Hubert von Goisern und Die Alpinkatzen

Hubert Achleitner, widely recognized under the stage name Hubert von Goisern, first gained widespread attention as an activist, composer, and performer through signature tracks such as “Heast as Nit,” “Koa Hiatamadl,” and “Weit, Weit Weg” while fronting Die Alpinkatzen. Born and raised in Austria, he acquired proficiency on guitar, trumpet, and accordion during childhood. After residing in South Africa and Toronto for an extended period, he returned to his native country in his late twenties to launch a professional music career, establishing Die Alpinkatzen alongside Wolfgang Staribacher in 1986. The ensemble fused synth-driven Europop with longstanding Austrian folk traditions, yodeling foremost among them, and quickly attained massive popularity across Germany and Austria. Their follow-up release, the 1992 album Aufgeigen Stått Niederschiassen', propelled the band into broad commercial visibility and remains their most lasting achievement; one additional record, Omunduntn, appeared before the group disbanded in late 1994.

Throughout the ensuing decade von Goisern pursued an array of musical and non-musical endeavors. In the same year the band dissolved he made his screen debut, portraying the lead in the television film Holleisengretl. Subsequent work encompassed both acting roles and behind-the-camera scoring for multiple productions. Activism also occupied a central place in his activities. After developing an interest in the Save Tibet foundation, he journeyed to Tibet with Tsen Zochbauer in 1995—an experience that ignited a sustained engagement with the region and later led him to arrange a special visit to Austria for the Dalai Lama. He likewise voiced public criticism of the domestic music business.

Amid these commitments von Goisern maintained an active recording schedule. His debut solo album, Fön, appeared in 2000, achieved strong chart placement, and enabled sold-out performances throughout Central Europe. The traditional Austrian folk collection Trad followed, earning him an Amadeus Award in 2001. Trad II surfaced two years afterward, after which von Goisern concentrated primarily on touring and advocacy initiatives.