This week we spoke to the band ELOAĦ who gave us a detailed description of their music style and creative processes.
Band Name: ELOAĦ
Members: Elmar C. Fuchs (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, keys, flutes), Lila Herderberg (vocals), Orion Roos (electric guitars), Peter Douwenga (bass guitars), Johan van der Meer (drums & percussion) & Dominik Mittergradnegger (saxophone & violin)
Genre: Pop/Rock, Alternative, Singer/Songwriter
Founded: October 1995
Originated From: Graz / Austria, Leeuwarden / The Netherlands
Discography: Just Blood (Album), Ode to Brother Horn (Album), The Art of Loving (Album), Planet Zargo (Album), Fragile Mind & Heart of Glass (Album), The Mondstein Chronicles Pt. 1, 2, and 3 (Album), Proud to Love You (Album), A Matter of Time (Demo), Silicon Rhythm (Demo), Mondstein (Demo), Mondstein 2 (Demo) & The End of Wisdom (Demo)
How would you describe your music?
We are a rock band driven by the singer/songwriter spirit while drawing inspiration from new age, jazz, and pop genres. As a rock band with a foundation in singer/songwriter music, our music has been described by reviewers as uniquely distinct. Critics have drawn comparisons to artists like Stomu Yamashta, Jade Warrior, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, and Vivian Stanshall.
However, it is essential to note that our musical journey encompasses various dimensions. We have also released three albums titled the “Mondstein Chronicles” which explore jazzy, improvisation-based sounds. These albums showcase our versatility as artists and go beyond the aforementioned description.
Furthermore, our latest album takes a softer approach, delving into the realm of soft-rock ballads. This album serves as an extension of our established style, incorporating heartfelt melodies and lyrics.
It is worth mentioning that our music has been categorised differently by different individuals. Some have labelled it as progressive alternative singer/songwriter rock, although this description only partially captures the essence of our sound and may have led to inaccurate expectations from listeners.
Ultimately, our goal is to create music that resonates with us and our audience, regardless of how it is categorised. Our diverse influences and musical explorations allow us to offer a rich and dynamic experience to those who appreciate our art.
What is your musical creative process like?
Our music is usually created by one of our guitarists. When playing the guitar, there are moments of serendipity where chords and pick patterns effortlessly come together. It’s as if they magically emerge out of nowhere. During these instances, they quickly reach for a pen and paper, filled with curiosity about what the lyrics will entail.
At that moment, they have no inkling of what the song’s ultimate theme or message will be. Once we finish the initial draft of the song, we practice it diligently. They strive to refine both the lyrics and music, continuously working on them until they reach a point where no further changes are necessary.
It’s a process of optimisation, ensuring that the words and music blend harmoniously together. When they feel content with the final version, they share it with the other bandmates for their input and collaboration.
On other occasions, we gather as a group and engage in improvisation, collectively building songs through this collaborative process. However, the method we previously described applies to approximately 80% of the songs we create.
How did the band form?
In 1995, soon after the band was formed, we approached Dominik and inquired if he would be interested in playing saxophone and violin for our group. Since then, he has been an integral part of the band and we have been making music together ever since.
As time went on, we welcomed additional members to our line-up. After relocating to the Netherlands in 2008, we had the pleasure of individually meeting Orion, an exceptional electric guitarist, and Johan, a skilled drummer. Both of them joined the band during this period.
Several years later, LiLa, a talented vocalist, became a part of our ensemble, followed by the addition of Peter, a proficient bass guitarist. Our band has grown and evolved with each new member, and their contributions have greatly enriched our musical journey.
How did you come up with your band name?
ELOAĦ originates from Hebrew and possesses multiple translations, one of which is “coming from above.” This particular translation deeply resonates with us because it captures the essence of how inspiration manifests in our music composition.
Furthermore, since improvisation plays a significant role in our creative process (as evident in the three “Mondstein” albums, which are entirely based on improvisation), the chosen name felt appropriate. The deliberate use of the Ħ instead of a regular H holds symbolic significance as it references the Planck constant. As one of us is a scientist, we have always held a fascination for the Planck constant, which holds fundamental importance in the field of quantum mechanics.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
During one of our member’s upbringing, they received formal training in classical piano and took lessons in classical singing, which undoubtedly had a profound influence on them.
However, as a teenager, they took it upon themself to learn the guitar and tin whistle, which opened up a whole new world of musical styles for them to explore. They developed a love for various genres, including melodic rock and metal exemplified by artists like Savatage, Celtic and new age music represented by Loreena McKennitt, singer/songwriter music, and chansons embodied by Herman van Veen.
Furthermore, our musical journey led us to discover a passion for jazz, with artists like Keith Jarrett capturing our hearts.
Each member of ELOAĦ has their own distinct story and preferences, contributing different elements to our music. The diverse backgrounds and individual influences of our band members come together to shape the unique sound and style of ELOAĦ.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
As of now, our current line-up has not yet performed live together. However, it’s worth noting that all the musicians in our band have other professional commitments and/or are actively involved in other bands that regularly perform live.
For instance, Orion is a part of the Metalbats (formerly known as Vortex) and Peter performs with Maestro. LiLa is engaged with LiLa y geckos, and Johan frequently participates in live performances for various reasons (he is the owner of a drumming school).
What is the best thing about being in a band?
One of the greatest things about being in a band is the ability to create and share music with others. Music has a unique power to connect people, evoke emotions, and transcend barriers. Being able to contribute to that universal language through your own creativity and expression is incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, being in a band often involves collaboration and working closely with other talented individuals. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for music, leading to meaningful connections and friendships. The process of creating music together, whether it’s through songwriting, rehearsing, or performing, can be a profoundly fulfilling and enriching experience.
Moreover, music provides a platform for self-expression and personal growth. It allows musicians to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that resonates with others. It can serve as a form of catharsis, healing, and self-discovery. The ability to communicate and connect with audiences through music is a powerful and transformative aspect of being a musician.
Furthermore, the joy of performing live and witnessing the impact of your music on an audience is exhilarating. The energy and connection established during live performances create a unique and memorable experience for both the musicians and the listeners. The ability to captivate and move people through your artistry is an incredibly fulfilling and gratifying aspect of being in a band or being a musician.
Overall, the best thing about being a musician lies in the profound and meaningful experiences that music can create, both personally and for others. It allows for self-expression, collaboration, connection, and the opportunity to make a positive impact through the power of music.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
We have been fortunate in the sense that we do not rely on our music as our primary source of income. This is significant because one of the major hurdles that musicians typically face is the quest for financial stability and sustainable earnings. Many musicians struggle to make a living solely from their music, particularly in the early stages of their careers.
In our case, we consider ourselves blessed since, while musicians often encounter artistic and creative challenges, we have the privilege of taking breaks if the inspiration for new material does not naturally flow to us. The process of songwriting, composing, and producing music can be rather demanding since it is difficult to control inspiration. We aim to develop a distinctive sound or style while remaining true to our artistic vision, which can indeed be quite challenging.
However, our financial independence allows us to work without the pressure of creative blocks or the need to meet expectations from labels, fans, or industry trends.
Overall, while being a musician can be highly fulfilling, it does come with its fair share of obstacles. Overcoming challenges related to finances, networking, artistic expression, personal well-being, and mental health requires resilience and adaptability.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
Our present project is a hard rock album that delves into the intricate aspects of pain and investigates ways to navigate through it. Unlike our previous release, which predominantly centred around love and its positive aspects, this upcoming album will showcase a noticeable shift in tone. It will (partially) embrace a faster tempo, delve into darker themes, and feature a heavier sound. This artistic direction enables us to delve into the raw intensity and emotional depths connected to pain, providing listeners with an immersive sonic journey that resonates with the complexities of human existence.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
While we may not have a single “ultimate” dream, our foremost and highest priority is maintaining an ongoing collaboration with the current band members. This collaboration has proven to be deeply rewarding on musical, emotional, and social levels. We have plans to perform live shows following the release of our next album, and expanding our fanbase and reaching more people is certainly an aspiration that piques our interest.
You can find out more about ELOAĦ by visiting their website and following them on Facebook.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
