For almost 15 years, the Slovakian electronic label LOM has shined a light on Eastern European experimental music; their mix for Nina showcases the kind of boundary-pushing sounds and styles that the label has been representing since the beginning of their run. It’s an exciting mix, one that is filled with, as LOM’s Jonáš Gruska states in our interview, “hidden gems buried beneath the surface.” We sent some questions over to Gruska. Read our interview and listen to the mix below. 

Where are you based?

Jonáš Gruska: Bratislava, Slovakia.

Can you describe your label mix?

An eclectic collection of music and raw field recordings that reflects the wide range of sounds we’re drawn to. It offers a glimpse into what LOM is all about—experimentation and uncovering the hidden gems buried beneath the surface.

What inspired you to start a label?

We felt there was a severe lack of representation of Eastern European experimental music on the global scene. We wanted to create a platform that would help lesser-known artists from our region reach a wider audience.

Does your label have a sound or a mission?

We love when people push the boundaries of what music can be. So there's no single genre—rather, it’s an attitude toward sound-making that we appreciate. We’re also interested in highlighting forgotten or overlooked artists who deserve more attention.

Tell us about your scene(s).

We run our own cultural space in Bratislava called LOM Space. We've been organizing events, workshops, and lectures there for almost seven years now, focusing mainly on contemporary experimental music and field recording. In the past, we also held many DIY outdoor events in unusual spots on the outskirts of the city, using battery-powered sound systems—old bunkers, missile silos, and liminal spaces.

What's your A&R process?

We’re not actively scouting at the moment—all of our recent releases have come to us as demos. Since we started in 2011, we’ve built a reputation that draws the right people to us, which is a very fortunate position to be in. If you'd like to send us a demo, please keep in mind that we focus mainly on Eastern European artists experimenting with what sound/music can be and represent.

What labels do you look up to?

I'm personally really inspired by my friend Jakub Juhás from mappa. He’s managed to create a globally recognized label featuring some of the best contemporary artists—both in terms of music and album artwork.