Greetings, we are ELOAĦ, a rock band driven by the singer/songwriter spirit.
A song that made you want to make music?
There is not a single song that did that, at least for me. I have been making music as long as I can remember. My earliest memories go back to singing in kindergarten, and I started composing the moment I started taking classical piano lessons (at the age of 8) – so there is not really one special song that kindled that desire, it has always been there.
Best rider you’ve had?
We have not toured in the present line-up yet, so unfortunately I cannot answer that question.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
Well, that depends on your definition of crazy. One of the most intriguing experiences were the recording sessions for the Mondstein albums. Throughout these sessions, we never discussed what we would play or the genre of music. However, during the third part’s session, at a certain moment of natural pause, I jokingly suggested, “Let’s play tango.” Surprisingly, our drummer, Johan van der Meer, responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Tango? Alright!” He immediately started playing a tango rhythm on the drums. I quickly joined in with a simple melody on the piano, and our then-singer, Adam D. Wexler, began vocalizing and singing along with that theme. As a result, we spontaneously performed and recorded a tango, which we eventually released under the title “A Dance of Love.” It was quite astonishing because everything unfolded spontaneously, completely unexpected, and remarkably worked out in the end.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
I guess this is a matter of taste. Some lyrics on the “Wood & Bone” album are deep in the sense that they are deeply philosophical and sometimes contain a double entendre, and most of lyrics on the “Proud to Love You.” album are deep in the sense that they are deeply emotional and honest. If you define “deepest” as the one that moves you, touches you most intensely, I would guess that from all the songs we have released so far, for me personally it is the song Caterpillar. Its lyrics are very simple, almost naïve, but for me they have meaning on many different levels, so whereas they might seem superficial on the first glance (or for somebody else), for me, they are the opposite.
Easiest song you wrote?
If song writing was not easy in the sense that it would happen naturally, I would not do it. I have tried to write a song “on command”, and I admire musicians that can do that – I do not count myself among those, though. Songs “happen” to me, and when that is the case, it is always “easy” in the sense that I just need to play and practice them. Of course, there are songs that are technically more or less challenging, but again, I don’t think there is an “easiest” song that I ever wrote. However, there might be an exception: the song “chocolate covered bear”: Here I just recorded the licks and asked Adam D. Wexler to improvise lyrics – which he did splendidly. But then again, “chocolate covered bear” is not a typical song of ELOAĦ.
Favourite song in your set?
We are working on a live set at the moment. With my previous line-up, my favourite song was “sweet little witch” from our first album, “just blood” – and that was a feeling shared by all band members back then.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
I am happy that Jurjen Tichelaar, singer of the Dutch heavy metal band Metalbats (formerly known as Vortex), has already agreed to feature on our next record, and I look very much forward to working with him.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Being in a band presents challenges for musicians, including creative differences, collaborative decision-making, communication and interpersonal dynamics, commitment and scheduling conflicts, and financial struggles. Balancing diverse musical visions, reaching consensus, maintaining effective communication, juggling individual commitments, and managing finances can be demanding. However, the rewards of creating music, performing live, and connecting with an audience make these challenges worthwhile, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong relationships, mutual respect, and open communication within the band.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
All of our members have interesting facts to share, most importantly that they are all playing successfully in other bands, our drummer Johan van der Meer earns his money with his own drumming school (https://www.dedrummerij.nl/ ); our guitarist Orion Roos and our bass player Peter Douwenga play with the melodic rock band MAESTRO (https://www.bandmaestro.com/); Orion also plays with heavy metal band Metalbats (formally known as Vortex); our female vocalist Lila Herderberg plays with the Latin-American trio LiLa y Geckos (http://www.lilageckomusic.info/ ), just to name a few.
Jokes you have in the band?
Oh yes – but you would have to be there to get them.
Key to writing a song?
Inspiration. Inspiration plays a crucial role in the songwriting process, and we typically follow two methods to write songs. The first approach involves waiting for inspiration to strike, patiently anticipating that spark of creativity that leads to a new song. This method relies on the organic flow of ideas and emotions, allowing me to tap into my inner muse and create something unique. The second method involves collective improvisation, where band members come together and spontaneously generate musical ideas. Even in this collaborative setting, inspiration remains essential, as it drives the creative energy and guides the improvisational process. Whether individually or collectively, the presence of inspiration fuels the songwriting journey, igniting the passion, emotions, and ideas that ultimately shape the music we create.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
In the current setting we have not played live yet.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
The level of inspiration varies among band members, as each individual has their own unique experiences and influences. Speaking from a personal perspective, I have found the Dutch chansonnier Herman van Veen to be the most inspiring musician I have encountered. Van Veen is a remarkable artist, possessing exceptional skills as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer. His ability to deliver a flawless performance, accompanied by impeccable sound quality and captivating showmanship, is truly awe-inspiring. Encountering such a perfect blend of talent and artistry has been a rare and memorable experience for me.
New band you’d recommend?
MAESTRO, a fantastic melodic-metal / AOR band from Groningen (https://www.bandmaestro.com/ ).
Opening for this band would be ideal?
If it would not mean double work for both our bass player and our guitar player (and it would!), I would again choose MAESTRO to be this band.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Based on the positive reception and enthusiastic response to our latest album, it is likely that the United Kingdom would be our preferred choice. This is because a significant number of our music streams and downloads have come from British fans. Therefore, if the question of our preferred destination arises, the UK would be my top selection.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“If a Chocolate Covered Bear can be saved by Jesus, maybe I can, too!” (A.D. Wexler, song: “Chocolate Covered Bear”, album “The Art of Loving.” – https://youtu.be/GJ6r-9gYMA4 )
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
Our recent release is entitled “Proud to Love You.”, since it is a collection of ballades and love songs.
See us live at?
Nowhere at the moment, we are busy in the studio again right now…
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Well, every time has its advantages and disadvantages. The perception of whether the old days of music were better than the current ones is highly subjective. While some individuals may argue that the past era of music held a certain charm or nostalgia due to the fact that there was no internet, no downloads, and it was easier to have an overview about your favouite genre, others might appreciate the evolution and diversity of contemporary music as well as the easier access to it. The “better” aspect often stems from personal taste, sentimental connections, or a preference for specific genres or artists from a particular time period. It’s important to recognize that each era of music has its own unique qualities and contributions, and what one person considers better, another may not. Ultimately, music is a deeply personal and subjective experience, and the enjoyment derived from it transcends time and generations.
Unusual merchandise?
I don’t know if you can call it “unusual”, but we do sell old-fashioned buttons to pin on your jeans jacket (or any other clothes).
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
We have been re-recording many songs from our “demo” time, songs that were never properly produced, which is a very satisfying thing to do, since in the end the song finally sounds the way it always did in your fantasy.
What do your fans mean to you?
Our fans hold great significance for us. In general, we create the music we do because it brings us personal enjoyment, but every individual who experiences even a single moment of joy due to one of our songs enriches our lives.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
No, thank god, none so far.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
In all our live experiences with previous line-ups we have never been late for our own show, so I cannot answer that question.
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
If I were to envision a zoo animal that embodies the personality of ELOAĦ, the band, a lion immediately comes to mind. Lions are renowned for their authoritative presence, strength, and impassioned nature. They exude a unique aura of leadership and creativity, perfectly aligned with our vision of a singer/songwriter-driven approach in the band. Similar to lions, we aspire to possess a fierce and captivating stage presence, striving to captivate audiences with our music. The lion symbolizes a potent and expressive essence, reflecting our artistic spirit and commanding performances that we aim to deliver.