PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I’m Elmar, the founder of ELOAĦ. I started this project in 1995 as a way to express myself through music. My background is in classical piano, but over time, I’ve explored many different styles, from rock and jazz to heavy metal and new age. Outside of music, I work as a physicist and science manager, and I’m also passionate about Japanese martial arts like Kendo and Iaido. These different interests keep me balanced and often inspire my creativity.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM OR SINGLE
Our latest album, The Book of Pain, is a deeply personal exploration of themes like grief, love, and resilience. It has 17 tracks, each reflecting different facets of the emotional journey we all experience in life. The single from this album is “We Shall Rise,” which closes the album on a hopeful note. It’s about finding strength through adversity and moving forward with renewed determination. The album blends rock, jazz, and classical influences, and I hope listeners find both comfort and inspiration in its music.
WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST?
If I had to choose one song, it would be the title track, “The Book of Pain.” It captures the emotional depth and blend of genres that define ELOAĦ’s sound. It’s both introspective and uplifting, with heartfelt lyrics and a dynamic arrangement that reflects the balance we aim for in our music: vulnerability paired with resilience, hope and power.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?
My journey into music began in childhood with classical piano lessons and vocal training. Later, I taught myself guitar and discovered the joy of creating my own songs. In 1995, I decided to start ELOAĦ as a solo singer-songwriter project. Over time, collaborations with other musicians brought new dimensions to the music, turning it into something far greater than I ever imagined. Those early moments of improvisation and songwriting were when I realized music wasn’t just a hobby, it was a calling.
WHAT DOES TYPICAL WRITING AND RECORDING DAY LOOK LIKE?
There’s no strict formula, but it often starts with improvisation. I’ll pick up my guitar or sit at the piano and let ideas flow naturally. When inspiration strikes, I quickly write down lyrics before the melodies fade. If I’m collaborating with the band, we might have a group session where ideas evolve through improvisation. Recording days are more structured, I use mobile studio equipment to capture performances in comfortable settings. Later, I refine everything in my home studio, ensuring that the final mix feels authentic to the song’s emotional core.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR BAND NAME/ STAGE NAME?
The name "ELOAĦ" came about almost by accident. During one of our early recording sessions, the studio needed a name for the project. I had been reading biblical and apocryphal texts at the time and came across the word "eloah," which translates loosely to "comes from above." It resonated with me as a symbol of inspiration. To make it unique, I replaced the "h" with "ħ," the symbol for the reduced Planck constant, as a nod to my background in physics. For me, the name represents the intersection of creativity and science.
WHAT HAS BEEN THAT HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY SO FAR?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the digital music landscape. With so much music available today, it can be hard to stand out while staying true to your artistic vision. Another difficulty has been balancing the creative and business sides of music, as well as dealing with personal losses, like the passing of close friends and collaborators. Those experiences were emotionally tough but became a source of inspiration for much of our music.
WHAT'S BEEN THE EASIEST?
For me, the easiest part is the joy of creating music itself. Once inspiration strikes, the process of writing and playing feels natural and fulfilling. Working with talented and supportive musicians like Orion Roos (electric guitars), Peter Douwenga (bass guitars), Johan van der Meer (drums), Lila Herderberg (vocals), Zarja Medved (viola), and Dominik Mittergradnegger (saxophone) has also made collaboration a smooth and rewarding experience. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a team that brings out the best in each other.
WHAT WOULD YOU DOING IF YOU WEREN'T MAKING MUSIC?
If I weren’t making music, I would likely focus entirely on my work as a physicist and science manager. I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay between science and creativity. I also enjoy teaching, managing research projects, and practicing Japanese martial arts, which offer discipline and inspiration in different ways.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
The best advice I’ve received is to stay true to your unique sound and passions. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing trends or seeking validation, but the most fulfilling path is to create music that resonates with you. Success is a byproduct of authenticity and hard work, and it’s important to enjoy the journey rather than focus solely on the destination.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Right now, we’re working on our next album, which will explore gospel-jazz-inspired sounds, a somewhat new direction for us that I’m really excited about. We’re also finalizing the LP version of The Book of Pain. Beyond that, I hope to continue pushing creative boundaries and perhaps organize some live performances when the timing feels right.
PLEASE ADD ANY SOCIALS SO WE CAN SHARE
You can find us on our website at eloah.at on Facebook at facebook.com/eloahmusicsite, and some music videos on YouTube at youtube.com/ElmarCFuchs. We update these platforms regularly, so they’re the best way to stay in touch with our latest projects and releases.
Comentários