Interview: Eloaћ (Written – 2024)

Progressive and experimental rockers, Eloaћ recently released their new album, ‘The Book of Pain’. In this interview, we find out a little bit more about it and the band overall.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Hi! I’m Elmar, the founder of ELOAĦ. I began this project in 1995, initially as a singer-songwriter endeavor. My musical journey began with classical piano and singing, which later expanded into rock, heavy music, and other genres. Over time, ELOAĦ has evolved from a solo project into a collaborative effort, involving a talented and dynamic group of musicians who each bring their own style and energy to our music.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

ELOAĦ’s music is an experimental fusion of rock, jazz, and new age, with influences from various genres. Our sound is eclectic, creating an emotional journey that blends elements to form something distinct and idiosyncratic. We strive to make each piece a unique experience, exploring different moods and ideas that engage listeners on multiple levels.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

We recently released our album The Book of Pain and are now working on its LP version. Additionally, we’re recording a new project focusing on gospels and hymns, with a jazzy twist, which we expect to complete by the end of 2025. This album will bring something fresh and surprising, as we continue pushing the boundaries of our sound.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

One of the proudest moments was holding The Book of Pain album in my hands, realizing it embodies so much of what we aim to express musically. Completing it from creation to sharing has been incredibly fulfilling. Each song on the album represents a part of our journey, making it a deeply personal milestone.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Navigating the digital landscape while staying true to our unique sound has been challenging. The industry is saturated, making it hard to stand out, especially as we aim to create something genuine rather than formulaic. By focusing on authenticity, we try to balance our acoustic adventures with preserving the essence of our music.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

We focus on authenticity rather than competition, using our website and social media to share our work. We’re committed to making music that feels true to us, rather than chasing trends or measuring success solely by online metrics. Instead of getting caught up in numbers, we prioritize creating content that reflects our passion and connects with real listeners.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

The devaluation of music through low streaming and download prices is frustrating, as it doesn’t reflect the artistry and effort behind each piece. Music has intrinsic emotional value, and I believe a fairer compensation model is essential to recognize the artistry behind each piece. Supporting artists through better pricing could elevate the value of music beyond just being a commodity.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

We encourage listeners to explore our music on our website and, if it resonates, to purchase or stream it to help sustain our projects. Each listen and share means a lot to us, as it shows genuine interest and support. When fans actively engage, it fuels our motivation to keep creating and innovating.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I manage research projects, teach physics, and enjoy Japanese martial arts like Kendo and Iaido. These activities offer intellectual and physical challenges that inspire my creativity. They provide a balance to the artistic side, keeping my mind and body engaged in different ways.

10. Where can people find you?

You can find us on our website eloah.at, on Facebook at facebook.com/eloahmusicsite, and on YouTube at youtube.com/ElmarCFuchs. We update these platforms regularly, so following us is a great way to stay in touch with our latest releases and projects.