Artist Spotlight ~ ELOAH

Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on Eloah.

ELOAĦ is an experimental and eclectic music project founded in 1995 by Elmar C. Fuchs. Initially starting as a singer-songwriter endeavour, ELOAĦ has evolved into a collaborative project featuring musicians from across Europe. The band’s music blends elements of rock, jazz, new age, and classical influences, creating a deeply emotional and idiosyncratic sound. Each song is crafted to explore and express intense feelings, offering listeners a unique and personal musical journey.

The current lineup includes Elmar C. Fuchs (vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards), Orion Roos (electric guitar), Peter Douwenga (bass), Johan van der Meer (drums and percussion), Lila Herderberg (vocals), Dominik Mittergradnegger (saxophone), and Zarja Medved (viola). Together, we focus on creating music that resonates deeply, emphasizing emotional honesty and authenticity. Our latest album, The Book of Pain, is a deeply personal exploration of themes such as grief, resilience, and hope.

ELOAĦ strives to maintain a strong commitment to artistic integrity by staying true to our creative vision and emotional authenticity. Our music reflects genuine feelings and personal experiences, blending rock, jazz, new age, and classical influences without conforming to commercial trends or industry expectations. By embracing genre fluidity and fostering collaborative creativity among our diverse members, ELOAĦ prioritizes emotional resonance and authenticity, crafting music that deeply connects with listeners while preserving their unique artistic identity.

We sat down with Elmar C. Fuchs for a short, but fun Q&A session.

Every superhero or villain has an origin and a band is no different minus the radioactive spiders and secret government experiments. What is the origin of (insert band name) If this is a singer and not a band, tell us the origin of how you got into music?

ELOAĦ originated in 1995 as a deeply personal project for me, starting as a simple singer-songwriter endeavor. At the time, I was exploring my love for music through classical piano and singing, as well as experimenting with guitar. Over the years, it evolved from a solo project into a collaborative effort, bringing in talented musicians from different countries and backgrounds. Each of these collaborations added layers of richness and diversity to our sound, shaping ELOAĦ into the unique and eclectic project it is today. It has always been driven by a passion for authentic expression and musical exploration.

Band names can have a meaning or it can be a name pulled out of a hat. What’s the story behind ELOAĦ?

The name “ELOAĦ” was chosen almost by accident during our early recording sessions when the studio needed a name for the project. At the time, I was reading about biblical and apocryphal texts and came across the word “eloah,” which translates loosely to “comes from above.” It resonated with me because inspiration often feels like it’s coming from somewhere beyond ourselves. To make the name unique, and as a nod to my physics background, I replaced the “h” with “ħ,” the symbol for the reduced Planck constant. For me, this name symbolizes the intersection of creativity and science, two of the biggest passions in my life.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m immersed in a couple of exciting projects. We recently released our latest album, The Book of Pain, and I’m thrilled to see the LP version nearing completion. At the same time, we’re working on a new album that leans into gospel, spiritual hymns and jazz influences, exploring fresh musical territories that we’ve never ventured into before. It’s challenging yet incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to share this new dimension of our music with the world.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

My first celebrity admiration was for Herman van Veen, an artist whose work has profoundly influenced me over the years. As a musician, singer-songwriter, and actor, he has an extraordinary ability to blend technical mastery with deep emotional expression. His performances are magical, often combining music, storytelling, and humour in a way that captivates and moves the audience. I had the privilege of attending many of his concerts, and the atmosphere he creates was always transformative – it felt like a deep connection between him and every person in the room. His artistry has inspired me not only in my approach to music but also in how I think about performance as a medium to evoke and share emotions. To this day, he remains a creative hero of mine.

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

My favourite cartoon growing up was The Adventures of the Mouse on Mars, a series of five minutes episodes originally created in 1976. What made it so unique and memorable was that the adventures were actually written by children, infusing the stories with a remarkable level of imagination and creativity. The vibrant, colourful plots were packed with whimsical ideas, clever problem-solving, and an inspiring sense of limitless possibility. Watching the mouse explore the Martian landscape, tackle extraordinary challenges, and interact with quirky characters was both entertaining and deeply inspiring. In fact, the cartoon left such an impression on me that we’ve written a song about it, which will be featured on our next album.

Are you a good cook? What’s your best dish to prepare?

Yes, I’d say I’m a good cook, at least judging by the feedback I receive from those who enjoy the meals I prepare. I regularly cook for my wife and our two sons, and I take great pride in creating dishes that everyone loves. My cooking covers a variety of cuisines, from traditional Austrian recipes to Italian and Chinese dishes. My favourite dish to prepare is lasagna, it’s a family & friends favourite and allows me to get creative with layering rich and delicious flavours. For me, cooking is not just a practical skill but also a way to unwind and connect with my family and friends.