Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Elmar C. Fuchs of Eloah

 

By Mick Michaels

 




The Cosmick View: Hello, Elmar, and welcome to The Cosmick View/MBM Ten Pounder! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us! 

Elmar C. Fuchs: Thank you for your interest in our music. I am happy to talk to you!

CV: Describe your definition of the band’s sound and style and how does that definition uniquely describe the music?
ECF: That is difficult. Some reviewers have called our music “enjoyably idiosyncratic” and have compared it to StomuYamashta, Jade Warrior, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Vivian Stanshall. In the meantime, we have released a couple of jazzy albums (the “Mondstein Chronicles”), too…which are not covered at all by that definition, and a soft-rock ballade album, which is also an extension to the above described style. And I have heard other definitions as well, including progressive alternative singer/songwriter rock, which, in my opinion, is only partly true and might be (and has been) considered incorrect by some listeners.

CV: Today, everyone talks about artist and audience connection. Is such a level of connection actually achievable for an artist and if so, how have you made the connection to your fans?
ECF: In my opinion, any real connection with the fans can only be established when you play live, not via social media. In our current formation, we have not played live yet, although all the musicians in the band play live with other acts regularly. From my personal experience, a connection with the audience is possible and desirable, and I have enjoyed it both on stage and as a fan attending concerts of other bands. In both cases, being the artist and being the fan, it is what I remember most vividly about these concerts.

CV: Is fan interaction an important part of the band’s inner culture?
ECF: Presence and interaction on social media is to some extent necessary these days in order to keep in contact with the fans. We try not to exaggerate that, since the music should be the most important interaction with the fans.

CV: Can a band truly interact with its fans and still maintain a level of personal privacy without crossing the line and giving up their “personal space” in your opinion?
ECF: Yes, a band can do that. The “truest” interaction of a band with their fans is and should always be their music, this is why they are a band, this is why there are fans, and this is what the whole interaction should be all about. Anything else is optional, thus there is no need to give up personal space for a true interaction.

CV: Is music, and its value, viewed differently around the world in your opinion?  If so, what do you see as the biggest difference in such multiple views among various cultures?

ECF: That is very difficult to answer and I am not an expert in how different cultures value music. To the best of my knowledge, there has not been any recorded human culture that completely lacks music in some form. Music is a universal aspect of human expression, and it has been found in all known cultures throughout history, albeit with significant variations in styles, instruments, and cultural significance.

CV: Do you feel that a band that has an international appeal, will tend to connect more so to American audiences? Would they be more enticed or intrigued to see the band over indigenous acts because of the foreign flavor?
ECF: There is an old saying: “nemo propheta in patria sua”, meaning literally that “no man is a prophet in his own land”. In my opinion, there is some wisdom in these words, and they are to some part true for musicians as well - not only in the United States, but anywhere.

CV: Has modern-day digital technology made everyone an artist on some level in your opinion? Have the actual lines of what really is an artist been blurred?
ECF: At its core, art is a means through which individuals can express their ideas, emotions, and experiences, and it often serves as a reflection of the cultural, social, and historical context in which it is created. It allows artists to explore and communicate complex concepts, challenge conventions, provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire imagination. However, I don’t think the possibility to record music makes you a musician anymore than owning a piece of paper and some colors makes you a painter. So my answer is both yes and no – probably, everybody can be an artist, but it has little to do with modern day digital technology.

CV: How would you describe the difference between an artist who follows trends and one who sets them?
ECF: The key distinction between the two lies in their relationship to the broader artistic landscape. Artists who follow trends tend to be more responsive and reactive, adapting their music to fit within the existing framework or style. They may find success by capitalizing on popular tastes, but their work can be considered derivative or lacking in originality.In contrast, artists who set trends (which is, in my opinion, a much more difficult task) are proactive and seek to redefine or challenge established norms. They often introduce new concepts, styles, or sounds that can inspire and influence other artists, shaping the direction of artistic discourse and development.

Their work may be seen as groundbreaking, visionary, or transformative, and in the best case they may have a lasting impact on the musical movements or periods that follow. It should be noted that the distinction between trend-following and trend-setting is not always clear-cut. In my opinion, many artists may fall somewhere along the spectrum between the two.

CV: Has music overall been splintered into too many sub-genres in an effort to appease fan tastes in your opinion? And has such fan appeasements, in actuality, weakened music’s impact as a whole by dividing audiences?
ECF: It is indeed interesting that for many people it is very important to classify music to fit some (sub-)genre. While such classifications may make it easier for audiences to find new artists they might like, it is never guaranteed – if I like thrash metal in general (and I do), it does not mean that I like every band playing thrash metal (and I really don’t), and that does not even necessarily have to do with a band’s skills – it can be simply about personal taste. On the other hand, I don’t think that the invention of sub-genres has divided audiences – who says that I am not allowed to like classic rock just because I like thrash metal as well? In the end, it is always about the music, about the band – not about the genre.

CV: What can fans expect to see coming next from Eloah?
ECF: We are currently working on an hard rock / metal album about the different aspects of experiencing pain – so something very different from our latest album “proud to love you”, which is a collection of love inspired ballads. With these new songs we will perhaps also play a few gigs, but that is not certain yet and depends on our individual schedules, since we are all playing in other bands as well and/or have other jobs.

CV: Thanks again Elmar for taking some time and talking. It is greatly appreciated.
ECF: Thank you for your interest in our music, it is highly appreciated and it has been a pleasure talking to you!

Check out Eloah at:
Official: http://eloah.at/
Song link: https://song.link/ProudToLoveYou
Album link: https://album.link/ms1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eloahmusicsite/

 

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word.  Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.

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