Greetings, we are ELOAĦ, a rock band driven by the singer/songwriter spirit, while drawing influences from new age, jazz, and pop genres. Our current lineup comprises six members: Orion Roos on electric guitars, Peter Douwenga on bass guitars, Johan van der Meer on drums and percussion, Dominik Mittergradnegger on saxophone, Lila Herderberg on vocals, and Elmar C. Fuchs on vocals, acoustic guitars, and keyboards. As a rock band with a singer/songwriter foundation, our music has been described by reviewers as delightfully distinctive. Comparisons have been drawn to the likes of Stomu Yamashta, Jade Warrior, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, and Vivian Stanshall. However, it's important to note that our musical journey encompasses various dimensions. We have also released a couple of albums, titled the "Mondstein Chronicles," that delve into jazzy, improvisation-based sounds. These albums, which lie outside the aforementioned description, showcase our versatility as artists. Additionally, our latest album takes a softer approach, embracing the realm of soft-rock ballads. This album serves as an extension of our established style, incorporating heartfelt melodies and lyrics. It's worth mentioning that our music has been categorized differently by different individuals. Some have referred to it as progressive alternative singer/songwriter rock, although this label only partially captures the essence of our sound and may have led to some listeners forming inaccurate expectations. Ultimately, we strive to create music that resonates with our audience, regardless of how it is labeled. Our diverse influences and musical explorations allow us to offer a rich and dynamic experience to those who appreciate our art.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM OR SINGLE?
Certainly! The songs of the latest ELOAĦ album “Proud to Love You.” cover a wide range of themes and emotions related to love and relationships. They delve into the rollercoaster of emotions that come with falling in love, acknowledging the turbulent nature of expressing love and the varying interpretations of one's partner's reactions.
WHAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM OR SINGLE?
The whole album is inspired by personal experiences around love and romantic relationships. The lyrics touch upon the challenges and uncertainties faced in relationships, as well as the beauty and intensity of love. Some songs explore the depth of love and admiration for the beloved, praising their uniqueness and beauty while acknowledging the limitations of words and music in capturing the true essence of love. There are songs that reflect on the journey of gradually falling in love, acknowledging the internal struggle and the irreversible change that would bring to the dynamics of a friendship. Other songs highlight the pure and innocent nature of love, capturing the overwhelming emotions experienced when encountering love for the first time. The lyrics convey a sense of admiration and dreams about the beloved, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and remembering these fleeting moments.
CAN YOU SUM UP THE ALBUM IN A FEW WORDS?
Overall, the songs on “Proud to Love You.” offer a diverse and heartfelt exploration of love, relationships, and personal experiences. They capture the complexities, joys, and challenges that come with falling in love, aiming to evoke deep emotions and connect with the listeners.
WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
There are numerous albums that hold a special place in my heart. Some instantly captured my attention and admiration, while others required time to grow on me. However, whenever I formed a profound emotional bond with a song, it undeniably had a transformative impact on my life. One particular album that stands out in this regard is "Streets – A Rock Opera" by Savatage. Each and every song on this album resonates with overwhelming emotions for me. During my time as a student in Graz, Austria, while working as a DJ, playing any song from this album would elicit an extraordinary response from the audience. I will never forget all the tears of joy, people embracing each other, and a collective chorus of voices singing along to the music.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO FILMED BY YOUR BAND OR ANOTHER ARTIST?
Yes, I do – and that would be the video to our song “Apostles, Traitors and Messiahs” (https://youtu.be/pGTkre-b3OM )
WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT MAKING MUSIC?
I am a physicist working at a research and technology center, and I have been practicing martial arts for more than 25 years. Apart from that, I am a father of two sons. Thus, you would either find me experimenting, writing papers, supervising students, managing teams, or practicing kendo, iaido, jodo or tai chi chuan – or spending time with my family.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS PERFORMING LIVE, IF SO HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?
When I was younger, I used to experience nervousness. However, over time, I have gained extensive experience presenting in front of large audiences, to the point where I no longer feel that way. On the contrary, during my most recent live performance, which involved a piano improvisation, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Should I ever feel a hint of nervousness, I have a simple solution: I remind myself that I have chosen to engage in this activity willingly, that I genuinely enjoy it, and that it brings me immense pleasure. This realization is usually sufficient to alleviate any remaining nervousness.
HOW DID YOU FORM THE BAND?
In 1995, shortly after the band's inception, I approached my friend Dominik and inquired if he would be interested playing saxophone and violin with me. Since that moment, we have been performing together as a cohesive unit. The remaining members of our current lineup joined at a later stage: Orion (electric guitar) and Johan (drums) entered the picture independently shortly after my relocation to the Netherlands in 2008. I had already been acquainted with LiLa (vocals) for quite some time, and I was thrilled when she eventually joined us a few years later. Similarly, Peter (bass guitar) became a part of our ensemble after being introduced to me by Orion.
HOW DO YOU WRITE? - DO YOU HAVE A KEY SONGWRITER, OR DO YOU ALL WORK TOGETHER?
The approach we take for song creation varies. One possibility is that some of us engage in spontaneous improvisation, as we did for the three Mondstein albums. These improvisations serve as the foundation for our songs. Alternatively, I take on the role of writing the songs myself. This process usually begins with me picking up my guitar and playing various melodies and chords. Occasionally, I stumble upon something that resonates deeply, capturing the emotions I am experiencing at that moment. Promptly, I grab a pen and paper to transcribe the lyrics that naturally accompany the music as it flows from me. I then dedicate time to rehearsing the song until neither the lyrics, melody, nor the chords, riffs, or licks undergo any further changes. This stripped-down, acoustic version is then presented to the band for discussion. We collectively explore how to transform it into a full-band arrangement, deciding on elements such as the drum/percussion patterns, additional vocal harmonies, bass lines, electric guitar parts, saxophone, and so on. Gradually, we bring all these components together until we achieve a consensus among all members and consider the song complete.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The majority of our songs are inspired by (my) personal experiences, but occasionally inspiration strikes without being rooted in those experiences. Take, for instance, the songs "Jabberwocky" or "Apostles, Traitors and Messiahs" which are clearly not based on personal encounters. These are just a couple of examples among others. Nevertheless, regardless of the source of inspiration, there is always an emotional resonance within me and a strong desire to bring that inspiration to life, to transform it into a song.
WHAT IS NEXT?
At the moment we are working on a new album about the different aspects of pain. It will be darker, heavier and more gloomy than anything we have released so far. We just finished the drum recordings for this album and are now planning the first recording sessions for the bass guitar.
PLEASE TELL US ANY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS SO WE CAN SHARE.
http://eloah.at https://facebook.com/eloahmusicsite