Iain Gart

Iain Gart, also known as Hans Jr. Gross, is a German composer, songwriter, singer and producer based in Basel. In addition to his works, the artist also creates and produces music videos.

When asked about his source of inspiration, the artist replies:

“Best inspiration is life itself; human beings with their life stories und their experience, including the one gained in the colourful world of flora and fauna.“

With his works, Iain Gart intends to help people, make the audience contemplate and generate a positive attitude.

In his first song written in German, “Hand in Hand“, he outlines ways how one can stand up after a heavy blow and find back to love. In “Miracle”, originally the application song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 of the German public TV channel ARD, the artist processes his mother’s loss of sight. He points out that independently of their origin, status and possible disability, all humans are entitled to feel like a wonder of nature.

In “Welcome to South Africa” the artist tackles the issue of racism. The song revolves around the well-known and yet ignored fact that the African continent is the cradle of humankind and that basically all humans are part of one big family. The distinctive song features two different major keys blended with African music sounds. This song gained the artist an international contract with the world’s biggest music publisher Universal Production Music.

Along with three other songs from the Public Domain, this piece made it to Universal’s title list for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa and is currently to be found in Universal Production Music’s compilation “Mixed Pickles Vol. 4 I Ethno“.

Style

The artist does not limit himself to a particular style. He considers himself to be an all-round composer who tries to stay in touch with the past, the present and the future.

On the one hand, Iain Gart has developed his own style in German pop music, which shows several characteristic features, most noticeable of which is the legato articulation. The vocal nuances evoke performances by two-time Grammy Award-winner James Imgram.

On the other hand, he dedicates himself to English pop and rock songs, his own instrumental style with a focus on electric piano music, and the electro/dance genre. His first song in the latter genre, "Variety Of Colours" was released in April 2023.

Additional Works

Inspired by the piece titled “Tavern Of The Dead” by Mikha, the artist created melodies to complement existing lyrics. This collaboration extended to other songs such as “My Life”, “Near And Far”, and “Dance With Me”. The lyricist, known for their professional work as a creative translator of nature documentaries and more, joined forces with the artist in these musical endeavors.

In charge of arranging the compositions is the producer and arranger Yann Rouiller, whose recent work includes the albums “Tattooed On My Brain“ and “Surviving The Law“ by the internationally renowned hard rock band Nazareth.