Austrian Music Export and Waves Vienna are pleased to announce the nominees for this year’s XA Export Award. Since 2017, the XA Award has celebrated Austrian artists ready to take the next step beyond Austria and onto the world stage. The XA Award has the aim of supporting Austrian artists in launching an international career. The nominees will perform during the festival, happening this year from October 1-3, 2026, and an international jury will select the best performance.
Ready for the XA 2026 nominees? Then, without further ado…
The 2026 XA nominees:
AKI TRAAR
Aki Traar is a Vienna-based Austrian musician, producer and composer whose work moves fluidly between indie rock, deconstructed club music and experimental sound design. Alongside his solo releases, he has composed music for film and major theatre productions, including works for the Burgtheater, Volkstheater and the Salzburg Festival. His acclaimed 2025 album Hound combines intimate songwriting with distorted guitars and electronic textures, showcasing a sound that is both emotionally direct and sonically adventurous.
Ava Fina
Ava Fina is an Austrian singer-songwriter based in Vienna whose music blends alternative pop with soul, indie and subtle electronic influences. Inspired by artists such as Amy Winehouse, Yebba and Saya Gray, she writes emotionally candid songs that explore vulnerability, everyday chaos and resilience. Following a string of acclaimed singles including no money and Wild Woman, she released her debut EP, Simultaneously Stimulating, in 2026, marking the beginning of her internationally oriented career.
Cute Aggression
Vienna-based duo Cute Aggression—made up of Erika Schweighofer and Aaron Abebe—crafts an infectious blend of hyperpop, indie electronics and experimental pop. Combining synthesizers, drum machines and guitars with playful unpredictability, their music balances catchy hooks with a DIY spirit and a tongue-in-cheek approach that constantly subverts expectations
Ivery
Ivery is an Austrian singer-songwriter and producer whose music blends alternative pop, indie and electronic influences into an intimate, atmospheric sound. Combining emotionally honest songwriting with sophisticated production, Ivery explores themes of identity, vulnerability and personal transformation. With a growing catalogue of acclaimed releases and compelling live performances, the artist is steadily establishing a presence within Austria’s emerging pop landscape.
Peach Tinted
peach tinted is an Austrian indie-pop artist and producer whose music combines shimmering synths, dreamy guitars and heartfelt songwriting. Blending elements of bedroom pop, indie rock and electronic production, peach tinted creates warm, nostalgic soundscapes that balance catchy melodies with emotional depth. With an ever-growing catalogue of releases and a captivating live presence, the project has become one of the exciting emerging names in Austria’s contemporary indie scene.
Tamara Flores
Through her music, Tamara Flores bridges not only different musical styles, but also languages and cultures across all borders. Born and raised in Vienna as the child of Mexican parents, she began exploring and proudly embracing her own identity at an early age. This is reflected time and again in songs such as the physically pulsating “Chingona” and the dreamy, summery poetry of “Mi Amor” (2025). Whether she sings in Spanish or German, whether it’s slickly produced Latin pop or delicate folk compositions with a flamenco feel: The singer, dancer, and flautist shines with an unmistakable signature sound whose creative energy fuses two worlds together through tone and word. It’s hardly surprising that she’s turning heads in Vienna with it. But even in Mexico City, her songs and videos are playing on billboards and raking in top spots on renowned radio stations. Her new single, “Infinito” (2026), has everything it takes to go through the roof and beyond.
An international jury of festival promoters, label managers, bookers, and journalists will watch their shows at Waves Vienna and decide who delivered the most outstanding performance.
The winner receives €4,500 from SKE/AUME, career support from Austrian Music Export, FM4 and Waves Vienna, as well as €5,000 in tour support from the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport (BMWKMS).
Stay tuned for show times and Award Ceremony details! See you at Waves 2026! xx
