Walter Gröbchen brings JAM-Expertise to Red Bull Stage – Take Off 2026

The winners of the Red Bull Stage – Take Off 2026 band contest have been announced: Pure Chlorine, COUSINS, and PURPLE. Revealed on May 28, 2026, the three Austrian newcomer acts will each open one festival day on the Red Bull Stage at Nova Rock 2026, earning a place on one of the most visible stages at one of Austria’s biggest rock festivals.

The programme took place at Vienna Funkhaus, bringing together emerging bands, live performance, and music industry know-how in a professional setting. A rehearsal-day post for the format explicitly identified Funkhaus Wien as the venue.

The initiative was also accompanied by valuable industry expertise connected to JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music Vienna. JAM guest lecturer Walter Gröbchen contributed his extensive background as a music journalist, A&R manager at BMG, Warner Music, and Universal Music, as well as co-founder of Monkey Music. That combination of artist development, A&R, music business, and practical career guidance is exactly the kind of support that can make a difference for emerging acts at a decisive stage in their growth.

For JAM MUSIC LAB, being connected to a format like this is a strong example of how closely music education in Vienna, industry insight, professional feedback, and the real Austrian live music scene are linked. When new bands move from the rehearsal room to the Red Bull Stage at Nova Rock Festival 2026, it reflects exactly the kind of artistic and professional pathway that JAM actively supports through teaching, mentoring, and networking.