From September 5 – 7, 2024, the WAVES VIENNA CONFERENCE, organized by Waves Vienna, mica – music austria and Austrian Music Export, will take place for the 14th time at a variety of locations around Vienna, featuring a wide range of lectures, discussions, and networking events with national and international musicians and music professionals. Buckle up: here is your A-to-Z guide to this year’s Waves Vienna Conference.
Thursday, September 5
09:00 – 10:00
ÖMR Coffee Starter
Ludwig & Adele
This year, the new “Fair Pay Reader” with fee recommendations for freelance musicians was published. Eva-Maria Bauer, president of the Austrian Music Council, will offer a short address on the status of the fair pay process in Austria followed with a discussion over coffee: How do I apply the fee recommendations sensibly? What are YOUR personal experiences? How can we achieve fair wages, fees, and working conditions in the music industry?
Speakers: Eva-Maria Bauer, Sabine Walter
Hosted by Music Starters Network / ÖMR
10:30 – 11:30
Waves Heartbeats Listening Session
Salon Karlsplatz
In the days leading up to Waves Vienna 2024, Austrian Music Export invites some of the international artists, producers and songwriters inovolved with the festival to connect and write songs with their Austrian counterparts in the second edition of the citywide “Waves Heartbeats Camp”. Demos and results from those working days will be presented and shared at a joint listening session.
Moderation: Bettina Schöll
Jury: Lennart Delfs, Änne Wetzel, Christian Sepp, Nuri Nurbachsch
12:00 – 13:15
Feedback Listening Session
Salon Karlsplatz
International music professionals offer constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential. To apply to take part in a feedback listening session, click here.
Jury: Sushil Chhugani, Michael Lambert
13:00 – 14:00
Audience Engagement & Rights Reporting in the Live Arena
Café Museum
From the accuracy of performance rights reporting to merchandise sales and the movement of people: how do you maximize your understanding of audiences; how do you engage them in order to generate a closer relationship and increased revenue? The PMY Group delivers tech stacks to some of the world’s leading festivals and concerts (Glastonbury, British Summer Time, Taylor Swift & Bruce Springsteen at The Principality, Boomtown, End Of The Road, All Points East) as well as designing bespoke data platforms allowing organizations and artists to collate, understand, and manage their audience relationships. Audoo is a multi-award-winning music technology company revolutionizing public performance royalty reporting through improved music recognition data.
Speakers: Oliver Guy Watkins, Ryan Edwards
13:15 – 13:45
Plug In to the Future of Music Marketing with Brainchild Creative Studio
Stadtkino
In today’s saturated music landscape, standing out is harder than ever. At Brainchild, we’ve cracked the code: our innovative approach helps artists cut through the noise and reach their true fans. We’ll guide you in identifying your ideal listeners, developing a magnetic brand presence, and implementing promotional tactics that resonate. Join us to discover how our data-driven, creative solutions can amplify your unique voice. The future of music marketing is here – are you ready to plug in?
Speakers: Dominik Lacziko Succhiatti, Patrik Toth, Tania Bianca, Adam Egei
14:00 – 14:45
Creating a Heterogenous Music Landscape
Stadtkino
The music industry in Western Europe lags behind in many aspects. It is far from reflecting the heterogeneity of the music landscape that actually exists in many cities, and many marginalized groups are severely underrepresented. What does it take to change that? Certain initiatives are trying to establish heterogeneity as the norm with newcomer programs and networking formats. In this panel, representatives from initiatives in Berlin and Vienna will discuss their approaches.
Speakers: Mwita Mataro, Oyèmi Hessou, Tmnit Ghide
13:30 – 15:00
The Cancellation of the Taylor Swift Concerts and the Consequences
Stadtkino
To what extent has the cancellation of the three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna in August due to the threat of a terrorist attack damaged or shaken our social values, the world’s largest music community – the Swifties – and Vienna as a music hub? We will explore the impact on fans, culture, and the city and discuss the long-term consequences such an event could have for social and cultural life.
Speakers: Sarah Moussa, Micòl Gilkarov-Masliah
15:15 – 16:15
EMEE: How to Effectively Strengthen the European Music Ecosystem
Stadtkino
EMEE is a non-profit association of 33 national and regional music export offices from 28 countries. Its mission is to strengthen the European music sector by encouraging musical diversity, visibility, and supporting mobility in and outside Europe. How does EMEE help build a strong, unified European music ecosystem that enables musicians and music professionals to fully realize their creative and economic potential?
Moderation: Tamara Kamińska
Speakers: Virgo Sillamaa; Jean Zuber; Zorica Tepić
17:00 – 18:00
Official Opening
Brunnenpassage
The official opening of Waves Vienna 2024. Join us to toast the start of the 14th edition of the festival and listen to David Arcos from Colombia, our 2024 Guest of Honor.
**Only accessible with Pro, Artist, Conference, or Press Pass**
Moderation: Anastasia Lopez
Speakers: Franz Hergovich, Thomas Heher, Markus Winterer
18:15 – 19:15
The Spanish Wave Reception Fiesta
Delegates Bar @ Wien Station
The Spanish Wave Fiesta will surf Waves Vienna for the first time this year and they’re bringing three live highlights from Spain: Dewel, Mabiit & Montesco will play live sets, presenting a wonderful cross-section of the dynamic Spanish music scene. To add a relaxed Spanish touch to the on-site networking, culinary refreshments from the sunny south will be provided at the Delegates Bar. Coming along is more than obligatory (and we promise we won’t mention that we’re world champions in women’s football). ¡Hasta luego!
18:15 – 19:15
Ticketmaster New Music & Goodlive Artists Austria Present
B72
Ticketmaster and Goodlive Artists Austria once again invite artists, partners and colleagues to enjoy drinks and food in a cozy atmosphere at B72 on Hernalser Gürtel. In the showcase following the reception, the up-and-coming acts Housewife (CA), Automotion (UK), Freak Slug (UK), and Chinchilla (UK) will play for the festival audience. We look forward to welcoming you!
Friday, September 6
Road To Berlin
Our “Road to Berlin” spotlight at Café Museum will take a closer look at interesting cities along the Vienna-Berlin touring route that are definitely worth considering as a tour stop. We invite music professionals from the respective cities to give us insight into their local music scene and business.
Moderation: Marine De Bruyn
10:00 – 10:20
Road to Berlin: Sachsen
Speaker: Christian Sepp
10:20 – 10:40
Road to Berlin: Prague
Speaker: Monika Klementová
10:40 – 11:00
Road to Berlin: Brno
Speaker: Lukas Stara
11:00 – 11:20
Road to Berlin: Berlin
Speaker: Tim Joppien
11:45 – 12:30
IIMW – India International Music Week
Salon Karlsplatz
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets, with a projected growth rate of 19.1% in the music, podcast, and radio segments between 2020 and 2025. Get an understanding of the specific characteristics and opportunities in the Indian market. Featuring a presentation by IIMW (Indian International Music Week), a new gateway that will showcase India to the world and bring the global music community together.
Moderation: Franz Hergovich
Speakers: Sushil Chhugani, Rafael Pereira
12:00 – 13:00
Surviving as a Manager in a Small Market
Stadtkino
Music managers are an important part of the music ecosystem, especially for establishing an international career. However, for artists out of smaller countries and music markets it’s difficult to afford a management and similarily it’s extremely difficult to work and survive as a manager based in a small market. How can you still do it? How can a network like EMMA help?
Moderation: Jessica Partridge
Speakers: Katja Thalerova; Bettina Pammer
Hosted by EMMA
12:00 – 13:30
Meet the German Bands
Café Museum
This session provides an opportunity for international music professionals to meet representatives of the German acts performing at Waves Vienna this year.
Apply below to take part in the speed meeting session on Friday, September 6th at Café Museum (Conference Venue) from 12:00-13:00. If you don’t get a confirmation, you can still come and take over a spot if someone doesn’t show up. The application deadline is September 2nd; please keep in mind that you will need a ticket to the Waves Conference to attend this event!
Application form “Meet the German Bands”
12:15 – 13:15
Upbeat Speed Meeting
Hausbar
This session allows artists from the Upbeat network to meet with international music industry representatives. Apply below to participate in the speed meeting session.
Application form “Upbeat Speed Meeting”
13:15 – 14:15
Guest of Honor: Colombia
Stadtkino
This panel will offer insight into the Colombian music scene and music market. How is the scene structured, what festivals are there, what music styles are popular? We have invited professionals from the industry as well as official representatives.
Speaker: Luis Felipe Rios Ortiz
13:45 – 15:00
Empowering Women – Dynamic Networks and Transformative Projects
Ludwig & Adele
In Austria, women’s networks are driving transformative change through innovative projects. These networks offer support, mentorship, and resources, empowering Austrian women to achieve their personal and professional goals. From leadership development programs to initiatives advocating for women’s rights and safety, these projects are fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Through collaboration and a shared vision, Austria’s women’s networks are not just connecting individuals but are also building stronger communities and creating lasting impact on a national level. This event will present new projects from some of these networks.
Speaker: Tina Ruprechter
A cooperation between MuFA – Music For All and mica – music austria
14:30 – 15:30
Sustainable Artist Development
Stadtkino
Turbocharged capitalism in the music ecosystem and its shortsighted, algorithm-pleasing, shareholder-oriented definition of success have led to an unhealthy environment for artists and music professionals. We need a more enduring, ecologically sustainable business model: can a focus on gradual, healthy growth in artist careers provide a way out? Are we willing to take the associated risks and to invest the necessary time and resources?
Moderation: Misia Furtak
Speakers: Anne Haffmans, Nela Peshovska, Benedikt Heimann
15:00 – 16:00
Who’s the Boss – Artist or Management?
Hausbar
There’s a wide range of possible agreements and understandings of the relationship between artists and managers. What exactly does management do? What mandates does management really need? How can compensation be arranged? What does it take to become a music manager? Impulse statements by experts and a moderation will facilitate the learning on an equal footing in exchange with international colleagues.
Application form “Who’s the Boss?”
Speakers: Franz Hergovich, Annemarie Reisinger-Treiber
15:15 – 16:00
Meet the Managers with EMMA (European Music Managers Alliance)
Ludwig & Adele
Whether you’re a manager, interested in management, or want to find out more about the management sector, join us for a coffee and meet like-minded professionals from across Europe. Share your work, develop new contacts and build your network of peers while finding out more about the work of EMMA and the music management forums across Europe.
13:30 – 14:30
Artist Collab Over Distance – Infosession hosted by Upbeat
Hausbar
Collaborations with musicians and artists of other art forms in different cultures are always thrilling and lead to other creative avenues, inspiring us to push the boundaries of our own creativity – but distance and borders have always presented difficulties when collaborating with like-minded souls on other parts of Planet Earth.
However, long-distance collaborations are now easier than ever before. This session will explore how we do it, looking at innovative projects like “One Giant Leap” and “Playing for Change”. It will also discuss how this might evolve, looking at the current state of multimedia and recording options and considering how they might develop – including a basic explanation of what’s available at the moment and how the tech works.
Speaker: Ian Smith Oyeah
15:45 – 16:45
Music Sponsoring: What Brands Want
Stadtkino
Music sponsorship is a two-way street. The brand or company and the music project enter into a partnership that presupposes shared values and goals. What is the motivation for companies to sponsor in the music segment? What are the expectations and the desired outcome for the company? What is the significance of image transfer and direct sales? What are the dos and don’ts for brands when they are approached by music projects?
Speakers: Alexey Orlov, Sarah Slater
18:15 – 19:15
German Showcase Reception
B72
Come join us and meet the Germans! Initiative Musik and the German pop music funding agencies Musicboard Berlin, popNRW, Pop-Büro – Region Stuttgart, RockCity Hamburg, KREATIVES SACHSEN, and Verband für Popkultur in Bayern invite you to this year’s German reception. Mix and mingle with other music business professionals, then enjoy a set by The Komets.
Saturday, September 7
10:30 – 11:30
French Artist Pitch Breakfast (delegates tour)
SAE Institute
As part of the traditional Waves delegates tour, CNM welcomes delegate to the French artist pitch breakfast at the café/foyer of the SAE Institute. This networking event will allow representatives of the 7 France-based artists playing at the festival to present their projects to key international delegates over good croissants, coffee and juices. To participate, please RSVP to the Waves delegates tour invitation; For further inquiries, contact with Daniel Winkel from CNM’s international team.
Application form: Waves delegates tour
12:00 – 13:00
Slovenian MoMENTs (delegates tour)
Wombats
The Slovenian reception at Waves Vienna has become a tradition, guaranteeing an unforgettable introduction to Slovenian artists and delegates. You will have the chance to meet established representatives of the Slovenian music scene with an excellent Bevog beer in your hand and grab some snacks afterwards. The Slovenian artists at Waves this year are Doro Tomori, kiki and Masaž.
Presented by SKICA, SIGIC, Music Slovenia and MENT Ljubljana.
13:30 – 14:30
Waves @ Vienna Coffee Festival (delegates tour)
St. Marx
In collaboration with the Vienna Coffee Festival, we invite you on a journey through the world of coffee, with an exclusive guided tour of the festival, a tasting of Colombian coffee roasts and of course – a special set of live music.
15:15 – 16:15
ESNS Reception (delegates tour)
Otto Wagner Areal
Austrian Music Export has the pleasure once again this year to present the first Austrian act confirmed for ESNS 2025. ESNS Exchange facilitates the bookings of European acts at festivals outside their home countries and generates extensive media exposure for these artists in cooperation with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), export offices and local media.
Hosted by Austrian Music Export
17:00 – 18:00
XA – Export Award Ceremony
SAE Institute
The XA – Export Award was launched in 2016; find out who this year’s winner will be! (See nominees and showtimes here). After a short live performance by last year’s winner, Bex, the prize will be awarded: support from Austrian Music Export, Radio FM4 and Waves Vienna, €3,500 in prize money from SKE / Austro Mechana, and tour support in the amount of €5,000 from the Austrian cultural ministry, BMKÖS.
Waves Conference Tickets
This year, Bzzzz – the Austrian Music Business Conference and the Waves Vienna Festival & Conference are banding together – a Conference Pass or Pro Pass (festival + conference) gives you access to all panels and workshops from both festivals!
Get tickets to both festivals here