We Move Music Croatia headed to Waves Vienna 2026 with an expanded delegation, bringing Croatian talent both on and off the stage.
Held from 1 to 3 October, the 16th edition of Waves Vienna brought together emerging artists and music industry professionals from across Europe for a packed programme of live shows, conference panels and networking events.
Joining the WMMC team in Vienna were Laura Matijašević (44 Booking), Martina Vazdar (Yammat.fm) and Andrea Ljekaj (ATJE), three Croatian music professionals selected through WMMC’s open call. This visit gave them the opportunity to meet international industry colleagues, learn more about the Austrian music market.
Four Croatian acts brought their sounds to the Waves Vienna stages, with Ether, M. Rider, Balkalar and Neon Lies each offering a different take on Croatia’s contemporary music scene.
A seat on the XA Export Award jury
WMMC’s Ante Zvonimir Stamać joined the international jury of the XA Export Award, which supports Austrian artists ready to take their music beyond their home market.
The jury assessed six nominated acts performing at Waves Vienna and selected Tamara Flores, a Vienna-based artist of Mexican heritage and a 2026 Latin Grammy nominee, as this year’s winner.
Flores received €4,500 in prize money, an additional €5,000 in touring support and professional backing from Austrian Music Export, Waves Vienna and FM4. The latter, Austria’s alternative music radio station known for championing new and emerging artists, also welcomed the WMMC delegation to its studios.
WMMC on the conference agenda
Ante Zvonimir Stamać also took part in two sessions at the Waves Vienna Conference. At Feedback Listening Session 2, he joined fellow music industry professionals in providing artists with direct feedback and advice on their music. He also participated in From Bulgaria to Europe: Regional Identity, Eurovision and New Paths to International Success, a panel discussing how Eurovision success, showcase festivals and international collaboration can help artists from smaller music markets reach new audiences and build international careers.