ELOAĦ started in 1995 as a modest singer-songwriter project and has gradually evolved into a collaborative endeavor that blends elements of rock, jazz, new age, and experimental music. The project is defined by its diverse style and emotionally inspired compositions, striving to create meaningful connections with listeners. With an emphasis on authenticity and musical exploration, ELOAĦ aims to offer a thoughtful and engaging experience for its audience.
Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
Where do you call home?
Hi! We are ELOAĦ, an experimental musical project. The band consists of me, Elmar C. Fuchs (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards), Orion Roos (electric guitar), Johan van der Meer (drums & percussion), Lila Herderberg (vocals), Dominik Mittergradnegger (saxophone), Zarja Medved (viola and violin) and Peter Douwenga (bass). Our home base is in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, although we are actually an international group of musicians.
- How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
ELOAĦ began in 1995 as a solo singer-songwriter project by me, Elmar, which evolved into a collaborative effort over time. The band members joined through shared musical projects and connections, creating a fluid yet cohesive ensemble. The project has always been driven by the joy of collaboration, allowing each musician to bring their unique voice and energy to the music.
- Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Our songwriting is organic and inspired. Sometimes, it starts with a spontaneous guitar improvisation after which I pick up pen and paper and write down lyrics as they come, and at other times, we collaborate on group improvisations to build songs together. With this intuitive we strive to create music that is authentic and emotionally driven.
- How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
They would probably say it’s an experimental blend of rock, jazz, and new age with some emotional depth; music that isn’t afraid to explore complex feelings while attempting to offer unique sounds. Our family members might also point out that each album has its own character, reflecting the various themes we explore.
- What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
Speaking for myself, I’m not embarrassed by anything on my playlist—I value having diverse tastes. You might find anything from Herman van Veen and Jean-Michel Jarre to Dimitri Shostakovich or a heavy metal band on there! I believe every genre has something to offer, whether to learn from or simply to enjoy.
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Not really. Because our members live across Europe and most of them play actively in other bands, our live shows are rare (we have not played live at all in the current line-up), thus there is no such ritual.
- Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
Again, I can only speak for myself here. Herman van Veen has always been an inspirational figure for me, not only for his music but also for his ability to blend emotion and technical skill seamlessly. His concerts are magical experiences that remind me of the profound impact music can have.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
Creating albums like The Book of Pain, which resonate deeply with me and the fans I’ve spoken to, is a significant achievement for me. Each track represents a piece of our journey, and the feedback we receive makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that our music can connect with people on an emotional level is the most rewarding accomplishment.
- What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
I believe the key lies in authenticity, emotional connection, and sometimes a strong narrative structure. Each song should resonate with both us and the listener. While our primary goal is to play every piece “in service of the song,” we strive to craft soundscapes and arrangements that leave a lasting impression.
- When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
It’s a feeling. For example, when I compose a song on my guitar, I play and sing it repeatedly until it no longer changes in any way. Later, after introducing the song to the band and everyone has added their part, the process remains similar. In the studio, I keep refining the mix until I feel it doesn’t need any further adjustments.
- What song of yours are you most proud of?
A Spark of Darkness, the opening track of our latest album The Book of Pain, holds a special place as a tribute to my late friend Michael Görig who had started a novel with the same name which he unfortunately could not finish, while We Shall Rise, its closing track, offers a hopeful and uplifting conclusion to the album.
- Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
Since we rarely tour (and have not toured at all in the present line-up), I cannot answer this question.
- Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
Improvisation and creativity can happen anywhere. Often, I find inspiration in stressful situations, which can make it challenging to “hold onto” the song by practicing it to avoid losing it. I’ve also found that I can’t force myself to write simply because I have the time or because it feels convenient. Every song is a moment of inspiration, and I’m deeply grateful for each one..
- What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
Many years ago, during a show, a fellow musician accidentally spilled his beer on my keyboard, creating an awkward moment, but the performance continued without interruption. On another occasion, I announced a song that required me to play the flute, only to realize I had misplaced it. Frantically running up and down the stage looking for it was quite embarrassing for me, but my fellow musicians seamlessly filled the moment by repeating the first part of the song until I finally found it..
- What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
We would be truly grateful if you could help share our music, introduce it to new listeners, and spread the word about our albums—especially our latest one, The Book of Pain. Your support, whether through interviews or features, plays a vital role in helping independent artists like us reach a wider audience.
- How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
Please visit our website at eloah.at and follow us on Facebook and YouTube to stay updated. Our music is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify. These platforms also offer a glimpse into our upcoming projects and collaborative works.
