From the first note of Elektraum’s music, you’re drawn into a world where deep basslines, dreamy melodies and ancient roots collide. Based in Paris but shaped by sounds from across the Mediterranean, Elektraum blends electronic energy with traditional oud. We spoke to Emmanuel Chehab about his creative process, cultural background, and the inner travels that inspire his sound.
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Introduction
What does the name ‘Elektraum’ mean?
Elektraum is a combination of “Electronica” and the German word “Traum,” meaning dream. It reflects both sides of my music: a strong electronic bass and dreamy, ethereal melodies that take you on a mental journey. So the name fits the concept pretty good.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard you before?
That’s always tricky, my music doesn’t fit the boxes very well. I always find it hard to describe it myself, but it’s a blend of experimental music, psychedelic rock, French dub, trip-hop, electronic textures, and Arabic/Turkish influences. I wanted to try something new, to navigate between all these musical styles without falling into one genre in particular. But I don’t see it as “fusion” in the traditional sense. It’s not about mixing genres for the sake of it, it’s more a personal process. I absorb different sounds and they come out naturally in what I make. It’s deeply tied to my identity and how I move through the world.
What are your songs about?
There’s always a story behind each track. My last album, Inward, is a concept album that explores the theme ‘Elsewhere’. It’s about stress, escapism, falling in love, and transformation. It follows an emotional arc, like a journey through unfamiliar landscapes, both real and internal. I often travel solo, and that sense of drifting and discovery shapes how I write. The idea is that you leave, not exactly knowing where you are going, you meet different people, change, and come back with something new inside you.
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Roots
How did the Arabic and Turkish influences enter your sound?
I originally played guitar but felt uninspired at some point. Then I stumbled upon a recording by Anouar Brahem, a Tunisian oud player. That one moment changed everything, I instantly fell in love with the sound of the oud. I started studying it seriously, first in Paris and then in Crete, learning from master players. And because it’s a small world of oud players, you can easily connect to many professionals. Next to that I also have some Berber-Algerian roots in my family. So it’s been both a musical and personal journey.
Which elements in your music feel sacred and which ones do you enjoy reinventing?
I attach the utmost importance to sound quality, whether in the sound of my instruments or in the mix. I love doing musical research, so if the sound of the oud no longer resembles the sound of the “traditional” oud at the end of this research, that’s fine. As long as I like it and the whole thing remains energetic. I don’t shy away from breaking codes, on the contrary.
Your style doesn’t directly reflect your heritage, yet it feels very rooted. Which artists, genres or scenes have shaped your musical identity?
I was shaped early on by ’60s and ’70s rock, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix. Later I studied oud with masters from Arabic and Turkish traditions, which deeply influenced my playing. I also spent years in the French dub scene, which taught me about rhythm, effects, and atmosphere. Those elements: rock energy, oud melodies, and dub textures all come together in my sound.
Earlier you mentioned your music is not fusion. What do you mean by that?
Fusion implies blending distinct genres in a recognizable way, like “metal + funk” or “jazz + techno.” You have two typical aspects and that’s not what I do. I let my influences live in me and come out in their own way. I see music as something you “digest”. You listen, absorb, reflect, and eventually create something that’s uniquely yours. When I hear friends’ music, I can sense their personality in every note. That’s what I aim for. I want to discover something new. When I am composing I never know where I am going, and suddenly I think ‘Wow! This is cool.’ and then it becomes a song.
How do you write your songs?
It’s a mix of things. Sometimes it starts with a rhythm, even something unusual like 7/8 and I build from there by adding bass and dreaming along. Other times I’m just walking and humming a melody to myself. I might also be inspired by another artist or a sound that sparks something. It’s never the same process. But I usually work alone at first, composing everything myself. Then I invite other musicians like my bass player or a drummer to add live energy to the studio recordings.
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Live
What do you want people to feel during a live show?
I want them to disconnect from the everyday and enter a trance-like state. That’s why the bass is so important it grounds people, while the melodies take them elsewhere. I love it when people think I’ve only been on stage for 20 minutes, and I tell them it’s been nearly an hour. That’s when I know they’ve really traveled with the music.
What does your live setup look like?
It varies. I can perform solo with machines, effects, oud, and vocals or I can bring in my bass player and sometimes a drummer. I like having the flexibility to adapt to the venue and vibe. When the show gets bigger, it’s more fun with a band. It creates more energy and interaction.
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Inspires
What’s next for Elektraum?
I’ve been working on a new set of tracks probably releasing an EP around September. At the same time, I’m building a new live set. I used to perform with four musicians, but now it’s mostly just me and my bass player, which makes it easier to tour. We’re taking things step by step, but with more focus and strategy than before.