Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
Elmar: ELOAĦ is an experimental, eclectic fusion of rock, jazz, and new age music, 
deeply rooted in personal and collective emotions. We aim to bring listeners on a journey, blending diverse genres to create something unique and unexpected.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc. What is the band’s lineup?
Elmar: I’m Elmar, and I started ELOAĦ in 1995 as a singer-songwriter project. My musical journey began with classical piano and singing, eventually branching into rock and heavy music as well as singer-songwriter genres. ELOAĦ’s lineup is dynamic and includes talented musicians like Orion Roos on electric guitar, Peter Douwenga on bass, and Lila Herderberg on vocals, Johan van der Meer on drums and percussion, Dominik Mittergradnegger on saxophone, and Zarja Medved on viola.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
Elmar: My personal influences range from Savatage to Herman van Veen, spanning rock, classical, and new age. Inspiration comes unpredictably, often in moments of improvisation, where emotions are given a musical form. ELOAĦ’s music explores a spectrum of emotions, from joy and ecstasy to pain and introspection. Every other musician in our band has different influences, of course.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
Elmar: I aspire to continue creating music that resonates on a deep emotional level,
exploring new genres and themes, and staying true to our eclectic style. It’s about creating music that moves both us and our listeners.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
Elmar: One proud moment was holding our latest album, The Book of Pain, knowing it encapsulates so much of what we’ve aimed to convey in our music. The journey from creating to recording and finally sharing it is incredibly fulfilling.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
Elmar: Promotion can indeed be challenging. Our focus remains on making music that feels authentic and sharing it through our website and social media channels. We’re not competing with anyone; we’re simply creating and sharing what we love.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
Elmar: ELOAĦ doesn’t tour traditionally, as all members have different commitments and often perform in other bands. We adapt our performances based on availability, 
making each show unique. For now, we’re focusing on studio work rather than live performances.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
Elmar: Streaming and downloading make music accessible, but I believe music’s value deserves greater recognition. A fairer compensation model would be ideal, reflecting the effort and artistry behind each piece.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
Elmar: While I admire many songs, I don’t necessarily wish I had written them. Each artist’s work is their unique expression, and I focus on creating music that’s authentically ours.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
Elmar: I would raise the perceived value of music, possibly by increasing the prices for streaming and downloads. Music is more than a product; it’s an emotional experience
that should be valued.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
Elmar: We’re busy recording a gospel/rap pop album which we aim to finish by the end of 2025.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online, have you any Social Media links that you can share?
Elmar: You can find everything on our website, http://eloah.at. We’re also on Facebook at facebook.com/eloahmusicsite and YouTube at youtube.com/ElmarCFuchs
Eloah links:
Band/Artist location – Leeuwarden, NL
Website – Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp – Reverbnation –
Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer – Songlink – Last Fm –
Check our page for Eloah
