QMA On Stage 2020

The winning acts

LIZ METTA

Playing many shows with her acoustic live set in Vienna’s venues over the last years and DIY- touring in Canada, Austrian- American singer-songwriter & guitarist Maria Thornton decided to start a second solo project in 2019. Creating a sound influenced by soul, indie- folk and psychedelia, looping voice and electric guitar, LIZ METTA is making her sound more eclectic, atmospheric and dives into a nostalgic vibe. Starting off at Styria’s Jazz Festival “Most & Jazz”, LIZ METTA was opening the Blue Bird Festival 2019 at Porgy & Bess. Currently working on her first EP – released by URSUS Records. lizmettamusic.wordpress.com
*Photo by Zoe Opratko*

hisham

At the age of nine, Hisham was already the lead singer in the school's own pop band, where he gained his first stage experience. At the age of only 15 he moved alone to Vienna, where he completed a four-year training as a musical performer. During his studies he started to produce his first songs until he finally founded a five-member band called Hisham in 2016. In a very short time the band has grown together and played at festivals such as Nova Rock (2016), Hafen Open-Air (2018) or the Donauinselfest (2019). Only recently did the artist realize that he has long lived his dream of becoming an actor and singer.
*Photo by Zoe Opratko*

Cyon Flex

Cyon Flex is the singer-songwriter who makes electronic music with melodic vocals and spoken word and rap. With her unique aesthetic and relentless work ethic she stands out from the creative cluster. Her music stems from her eclectic musical background. The Bristolian singer alternates between emotional rhythmic expression and calm progressive phrases with extraordinary flow. Melodious, personal and sultry vocals flow from the heart with hypnotic effect left in your ear long after the music stops. In addition to singing and writing songs she is also a painter. cyonflex.com
*Photo by Zoe Opratko*

Basma & Orwa

Basma & Orwa is the perfect balance between the elegant heritage of Syrian songs and contemporary expressionism mixed with jazz elements. With the poetic words of ancient Sufi poems and Basma's warm and powerful voice, surrounded by the deep Oud Orwas sound, the charismatic duo brings together generations worldwide. In an extraordinary way they redefine old Arabic melodies and take them into the present.
orwasaleh.net
*Photo by Zoe Opratko*

Who selected the artists?

# Sophie Lindinger (musician, producer und songwriter with My Ugly Clementine and Leyya)
# Ilias Dahimène (Seayou Records, FuturesFuture, Problembär Records)
# Dalia Ahmed (music journalist, host of Dalia‘s Late Night Lemonade, FM4)

Prizes the artists were awared

# Music video production with film director Rupert Höller (Conchita Wurst, Oehl, Mynth)
# Single promotion by Sabine Kronowetter (Arctic Monkeys, Cari Cari, Garish)
# Songwriting with Florence Arman (The Kooks, Filous, Lena Meyer-Landrut) in the Villa Lala
# Fotoshooting with Gabriel Hyden (Avec, Mathea, Hearts Hearts)
# Rehersal room usage at Vienna Rehearsal Studios