The new year is picking up speed, and February brings a wave of exciting new releases from across the Austrian music landscape. From long-awaited albums and bold EPs to standout singles that set the tone for the months ahead, Austrian artists are starting 2026 with creative confidence and international ambition. This month places a special spotlight on fresh recordings—projects that showcase stylistic diversity, experimentation, and artistic identity.
Alongside these releases, many of the featured artists are taking their new music on the road, presenting it live at international venues, showcase festivals, and key industry gatherings. Austrian Music Export once again highlights the most noteworthy releases of the month, complemented by a select overview of international tour dates and festival appearances worth marking in your calendar. So, while winter is still with us a little while longer, wrap up warm and join us as we explore this month’s AUSTRIAN MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS—a snapshot of the sounds, stories, and new works shaping the year in Austrian music.
Release Radar
d.b.h is a DJ, producer, co-founder o f the legendary Austrian hip-hop crew Total Chaos, part of the DJ supergroup Restless Leg Syndrome, and festival curator. For decades, he has been mixing hip-hop, funk, and oriental grooves, soul, future bass, and everything else that gets people moving on Austrian dance floors. As a passionate vinyl collector and cratedigger, his analog-only sets are not just a means to an end, but tell stories and take listeners on journeys of discovery to faraway places. With Total Chaos, d.b.h has helped shape Austrian hip-hop culture, and with his colleagues DJ Testa and Chrisfader, he is shaking up the current scene as Restless Leg Syndrome.
With his new album “Watching the World from Space” (out February 20th, 2026), d.b.h creates a homage to the legendary German television program Space Night – the audiovisual late-night show that combined breathtaking images of Earth from space with hypnotic soundscapes, guiding an entire generation through the night. d.b.h’s sound brings the cult-like, dubby electronic trip-hop soundtrack of that era into the present, enriched with deep basslines and contemporary textures. What remains unchanged is the downward gaze – at a world full of stillness, beauty, fragility, and its many challenges – accompanied by a soundtrack that translates the weightlessness of night into electronic melancholy.
In 2026, Shake Stew celebrates a major anniversary with the release of an ambitious double album – TEN ONE TWO – released on February 13. The record captures the band’s unmistakable blend of groove-driven energy, stylistic openness and fearless experimentation, while expanding their sonic universe even further. Conceived as both a retrospective and a bold step forward, the double album reflects Shakestew’s evolution over the years—rooted in rhythm, driven by collective interplay, and always pushing beyond genre boundaries. The release will be followed by an extensive tour. The opening night on February 17 at Porgy & Bess in Vienna sold out immediately and so an additional concert has been scheduled for Flex Vienna (April 18) due to high demand. The tour continues on February 18 at Jazzit Salzburg, February 19 at Jazz am Bach in Götzis, February 20 at Treibhaus Innsbruck (free entry) and February 21 at Altes Hallenbad Gallneukirchen. International dates follow with concerts on February 25 at Nubuke in Accra, Ghana, February 26 at +233 in Accra, and March 7 at Savoy Jazzfest in Helsinki. In April, Shakestew returns to Austria for April 17 at Dom im Berg Graz and the already upgraded April 18 show at Flex Vienna—bringing their anniversary celebrations full circle.
With Thunderstealer, Gardens unveil a bold new chapter in their sonic journey. The album is out now and available for streaming on all platforms, capturing the band at their most expansive and self-assured. Blending driving rhythms with atmospheric textures and sharp melodic hooks, Thunderstealer channels raw energy and emotional intensity into a cohesive, forward-looking sound. It’s a record that feels both urgent and immersive—an invitation to turn up the volume and dive in. Catch Gardens on their album release tour as they take their new music to stages in Zagreb, Klagenfurt, Ljubljana and Budapest in February.
Austrian percussionist and composer Manu Delago has created his new collaborative album Deuce, together with American hammered-dulcimer player Max ZT. The pair recorded the album in an old monastery to capture its rich acoustics, and much of the music grew out of recorded improvisations the two had developed over several years before refining the material into the final pieces.
OSKAR HAAG – “Surf Song” (Lullaby Records / Sony // Release date: February 6, 2026)
Four years after “Stargazing” and a meteoric rise to fame, Oskar Haag is back with a bang. His new single “Surf Song” is the first harbinger of the upcoming album “LOST CAUSE” and anything but a quiet comeback. Instead of dreamy indie pop, Haag delivers a rock ‘n’ roll banger with surf vibes, a casually driving beat, and a jingle-jangle guitar that immediately sticks in your head.
“Surf Song” sounds simply arranged, but is maximally effective. Between longing and self-irony, Haag builds up to an urgent appeal for love that sticks. The hooks are spot on, the melody is reminiscent of waves, and the energy is just right. You can hear the born entertainer who has long since proven that he has the stage and the audience under control. After sold-out tours, chart successes, and big stage moments, Haag shows a new, self-confident side with “Surf Song.” It’s a song that will be a contender for “Single of the Year” in 2026 and whets the appetite for what’s to come with “LOST CAUSE.” (Translated from the German original.)
DONNA SAVAGE & SKOFI — “Kim Possible” (Wave Planet Records // Release date: February 6, 2026)
With “Kim Possible,” DONNA SAVAGE & Skofi deliver the perfect soundtrack for nights spent dancing. From the very first second, the new single catapults you into an overheated club where the bass is pounding, the crowd is vibrating, and the energy is palpable. On a bouncing beat by Skyfarmer, the two Viennese German rap artists combine self-confident attitude with a casual flow, reminiscent of the iconic rap love vibes of the Y2K era.
“Kim Possible” is playful, direct, and full of charisma. DONNA SAVAGE and Skofi show how to perform with style, command the stage, and leave no doubt about who’s in charge. Between nostalgia and contemporary sound, the result is a track that immediately sticks in your head and is guaranteed to get the crowd going live. A song that really heats up the cold season. (Translated from the German original.)
HIKEE BIKINI – “TEAMWORK” (BUST-A-MOVE // Release date: January 29, 2026)
Like a whirlwind, Hikee Bikini sweeps into your eardrums with “Teamwork” and makes their thin membranes vibrate: it sounds a bit like Glass Animals, Daft Punk, and Vulfpeck throwing a party together. The fact that the dress code for the single release was “overdressed” is typical of the five-piece group. The certain something that Hikee Bikini brings to the stage is also evident on social media. Conchita Wurst simply commented on one of their Instagram videos with “awesome!”. Thematically, the new single is not, as one might assume, about fulfilling collaboration, but about whispering behind people’s backs: “It’s about gossip, about collective whispering, about this strange hobby of dissecting other people’s hearts together – from a safe distance, of course.” (Translated from the German original.)
AVEC – “SKIN” (JIM BOB RECORDS // Release date: January 30, 2026)
With “SKIN,” AVEC shows a clear, self-critical side of their songwriting. The song revolves around the lingering effects of a relationship that has long since ended but still echoes internally. It’s about bonds that cannot be broken, even though one recognizes their destructive power. AVEC describes this state matter-of-factly and precisely, without pathos, but with palpable consistency. Sonically, “SKIN” combines her characteristic reduction with electronic textures and a driving beat that gives the piece an unexpected lightness. The melancholic core remains, but is carried by confident pop energy. As the first release from a new EP announced for the end of 2026, the track marks a confident outlook on AVEC’s next musical phase. (Translated from the German original.)
ATZUR – “HATE ME” (THE HOLY COW RECORDS // Release date: January 23, 2026)
ATZUR releases “Hate Me,” the final single from their sophomore album “Humble.” The duo formed after a Tinder match, and what has happened since then has already made history. ATZUR’s first album was created during a period of mourning, when Patricia, one half of ATZUR, was coping with the loss of her father. The upcoming album “HUMBLE,” on the other hand, is, among other things, a response to men in the music industry who take themselves too seriously: like their ex-manager, whom the duo recently talked about in an interview with mica. “Hate Me” is the highlight of the second album and is about standing up for yourself: “Don’t let anyone tell you to be humble if it just means being quiet. And if they hate you – then let them. That’s not your problem.” In February, ATZUR will play in Regensburg, Berlin, Hamburg, Graz, Munich, and Vienna. In March, they will play in Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, and Oporto. (Translated from the German original.)
BON JOUR – “GHOST” (MORINOKO // Release date: January 23, 2026)
Following the release of “Artificial Heart” last November, Bon Jour are back with a new danceable single. It combines a driving groove with sensual, energetic vocals: “Ghost” is like dancing with the devil, and his next move is unpredictable. Will he do a pirouette? Will he break out of the rhythm? Anyone who has seen Bon Jour live knows that “Ghost” is the perfect addition to their repertoire for unleashing their unbridled energy on stage. The six-piece band is currently working on their second album and can be seen live this year in Graz (May 29), Salzburg (May 6), Hamburg (May 20), Berlin (May 21), Linz (May 23), and Vienna (May 27). (Translated from the German original.)
To everything tour, tour, tour
Leftovers are hitting the road again — and March 2026 is shaping up to be loud, fast, and unapologetic. Known for their raw energy, sharp lyrics, and explosive live shows, the band is taking their songs to clubs across Germany and beyond. The March (11th to 20th) tour is all about high energy, shouting along, and that unmistakable Leftovers chaos that turns concerts into collective release moments. If you like punk that’s emotional, political, and impossible to ignore, this tour is very much not optional. Catch them in Düsseldorf, Hannover, Leipzig or another city near you. All dates can be found here.
Buntspecht will tour Germany in March 2026, with dates planned in several major cities. The German leg includes stops in Berlin, Hamburg, Köln, Leipzig, and München, bringing their emotionally charged, genre-fluid live shows to both intimate clubs and larger venues. Expect evenings that balance quiet intensity with sudden bursts of collective euphoria — Buntspecht live is as much about atmosphere and connection as it is about the songs themselves.
Joe Traxler heads out in March 2026 for a solid European run of shows. He’s known for blending psychedelic rock, indie and alternative sounds with a warm, introspective vibe and tight live performances. Highlights from his March tour include: March 9 – Prague, Czechia, at Chapeau Rouge, March 10 – Berlin, Germany, at Monarch, March 12 – Poznań, Poland, at Pies Andaluzyjski, March 13 – Warsaw, Poland, at Chmury. These dates form the core of his mid-March run across Central Europe, showcasing his latest material live following recent releases.
Manu Delago is hitting the road in support of his collaborative project with Max ZT around the release of their debut album Deuce, bringing a distinctive blend of handpan and hammered dulcimer to stages across Europe. The tour kicks off in mid-March in Germany, including a stop on March 14 at Jazzclub Tonne in Dresden and a performance on March 19 at Stadtbühne Imst as part of the Deuce Tour leg before moving into the UK. From March 29 in London’s Milton Court through a string of British dates—March 31 in Manchester, April 1 in Leeds, April 2 in Bristol, April 3 in Kendal and April 5 in Stroud—Delago and Max ZT will present richly textured, improvisation-infused performances that highlight their evolving musical dialogue.
Austrian singer-songwriter Pippa Galli, known simply as Pippa, is taking her “Träume auf Zement” tour across Germany and Austria in March and April 2026, bringing her signature blend of danceable electro-pop, experimental sonic textures, and contemplative lyricism to live audiences. The tour kicks off in Dresden at OstPol on March 10 before moving on to Göttingen’s Musa on March 12, a show in Marburg on March 13, and a headline date at Kulturhaus Schwanen in Waiblingen on March 14—where she will present songs from her acclaimed fourth studio album Träume auf Zement. After the March dates in Germany, Pippa returns to Austria for a special concert at Orpheum Graz on April 8, continuing her compelling live journey through thought-provoking pop that combines social reflection with infectious grooves.
Rian is embarking on a high-energy European tour that kicks off in late February 2026, following on from his recent breakthrough with viral hits and a rapidly growing live reputation. The run begins on February 26 in Leipzig at Täubchenthal, and continues with back-to-back shows including Berlin (Feb 27) and Hamburg (Feb 28), showcasing his blend of indie-pop, hip-hop and witty social commentary in front of enthusiastic audiences across Germany and beyond. As March unfolds, Rian brings his dynamic live show to a string of major cities: March 1 in Hannover, March 3 in Augsburg, March 5 and 6 in Munich, March 7 in Erlangen, March 8 in Frankfurt, March 11 in Osnabrück, March 12 in Cologne and March 13 in Stuttgart, before a sold-out March 14 stop in Zürich, Switzerland. Across these dates, audiences can expect Rian’s infectious stage presence, catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics brought to life amid a vibrant live atmosphere—continuing the momentum that has made him one of Austria’s most exciting young performers on the international touring circuit.
especially special
artacts ’26 is the 26th edition of the long-running festival for jazz and improvised music held from March 5–8, 2026 in St. Johann in Tirol, Austria, opening the European spring festival season. Rooted in the traditions of Black Music and free improvisation, the festival celebrates adventurous sound worlds and contemporary musical expression rather than looking back on history. It begins with a biennial photo exhibition reflecting 25 years of artacts and continues with a dynamic programme that ranges from large ensembles like the Sonic Fiction Orchestra to solo performances by artists such as violinist Biliana Voutchkova and fiddler Zosha Warpeha. Commissioned new works—such as one for pianist Ingrid Schmoliner and drummer Martin Brandlmayr—highlight the festival’s commitment to shaping new music, while contributions from international figures like Hans Peter Hiby, Camila Nebbia, Lotte Anker and Dave Rempis add depth and global reach to the lineup.
Austrian composer-performer Katharina Klement has been awarded the 37th Erste Bank Kompositionspreis for 2026 in recognition of her innovative work in composed, improvised, electronic and instrumental music. Born in Graz and based in Vienna, Klement is known for her interdisciplinary projects that often integrate music with text and video, and for her fearless exploration of sound and performance. Her prize composition will be premiered by Klangforum Wien, conducted by Bas Wiegers, on 22 November 2026 during the Wien Modern festival at the Wiener Konzerthaus. The jury praised her genre-crossing creative approach and her deep engagement with acoustic and social realities in her music. The Erste Bank Kompositionspreis, one of Austria’s most prestigious awards in contemporary music, includes multiple performances of the new work and typically a recording, further highlighting Klement’s contribution to contemporary composition.
Arianna Alfreds