina’s impressive vocals. This combination results in a sound that is unmistakably INGER, a sound that captures the spirit of experimentation and the joy of musical discovery.
Today marks the celebratory moment of the release of their debut album “This and that,” which is characterized by its distinctive and characteristic soundscapes. The range of self-recorded instruments, synthesizer sounds, electronic beats, and vocals impressively illustrates the broad spectrum of their artistic expression.
The opening track “Never been to Goa” serves not only as a compelling introduction but also as a navigator through the entire work, outlining an initial contour of the musical endeavor. Among my personal highlights of the experimental album, in addition to the introductory piece, are the titles “Johnny Can’t Wait,” “That Is What I Want,” and “Velvet,” although this selection naturally stems from my individual perspective and taste. In its entirety,
“This and that” presents itself as an outstanding album that pleasantly stands out from the mainstream and casts a bold glance over the musical horizon of today’s times.
Who forms INGER and what sparked your journey into music?
INGER are a product of the times when people stayed at home due to the pandemic and the lockdown. Ludger Thomaßen, who until then had mainly played bass or guitar in various bands, discovered the possibilities of home recording. Live instruments such as guitars, bass and keyboards are mixed in with synthesizer sounds and electro beats.
Ludger’s wife, Ina Könnicke-Thomaßen, learned to play a bit the violin and guitar as a teenager and sang in the church choir. With her dark voice, she complements Ludger’s sound mix to create her very own, unique style. The symbiosis of electronic elements, live instruments and vocals with her own lyrics results in an individual, wide-ranging and unmistakable musical style. Ina und Ludger become INGER. Their music is also presented in self-produced videos that can be found on YouTube.
What are the key inspirations shaping your musical style and persona?
The inspirations that shape her musical style are diverse. Since life is constantly in flux, the emotions that it triggers are also recognizable in the music and lyrics. The production and arrangement of the individuell tracks are an outflow of experimental work without losing sight of the big picture. The album „This and That“ reflects the most diverse moods and elements of different musical styles.
As a whole, it represents a successful unit that also creates a well rounded sound experience in terms of playing and production. Ina’s deep voice and range as well as Ludger’s soundtracks, which are bursting with ideas and instrumental interludes together create what you hear all by themselves. The lyrics are a simple expression of their own thoughts, feelings and experiences.
“Never Been to Goa” is remarkable. Could you share your muse behind it?
The track „Never Been to Goa“ was born out of the joy that Ina and Ludger share. Both like to dance to technomusic and find themselves among young people, although they experienced techno and house as early as 1987, even though they were never really part of such a scene.
At that time, Ina was told many stories by friends who had lived in Goa for a while. She had never been there herself, but she liked the music. The storytellers from back then are now over 60, just like us, and are still dancing.
„Never Been to Goa“ is a tongue-in-cheek reflection of the fact that this generation has grown old and that old people are sometimes ridiculed and feel like idiots, even though they were the ones who experienced the beginnings. „I was already at a house party in Amsterdam when you weren’t even born yet“.
What surprises does your forthcoming album “This and That” hold?
The surprises on „This and That“ are very different songs. Dreamly love songs, the description of scratchy, ice-cold winter landscapes, sometimes harmonious, sometimes weird. Very different styles that arise from different approaches. Basically striving for honesty and authenticity. No moral apostles but rather a description of the situation. Deviating from the usual pop, rock, hip hop or singer-songwriter pigeonholes. Something quite unique. Mood: Carefree gloom.
How do you determine the perfect moment to release a track?
Finding the perfect time for a titlerelease is difficult. I think that if I think a single has been worked on sufficiently and I’m convinced of its quality, I’ll release it….let your music been heard….
What’s your perspective on social media’s impact in the music world?
The impact of social media is enormous and it’s hard to imagine life without it.
Are live performances on your agenda, or is the studio your creative sanctuary?
Although live performances are not on the INGER agenda at the moment, they are not completely out of the question.
Reflecting on music history, what shifts in the industry catch your eye?
The biggest changes in the music industry at the moment are the rapid technological developments, the possibilities of AI, which should be seen as useful but also critical. We appreciate the possibilities of digital music processing.
However, we only want to use them to the extent necessary, for example when selecting sounds or mixing and mastering work. Our own creativity remains paramount. So live recorded instruments, self-devised melodies and lyrics.
What’s on the horizon for you in the coming times?
For now, we’ll see how our music is received, enjoy the moment and the get back to the work and devote ourselves to new ideas in words, sound and images. Stay tuned :)
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