Tony Elieh is a pioneering Lebanese musician and bassist known for his dynamic presence in the experimental and alternative music scenes. Originally a founding member of Lebanon’s first post-rock band, Scrambled Eggs, Elieh expanded his artistry into experimental improvisation, blending elements of noise, rock, and electronic music.
His versatile approach to the bass guitar often incorporates unconventional techniques, creating layered soundscapes and textures that push sonic boundaries.
Elieh has collaborated with numerous artists across disciplines, from visual art to contemporary composition, and his work often explores themes of memory, identity, and the interplay between sound and space. Performing both as a solo artist and with various ensembles, he has showcased his music at prominent international festivals.
Elieh plays at this year’s KONTAKTE — Festival for Electroacoustic Music and Sound Art at Akademie der Künste / 26—29.6.2025.
Facts
1-Integration abolishes diversity
2-Remember not to be silent
3-Individualism is the enemy
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Other musicians, unconventional form of arts, landscapes, architecture, politics and nature.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I was fascinated in music since I was 5 years old, and I knew back then, that, that’s what I want to pursue in life. I started my first lessons and band at the age of 17.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
L’Histoire De Melody Nelsson – Serge Gainsbourg
Hawa Sultan – George Wassouf
Ravvivando – Faust
Meridian Brothers – Mi Latinoamerica Sufre
Terry Riley – In C
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
With the free improvisation scene and it’s diversity.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Tiergarten.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I don’t believe humanity would exist without music.
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
Das B – Love.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I am always open to all kind of collaborations.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
As a performer – Wormholes Electric at Villa Elizabeth 2015
As a spectator – ONCEIM Orchestra
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
I am not depending that much on technology in my creative process, even though I use it sometimes, but yet it’s not my initial tool of use.
11. What can we expect from your performance at KONTAKTE festival?
Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
