ELOAĦ is a musical project coordinated by Elmar C. Fuchs that began life in 1993. Their latest release in an extensive discography is 2024’s The Book Of Pain. A 17 song set that explores a unique facet of emotional pain, fear, anxiety and related feelings. The result is a transformation into a powerful source of inspiration. Not just a means of artistic expression but what is called “a pathway to transcend and overcome the very states from which they arose.”

Never afraid to embrace and confront emotional struggle, Elmar C Fuchs cast his gaze into the mirror to give some insight into his own band.

THE NEED FOR MUSIC

As the founder, I suppose the first time I truly embraced ELOAĦ was when the concept quietly took shape in 1995. At the time, it was a small and simple singer-songwriter project, drawing on my self-taught guitar playing, classical piano, and vocal background. I vividly remember those early recordings and improvisations, they felt like discovering a completely new way to express myself. That’s when I realized music wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was something I needed. Playing my own songs, whether on piano or guitar, always brought a deep sense of fulfilment. I remember practicing on my first acoustic guitar until my fingers bled. I had to pause and let them heal, but even then, I couldn’t wait to start again.

STYLES

ELOAĦ has never been about fitting into a single mould or adhering to one style. It has always been about the joy of exploration and collaboration. Initially, I imagined it might take the form of a rock band, but as the years passed, it became something broader, a blend of rock, jazz, and spiritual undertones. Each project feels like its own story, distinct yet part of a larger journey, shaped by the incredible musicians I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. Their talent and creativity have enriched the music far beyond anything I could have envisioned alone.

One defining moment came during an improvisation session with my late friend Jörg Horner in the early ’90s. We recorded what would later become part of The Mondstein Chronicles Part 1 on analogue tape. There was an unspoken understanding in that session, a pure exchange of ideas that crystallized what ELOAĦ would later stand for: music as an open dialogue, a means of expressing something beyond words. That early experience stayed with me and continues to guide the way we approach creating music together Inspired by these early experiences, I revisited the same setting in the early 2000s and again with different musicians a few years ago, resulting in the albums The Mondstein Chronicles Parts 2 and 3, respectively.

INSPIRATIONS

The musicians I’ve worked with over the years have inspired me as much as the music itself. They’ve encouraged me to try things I wouldn’t have attempted on my own and have brought their own unique influences and styles into the mix, from rock to jazz and beyond. Projects like The Book Of Pain have taught me to embrace vulnerability, transforming difficult emotions into something meaningful. Similarly, the improvisational spirit of The Mondstein Chronicles has shown me how music can transcend the individual, becoming a shared effort that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Choosing a favourite song feels impossible, as each one carries its own meaning. Still, A Spark Of Darkness from The Book Of Pain holds special significance as a tribute to my late friend Michael Görig, who, in his final years, had started to work on a novel with the same name, which he unfortunately could never finish. On the other hand, We Shall Rise carries a hopeful message about redemption, which I find deeply comforting. Both songs remind me that music can connect us to feelings that are often difficult to express, and through this expression, can help us to transcend them.

FULFILLING MOMENTS

Live performances for ELOAĦ have been rare, given the international nature of our group, but the most fulfilling moments often happen behind the scenes: improvising, composing, and watching ideas take shape together. Working with gifted musicians like Orion Roos, Johan van der Meer, Lila Herderberg, Peter Douwenga, Dominik Mittergradnegger, and Zarja Medved has been a privilege. Their creativity constantly inspires me and reminds me of how fortunate I am to be part of this shared journey.

To me, ELOAĦ is not just a project: it’s a space where ideas and emotions come to life and grow in unexpected ways. If our music resonates with anyone out there, even in a small way, it makes everything worthwhile. To those who have taken the time to listen or connect, thank you. Your presence is deeply valued, and it gives this journey its true meaning. I hope our music can provide a moment of reflection, comfort, joy, or simply a sense of connection.

ELOAĦ online: Website / Facebook

Our thanks to Elmar for his contribution to our Why I Love archive

You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.

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