From September 7th – 9th, 2023, the WAVES VIENNA CONFERENCE, organized by Waves Vienna, mica – music austria and Austrian Music Export, will take place for the 13th time at WEST Space (Augasse 2-6, 1090 Wien). As always, the festival will feature a wide range of lectures, discussions, and networking events with national and international music and media experts, pioneers and activists, label owners, bookers and musicians.
Thursday, September 7
09:00 – 10:30
Fair Pay // Fair Play @ Library Lobby
Networking breakfast Music Starters Network / ÖMR
FAIR PAY sounds good, but what does it mean exactly? How much is my music worth? How can we achieve fair wages and fees and better working conditions in the music business? What are YOUR personal experiences with fair pay?
The Music Starters Network will present what has been achieved so far in the fairness process in Austria since 2020. We invite you to discuss professional challenges and brand hot cultural policy topics with us, to share your experiences and to exchange ideas as part of an informal network breakfast, hosted by the Austrian Music Council.
Speakers: Eva-Maria Bauer (Austrian Music Council & University of Continuing Education Krems/AT), Magdalena Fuernkranz (mdw – Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien/AT), Sabine Walter (Music Starters Netzwerk ÖMR/Musikschulen Burgenland/AT)
10:00 – 11:00
The Swiss Music Market @ Library 1
Panel
Switzerland is not only home of a very active and creative artistic scene, it has the highest festival density in the world and a vivid independent record industry. Take the chance to find out more about the rich and lively Swiss music scene.
Speakers Fabienne Schmuki (Irascible Music/CH), Philipp Schnyder von Wartensee (m4music/CH), Alain Schurter (Young and Aspiring GmbH/CH), Jean Zuber (Swiss Music Export/CH)
Moderation: Joana Elena Obieta (Swiss Music Export/CH)
11:00 – 13:00
Waves Heartbeats Listening Session @ Institute 1
Listening Session
In the days leading up to Waves Vienna 2023, Austrian Music Export invites some of the festival’s international artists, producers and songwriters to connect & write songs with their Austrian counterparts at the first-ever citywide Waves Heartbeats Songwriting Camp.
11:00 – 12:00
Feiern? Safer. @ Library 2
Presentation in GERMAN language
Clubs und Veranstaltungen sind für viele Menschen essenzielle Orte des sozialen Austausches. Erstmals werden Daten zur Sicherheit im Wiener Nachtleben von der Vienna Club Commission in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Forschungsinstitut EDUCULT präsentiert. Die Umfrage, an der über 2.000 Personen teilgenommen haben, liefert wichtige Erkenntnisse über die aktuelle Situation. Als Antwort auf die Daten stellt die VCC ein Maßnahmenpaket vor, um das Wiener Nachtleben für alle teilnehmenden Akteur:innen sicherer zu gestalten.
Speakers: Martina Brunner (Vienna Club Commission/AT)), Frederika Ferkova (Hausgemacht & Techno Metoo Wien/AT), Gregor Imhof (SASS Music Club GmbH/AT), Aron Weigl (EDUCULT/AT)
11:30 – 12:30
Proud to be independent @ Library 1
Panel
hosted by VTMÖ
Discussing the role of independent labels in today’s music biz: How can indie labels be successful in an environment of globally operating tech giants, digital service providers and corporate economy labels? Do streaming markets provide fair business opportunities for everybody? What can artists expect when working with indie labels?
Speakers Joe Mercer Danher (Merlin/UK), Nadja Haderer (Ink Music GmbH/AT), Helen Smith (Impala/BE)
Moderation: Alexander Hirschenhauser (VTMÖ/AT)
13:00 – 14:00
Keeping Fans Safe: The Future of Secondary Ticketing @ Library 1
Panel
The reselling of tickets on the secondary markets has become increasingly controversial due to issues with fraudulent tickets, ticket bots, and pricing discrepancies. How can we as an industry combat these challenges and ensure that fans can access tickets at fair prices? Which technological solutions are best practices in secondary ticketing?
Speakers: Ole Feltes (Ticketmaster/DE), Christoph Radjeh (TicketSwap B.V./DE)
Moderation: Itta Francesca Ivellio-Vellin (Journalist/AT)
13:00 – 14:00
Touring with Kids @ Library 2
Talk
Touring with kids can be a challenging topic for artists to navigate. In conversation with musicians René Mühlberger and Marlene Lacherstorfer, we discuss needs, opportunities and problems that arise on tour: from adjusting the schedule to taking into account the needs of the family to finding childcare on the road.
Speakers: Marlene Lacherstorfer (Bassist with Pressyes, Clueso, Ernst Molden, Alma/AT), René Mühlberger (PRESSYES/AT)
Moderation: Susi Ondrusova (Radio FM4/AT)
13:30 – 15:00
Feedback Listening Session 1 @ Institute 1
Listening Session
International professionals give constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential. To apply to take part in a feedback listening session click here.
Speakers: Max Christensen (Crunchy Frog/Crunchy Tunes/DK), Olaf Furniss (Wide Events/Music Tourist/UK), Lisa Schoemaker (ESNS/NL), Umong Shah (Fortitude Music/UK)
Moderation: Bettina Schöll (Austrian Music Fund/Austrian Music Export/AT)
14:00 – 16:00
HOW TO: Promotion @ Institute 2
Workshop
in GERMAN language, begrenzte Teilnehmer:innenzahl. Bereits ausgebucht.
Zu einem erfolgreichen Release gehört mehr als die Musik selbst. Um Kunst sichtbar zu machen, spielt Pressearbeit in all ihren Facetten eine große Rolle. Ob Rezensionen, Interviews, Konzertberichte, TikTok-Konzepte oder Playlistplatzierungen – all das kann helfen, mehr Reichweite für deine Veröffentlichungen zu schaffen und neue Hörer:innen zu gewinnen. Im Workshop beschäftigen wir uns u.a. mit folgenden Fragen: Welche Musikmedien gibt es aktuell und wie könnten dazugehörige Strategien aussehen? Wann fängt eine PR-Kampagne an und wann ist sie zu Ende? Wie kann ich meine Releases selbst promoten und was benötige ich dafür?
hosted by WIENXTRA Soundbase
Speaker: Ana Ruye (Music Journalist/PR Manager/AT)
14:00-18:00
IMPALA Board Meeting @ Festsaal
Closed Meeting
14:15 – 15:15
Unleash Your Creativity in the Metaverse – Join CWXP and Shape the Future of Web3, AI, and NFTs! @ Library 1
Presentation
The emergence of Web3, AI, Metaverse, and NFTs has created a buzz in the industry. First-mover creators have already set the ball rolling, and numerous expert agencies and organizations are focusing on these topics. McKinsey has even gone so far as to dub Web3 the future’s most substantial economy, prompting corporations such as Facebook, Google, and investors to make heavy investments in this space. However, it is still early days for this technology. So, what exciting opportunities does Web3 hold for the creative sector? Discover how this emerging technology is set to revolutionize the industry!
**CWXP is coming!** Exciting news for small and medium-sized creators! Live music booking and events platform gigmit has partnered with the incredible teams at PlusRender and Kontentwerk to create an initiative called Creative Web3 Experience Europe (CWXP), which is proudly co-funded by the European Union. The initiative is specifically designed to explore the benefits of the Metaverse and NFT game for emerging and established artists. Learn what’s in for you.
Speaker: Markus Fitzgerald (gigmit/DE)
14:30 – 15:30
The End of the Summer Festival as we know it @ Library 2
Panel
Blistering heat, hail, storms and flash floods: the climate crisis is making the weather more extreme and unpredictable. What do the effects of global warming mean for the festival season? What precautions must organizers take to ensure the safety of fans and minimize financial risk? And what can outdoor events contribute to climate protection?
Speakers: Cesar Andion (Live Nation Spain/ES), Andreas Jantsch (Music Declares Emergency/AT), Penny Fox (Worldtrash.Foundation/AT)
Moderation: Yasmine Hafedh (Musician/AT)
15:15 – 16:30
let’s CH-AT
Closed Networking
After the successful “Building Bridges” export mission of Austrian music industry delegates to Switzerland in March 2023, we are following up at Waves Vienna: Enjoy a drink and discuss ideas, challenges and opportunities with representatives of the Swiss music industry.
15:30-16:30
Mastering the Austrian Market: A Training Session for International Artists @ Library 1
Presentation
Learn the ins and outs of exporting your music to Austria and what you can gain and expect from working with the local music industry. This training gives international artists an overview of the Austrian music market with a focus on UpBeat platform artists.
Speaker: Ian Smith (oyeah.eu/UK)
16:15 – 17:30
Introducing the Scottish Music Market @ Studio
Reception
Join Wide Days founder Olaf Furniss for an overview of the Scottish music market combined with a malt whisky and exotic soft-drink tasting. The session is open to registered delegates and as supplies are limited, we request that you book a place using this link.
Speaker: Olaf Furniss (Wide Events/Music Tourist/UK)
16:30 – 17:30
Setting Boundaries: Empowering Artists @ Institute 2
Masterclass
This masterclass is aimed at helping artists establish and maintain healthy, effective boundaries in their professional career. The interactive session will explore how boundary-setting can aid artists in various situations, with a particular focus on collaborations, communication and self-care. Whether you are an emerging artist or an experienced professional seeking to refine your career dynamics, this masterclass will provide valuable insights to help you have a healthier, more fulfilling artistic journey.
To apply to take part at this masterclass click here.
Speakers: Daniel Courtney (The Unlabelled Group/AT), Veronika Johanna Koenig (FARCE/AT)
16:30 – 17:30
It’s pronounced data, not data! @ Library 2
Masterclass
Unleash the power of music industry data in our 30-min masterclass. Explore data sources, visualization tools, and insights to create data-driven strategies. Real-world case studies included. Join us to unlock the potential of music industry data
hosted by The Orchard
To apply to take part at this masterclass click here.
Speakers: Benedikt Heimann (The Orchard/DE), Simon Semrau (The Orchard/DE)
18:00 – 19:00
Official Opening @ Library Lobby
Reception
Friday, September 8
10:00 – 11:00
Do I need a Publisher? @ Institute 2
Masterclass
Artists are quickly approached by publishing companies, often their labels, who are offering multiple rights deals. What exactly does a publishing company do? Do artists need a publishing company at the beginning of their career? Is it good if label and publishing are residing in one company?
To apply to take part at this masterclass click here.
Speakers Franz Hergovich (Austrian Music Export/AT) , Jürgen Distler (Ink Music/ BLUEJAY Music Publishing/AT)
10:30 – 11:30
In Conversation with Michel Lambot @ Library 1
Talk
Join us for a fireside chat with Michel Lambot, co-founder of [PIAS]. Created in 1982 in a Brussels cellar by Michel together with Kenny Gates, with a derisory amount of capital, [PIAS] has become a leader of the European independent record industry. Moderated by FM4‘s Christoph Sepin, this conversation delves into 40 years of [PIAS] history, its remarkable journey and the significance of independent labels.
Speaker. Michel Lambot (PIAS/BE)
Moderation: Christoph Sepin / Radio FM4/AT)
11:00 – 11:30
Data Analysis with Chartmetric @ Library 2
Masterclass
Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data for everyone to create successful careers in music. Join us for a presentation on how the platform works to learn how you can efficiently wade through the digital landscape of streaming and social media.
To apply to take part at this masterclass click here.
Speaker: Michelle Yuen (Chartmetric/US)
11:15 – 12:15
Feedback Session Newsletter @ Institute 1
Feedback Session
Newsletters are still one of the most effective ways to communicate b2b and to reach out to fans. Professionals from different fields of work within the music business give constructive feedback on artist and companies newsletters. To apply to take part in this feedback session click here.
Speakers: Branko Djukic (Tape Capitol Music/AT), Theresa Langner (Morinoko/AT), Tina Ruprechter (Personalities/AT)
Moderation: Jan Clausen (Factory 92/DE)
11:30 – 12:30
Impala CEE Meeting @ Institute 2
Closed Meeting
11:45 – 12:30
The Shift in the Role of the Agencies developing Artists @ Library 2
Panel
With the shift of artist´s income moving from selling their music through physical or digital means – to income derived from their Live performance – so has the role of the agency’s changes.
In the past ,it was the A&R department of the international record companies who “found” the talent in which it wanted to invest in.
Today the role of spotting and developing artists – as well as developing artist´s market potential has very much shifted towards the international agencies.
Speakers: Harald Büchel (Georg Leitner Productions GmbH/AT), Valentin Geiseder (Spoon Agency/AT), Georg Leitner (Georg Leitner Productions GmbH/AT), Thomas Zsifkovits (Barracuda Music GmbH/AT)
Moderation: Itta Francesca Ivellio-Vellin (Journalist/AT)
12:00 – 13:00
Hungarian Reception by HOTS @ Studio
Reception
HOTS proudly returns to WAVES in 2023 to bring emerging Hungarian talents to Vienna for the world to hear. Be sure to catch young pop talent Hien, at the reception.
Hungarian Oncoming Tunes is the music export brand for supporting and educating Hungarian acts and professionals to expand their activities on an international scale. It encourages acts through open applications to build up their international tour plans & PR activities in their targeted markets, record new albums with internationally acclaimed professionals, or create top-tier audiovisual content. HOTS also hosts international workshops, conferences, and art camps connecting different sectors of the music industry inside and outside of the border equally.
See you at our networking event at WEST Studio on 8th September from 12:00!
13:00 – 14:00
Who is to blame for non-diverse Line-Ups? @ Library 1
Panel
The necessity for more diversity in many aspects in music festival line-ups is widely discussed, luckily. In most of the discussions, it’s the festivals that are called upon to include diversity criteria in their booking process. There’s nothing wrong with this postulation, but isn’t it too simplified? Isn’t it a responsibility of the whole sector, a system that acuminates and exposes at the festivals? If managers, labels, publishers, agencies and media don’t contribute in building diverse artist’s careers, how can festival bookers deliver a line-up satisfying their audiences?
Speakers: Henrietta Bauer (What Is Happening? I Feel It Everywhere! GmbH/DE), Frederik Diness Ove (Queer Music Agency/DK), Charlotte Galané (PREMIER AMOUR/FR), Niklas Magedanz (Goodlive Artists/DE)
Moderation: Susi Ondrusova (Radio FM4/AT)
13:00 – 14:00
Meet the Germans @ Institute 1
Speed Meeting
This session provides an opportunity for international music professionals to meet representatives of the German acts performing at Waves Vienna this year.
Apply here to take part in the Speedmeeting Session on Friday, September 8 at West-Space ( Conference Venue) from 13:00-14:00. If you don’t get a confirmation, you can still come and take over a spot in case someone isn’t showing up. The application deadline is September 4.
To take part in the Speed Meeting apply here.
13:00 – 16:00
Closed Networking am Nussberg
13:15 – 13:45
Music Business Specialists – Getting Them and Keeping Them @ Library 2
Presentation
In a branch still largely defined by “learning by doing”, further education and certification offerings are a key to acquiring and retaining specialists – an essential element in keeping the music business competitive, innovative and growth-oriented. Based on best practices in Germany and Austria will discuss the importance and methods of attracting specialists to the business, developing the next generation of music professionals, and facilitating career changes into the music business for those interested…and how to keep the specialists we have.
Speakers: Sarah Natalie Amirfallah (Hamburg Music Business e.V./DE), Hannes Tschürtz (Ink Music GmbH/AT)
14:00 – 15:00
Who is afraid of AI? @ Library 2
Panel
The discussions around artificial intelligence cover various topics: Streaming platform remuneration, copyright laws, and how music is produced. Some see a threat, and some see an advantage for early adopters – but what are the real challenges and opportunities when it comes to using AI? Which implications hold this technological development for the music industry and how can we implement AI-based tools into our work as artists and music industry professionals?
hosted by IMPALA and VTMÖ
Speakers: Gee Davy (Association of Independent Music/UK), Aël Guégan (Soundcharts/FR), Thomas Lidy (Utopia Music/AT)
Moderation: Maria Romana Francesca Trainini (PMI ITALIA/IMPALA/IT)
14:15 – 15:15
The Spanish Wave reception Fiesta @ Studio
Reception
14:30 – 16:00
Feedback Listening Session 2 @ Institute 1
Feedback Session
International professionals give constructive feedback on up-and-coming acts with international potential. To apply to take part in a feedback listening session click here.
Speakers: Sarah Natalie Amirfallah (Hamburg Music Business e.V/DE), Raphael Pleschounig (Acoustic Lakeside/AT), Malte Tabeling (NEUBAU Music/Humming Records/DE), Marianna Tanska (Music Export Ukraine/UA)
Moderation: Bettina Schöll (Austrian Music Fund/Austrian Music Export/AT)
15:15 – 16:15
MuFA – Music for All – Gender Equality Initiative @ Library 2
Presentation
It was in 2020 when Tina Ruprechter and Annemarie Reisinger-Treiber met within the European MEWEM Mentoring Program for women and decided to advocate side by side for greater gender equality in music business. Along with Barbara Stilke they now founded MuFA – Music for All: an initiative that is promoting the artistic, economic, legal, and cultural interests of all women active in the music industry.
They aim to support women in the music industry, promote their careers, and enable equal participation. They seek to create a network and invite other existing initiatives and networks to collaborate with them. Their mission is to empower women to develop their skills and talents, connect with others, and provide mutual support. The organization’s concept is based on the principles of empowerment, equality, and diversity in general and within all musical genres.
Sabine Reiter – executive director / mica – music information center Austria – will outline details about the network meeting on gender-related issues that is organized by mica on October, 19, 2023.
Brigitte Matula – chairwoman of film- and music representation / Vienna chamber of commerce – will point out the economical dimension of gender issues in music biz.
Speakers: Tina Ruprechter (Personalities/AT), Annemarie Reisinger-Treiber (Parramatta/AT), Barbara Stilke (die copilotin/AT)
15:30 – 16:30
Setting Boundaries for music industry professionals @ Institute 2
Masterclass
This masterclass is aimed at helping music industry professionals establish and maintain effective boundaries in their professional career, both with other industry professionals and with artists. In this interactive session, we will explore knowledge and tools for music industry professionals to navigate the difficult issues that often arise in the industry in order to cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling career. By participating in this workshop, you will have the opportunity to network and exchange experiences with fellow industry professionals and hear perspectives from the boundaries masterclass for artists.
To apply to take part at this masterclass click here.
Speakers: Daniel Courtney The Unlabelled Group/AT), Uli Hilger
15:30 – 16:30
The Value of Data @ Library 1
Panel
The music business generates a lot of data that can be analysed to reveal useful information and to help with business decisions. Furthermore, metadata can greatly contribute to the development of a fair and open ecosystem for musicians and rights holders. We want to examine the consequences of missing or insufficient data streams on the music ecosystem. Our panelists discuss the meanings behind the statistics and the possibilities for obtaining the whole collection of metadata. So what possibilities are there to get complete metadata records? And who has to do what for this? Let’s discuss how accurate data interpretation leads to better decisions and let us show you how data interpretation and collection with evaluation can increase revenue and market share.
Speakers: Irene Bauza (Unison Rights SL/ES), Agnes Chung (musicube by Songtradr/DE), Michelle Yuen (Chartmetric/US)
16:00 – 17:00
Swiss Business Mixer @ Studio
Reception
To celebrate the Swiss guest partnership in a proper way, a «Swiss Business Mixer» takes place. Co-presented by the Embassy of Switzerland in Vienna, FONDATION SUISA and Swiss Music Export, the Swiss Business Mixer offers a glorious opportunity to discuss ideas, plans and dreams with like-minded professional folk. That, plus a live performance by Pina Palau and a table loaded with finger food and bottles of Swiss wine! What’s not to like?!
17:15 – 18:15
German Showcase Reception @ Metropol presented by Haus der Musik
Reception
Come join us and meet the Germans! Initiative Musik and the pop music funding agencies of the federal states Musicboard Berlin, popNRW, Pop-Büro – Region Stuttgart, RockCity Hamburg and Verband für Popkultur in Bayern invite you to this year’s German Reception. Mix and mingle with other music business professionals.
Saturday, September 9
Austrian Heartbeats Delegates Tour – To take part in the Delegates Tour, please apply here.
11:30 – 12:30
Meet the French – artist pitch breakfast @ Superbude
As part of the traditional Waves delegates tour, CNM Your French Music Partner is organising a ” **Meet the French – artist pitch breakfast** ” at Superbude for French artists and professionals to meet their Austrian and international partners. The reception will also host a short acoustic set by [FERIELLE] a young artist from Paris who likes her music pop, fresh and surprising, influenced by Maggie Rogers, Elton John, Sigrid or King Princess. N.B.: by invitation only, please RSVP to the Waves delegates tour invitation! Please check our dedicated playlist with all French artists performing: https://whatthefrance.lnk.to/france-at-waves-vienna-2023
13:00 – 14:00
ESNS Exchange Reception @ Magistratisches Bezirksamt 15. Bezirk
Again this year we have the pleasure to present the first confirmed Austrian act performing at ESNS 2024. It’s the exeptional Oskar Haag, already named the “greatest pop talent in Austria“, who will perform a special set for the delegates of Waves Vienna! ESNS Exchange facilitates the bookings of European acts on 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
14:30 – 15:30
Swiss Cheese Tasting @ DER SCHWEIZER feine [käse] waren
The Swiss leave no cliché unfulfilled! Between all the showcase, concerts and conference panels, you absolutely have to experience another side of the host country Switzerland. In the traditional Viennese cheese shop “Der Schweizer” we will get a nice overview of the best Swiss cheeses and thus get strengthened again for the music evening.
16:00 – 17:00
Slovenian moMENTs @ Waves Vienna 2023 @ Wombat’s
The Slovenian reception at Waves Vienna has become a traditional guarantee of an unforgettable introduction to both Slovenian artists and delegates. You will have the chance to meet some established representatives of the Slovenian music scene with an excellent Bevog beer in your hand, and grab some snacks afterwards. The selected musicians at Waves this year are: Astrid-, the driving force of the colourful fresh-pop agenda, MRFY, the prolific rock phenomenon and Moveknowledgement, the stylistically unique Slovene krautrockers.
Presented by SKICA, SIGIC, Music Slovenia and MENT Ljubljana.
17:30 – 19:00
XA – Export Award @ Library Lobby
Reception
Find out who wins this year’s XA – Export Award! After a live performance by last year’s winner, FARCE, this year’s winner will be crowned. The prize includes support from Austrian Music Export, Radio FM4 and Waves Vienna as well as EUR 3,500 from SKE/Austro Mechana and tour support totaling EUR 5,000 from BMKÖS.
Nominees will perform as follows:
Thursday, 7 Sep. 2023
Bon Jour (AT) @ Metropol, 19:45-20:30
Cousines Like Shit (AT) @ Metropol, 21:00-21:45
Endless Wellness (AT) @ B72, 21:45-22:30
Another Vision (AT) @ Coco, 23:15-00:00
Friday, 8 Sep. 2023
Bex (AT) @ The Loft Main Floor, 20:15-21:00
Rian (AT) @ Metropol, 22:15-23:00