Waves Vienna
Konferenz & Preisverleihung / Do 2.10. bis Sa 4.10.2025
Waves Vienna
Konferenz & Preisverleihung
2.10. bis 4.10.2025
Das Waves Vienna, eines der führenden Showcase Festivals Europas, feiert vom 2. bis 4. Oktober 2025 seine 15. Ausgabe. Das Festival holt jährlich rund 15.000 Musikfans aus der ganzen Welt nach Wien. Rund 100 Bands werden die Wiener Gürtellokale zum Leben erwecken, während parallel dazu eine abwechslungsreiche Musikkonferenz stattfindet. An drei Tagen werden aktuelle Herausforderungen und Chancen der Musikindustrie diskutiert: von Machtmissbrauch und Fairness über neue Vertriebswege, Sponsoring und Ticketing bis hin zu Fragen von Diversität, internationaler Vernetzung und der Zukunft des Festivals. Der Fokus der diesjährigen Festivalausgabe ist liegt auf Spanien, dessen Musikmarkt und Szene präsentiert und beleuchtet werden.
Das gesamte Programm findet in englischer Sprache statt.
Programm Brunnenpassage
Do 2.10.2025
10-11 Uhr: Breaking the Silence: Abuse of Power in the Music Industry
Power imbalances and their abuse have always seemed inextricably linked to the music industry. The cases that have come to light in recent years are a renewed wake-up call to urgently address these conditions.
This panel deals with strategies to counteract existing and future abuses of power. Therefore, insights from the music industry gained by Ines Fernau (cute concerts) and Sophie Rendl (Frauen:domäne) will be combined with the expertise of Sonja Eismann (author of the book Candy Girls. Sexism in the Music Industry and founder of Missy Magazine). The panel will be moderated by the artist Yasmin Hafedh, aka Yasmo.
Speakers: Ines Fernau (AT), Sophie Rendl (AT), Sonja Eismann (DE)
Moderation: Yasmin Hafedh (AT)
12-13 Uhr: Spotlight Distribution:Understanding Music Distribution: Deals, Partners & Platforms
As part of this year's Spolight on Distribution of the Waves Vienna Conference, we'd like to present distribution channels for music productions, but also discuss problems, risks and opportunities.
Get to know the key players in music distribution – from global majors to independent distributors. What types of deals are out there? How do different distributors work? And what sets them apart?
This Pecha Kucha-style panel brings together national and international voices from both physical and digital distribution to give you a rapid, insightful overview of today’s landscape. Whether you're an artist, label or manager, this session will help you understand how to choose the right partner to get your music out into the world.
Speakers: Torsten Mewes (DE), Hannes Müller (AT), Desiree J. Vach (DE), Peter Gruse (DE), Christoph Enzinger (AT), Tina Koppelin (AT), Simon Semrau (DE), Frank-Peter Leffler (DE), Lisa Riepe (DE)
Moderation: Franz Hergovich (AT)
14-15 Uhr : Focus on Spain – Inside the Spanish Music Scene
This panel offers a deep dive into the diverse and thrilling Spanish music market and scene. What structures define it, which genres thrive, and which festivals and different regional markets shape the cultural landscape? Following an introductory overview of key players and trends, we will explore the potential for international collaboration—highlighting both opportunities and challenges when working with artists, professionals, and institutions across Spain.
Speakers: Camila Anino (ES), Natalia de Jesus (ES), Elena Barroso (ES), TBC
Fr 3.10.2025
10.30-11.30 Uhr: Song Contest, Sound Economy: Chancen für Österreichs Musikszene
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will bring international attention to Vienna – but what does that mean for the domestic music industry? In this panel discussion, experts will discuss economic effects, new career opportunities for artists and the long-term visibility of Austrian music. What potential does this offer for labels, event organisers and creative professionals – and how can the industry use the ESC as a sustainable springboard?
12-13 Uhr: Navigating Visibility: Black Artists in European Music Markets
This panel sheds light on the experiences of Black artists navigating music markets in Europe. From systemic barriers to representation and recognition – what are the realities across countries like the UK and Austria? We’ll discuss challenges, successes, and what structural changes are needed to create a more inclusive and equitable music industry. Hear from artists and professionals shaping the conversation and pushing for visibility and change.
Speakers: Mwita Mataro (AT), Adem Holness (UK), Marlon Burton (UK)
Moderation: Smaranda Krings (AT)
13.30-14.30 Uhr: Shaping Queer Sound: FLINTA* Artists at the Forefront
From hyperpop’s glossy chaos to experimental R’n’B’s intimate textures, from queer techno’s dancefloor politics to the fractured beats of deconstructed club – FLINTA* artists are at the forefront of redefining music’s visual and sonic aesthetics. The Eurovision Song Contest plays a key role in bringing these aesthetics into the spotlight, influencing mainstream pop on a massive scale. This panel explores how identity and lived experience shape sound design and push artistic innovation beyond the mainstream.
Speakers: ÆNGL (AT), Andrea M. Junker (AT), Lara Velasco Davoise (ES)
Moderation: Micòl Didi (AT)
15-16 Uhr: Freedom of Movement for Artists After Brexit
The end of free movement between the UK and the EU has reshaped touring. The 90/180 rule and visa requirements pose major challenges for artists, crews, and promoters. This panel brings together officials from the European Union and the UK alongside music industry representatives to discuss political perspectives, practical obstacles, and possible solutions to secure cultural exchange and sustainable touring across borders.
Samstag 4.10.2025
19.00 Uhr: Preisverleihung Export Award
Live Act: Lucy Dreams
Teilnahme alle Panels & Preisveleihung: day pass, pro pass, conference pass
Teilnahme Panels: day pass, conference pass
Eine Kooperation der Brunnenpassage mit Waves Vienna
Mehr Infos & volles Programm auf www.wavesvienna.com