Proto Sites

Proto Sites is a record label from Bratislava, founded in 2014 by Juraj Hoppan, Jonathan Fox and Matúš Hnát.

Even though only a few are likely to have the Slovakian capital on the map as a melting pot for electronic music, Juraj Hoppan reports from a blooming sub-culture in his home town. “The scene is very rich in respect of genre and approaches.” Especially for noisy techno there is a tradition in this industrial city, which has found its perfect developing place in the former atom bunker of the sub-club. “At the moment there is also lots of very good stuff, which hides itself in experimental micro-communities.” Juraj additionally gives away. Even though his label in his words “is 90% established” and the communication with the acts takes place largely over the internet; Proto Sites appears to be accrued from out of a similar mentality. “It began with the fact that there is more unique music in central and east Europe, which is still in the ripening. The various scenes present many parallels and know one another; we wanted to ensure more networking.”
Said and done.

Proto Sites places as much value on change as on consistency. This is reflected in the choice of Matúš Hnát as the sole artwork designer, who gives a special touch to the label’s tapes and records; which should emulate the musical range that moves between synthie experiments and house approaching productions. “It’s about enjoying a focused and consisted sound while at the same time staying open to new possibilities and ideas.” summarises Hoppan the label’s philosophy. “Authenticity is very important. I think it can be recognized rather quickly whether an artist makes his own thing or just follows any micro-trend. Especially if like us, you move outside of genre categories.” With a glance at the back catalogue you find yourself with Budapest’s S Olbricht, the native Slovakians Imre Kiss and EGA as well as Fox (as Foundling) who are all likeminded aesthetics, which are furthermore united by the attitude: standards are definitely not found at Proto Sites.