Garage is no longer just a place where bands rehearse, but also a metaphor for the start of a promising music career. The Garage project, part of the Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture program, offers young bands and performers a space to grow, create, perform, and most importantly, bring their work to a wider audience. After successful previous editions, it returns for the fifth time with a fresh selection of finalists who will present themselves in a series of concerts and other activities under the Garage banner.
This project is not just about music. It’s also about building a community, supporting young talent, and creating a space where different genres, stories, and experiences meet. The diversity of the 2025 selection proves that the Slovak music scene has much to offer. In addition to concerts, visitors can also experience various workshops, lectures, and discussions directly related to the music scene and its current events.
Here are the names selected through the Garage 2025 selection process – young artists who resonated with authenticity, a distinctive style, or simply powerful music. Some are playing their first concerts, others already have their first studio recordings. What connects them is the metaphorical Garage, as well as the real Garage, symbolizing the beginning of their journey on the music scene. Come meet them, support them, and give them your valuable attention.
Daniel Brliť
Young but already experienced. Daniel Brliť scored in Rádio_FM’s Demovnica with his single Cliffs of Moher, showing he knows how to make catchy yet sincere indie pop. Fresh, spacious songs full of bright tones and a slight touch of psychedelic sound will take you somewhere far from the grayness of the panel block world.
Deafen
A band blending progressive rock, post-rock, metal, metalcore, djent with almost gothic keyboard layers and melodic singing, occasionally interrupted by scream vocals. Hard-hitting yet sensitive and imaginative music full of emotion. Plus, top-notch sound in their studio recordings. Deafen also promise a fusion of music with a scenic experience, so their live show will be something to look forward to.
Neprebudený
Neprebudený (“The Unawakened”) is not only the main character from Martin Kukučín’s novel who perishes in a barn fire, but also a band that’s a big fire live! Massive sound, rock energy, experimental guitar passages, and a charismatic frontwoman’s vocals. I’ve heard them live – bonus points for one guitarist’s blue hair and Soundgarden T-shirt. They’re not total newcomers, having played festivals and clubs, released two singles and a video. On Garage, their hot energy will definitely wake you up!
Punkinson
Behind this name – and the music you’ve likely already heard – hides rap with a punk approach, drum and bass beats, trap, and experimental electronics. His lyrics brim with defiance, melancholy, anger, and sharp punchlines that can leave opponents embarrassed. If you’re tough enough, join the pit! Punkinson also performed at the Garage Stage at Pohoda Festival this year.
Ostblock Cooperative
This is showcase-level material from the first note. The Slovak BadBadNotGood! They’d fit perfectly touring with Samo Benko Orchestra. A fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and electronics, bringing the perfect vibes for Garage’s summer atmosphere. Their tones, uneven beats, grooves, and funk will fit nicely into the colorful program in Trenčín’s Garage this year.
Zonya
After jazzy dreaming, Zonya wake us up with metalcore and nu-metal guitars, plus melancholic moods. Notably, they work Slovak lyrics into a genre that moves between heavier guitar soundscapes and electronics. They channel the melancholy of Deftones, the rawness of grunge, and the anger of screamo. Heavy, muddy, and unafraid to experiment with sound – a rarity in the genre.
Eden In Flames
Melodic rock with an emphasis on songwriting and musicianship, promising a great live experience from a band ready to “set Eden on fire.” Beautiful female vocals, acoustic guitars mixed with distorted riffs and catchy solos. Their Spotify single To the World is worth hearing. Garage will be their live debut, so don’t miss it.
Neha
Despite the name (“Tenderness”), these six vocal sorceresses will pin you to your seat. Six women, six voices, merging into perfect harmonies – sometimes as gentle as a forest brook, sometimes as powerful as a roaring river. No instruments, sometimes not even sound equipment – just their voices, love for music, its traditions, and a strong human stance. Neha is music that takes you out of reality.
Nothine
Ever-improving Nothine are on their way to becoming a big name in the Slovak indie scene. Recently, they shone at the Not Wasted Youth festival in Nová Cvernovka. Melodic shoegaze meets indie songwriting. Expect to hear more from them beyond Garage. In Trenčín, it’s going to be magic.
Kráľová
After Neha, another all-girl power band, singing in Slovak and Czech. Mature experimental pop with folk, chanson, pop-rock, jazz, and electronic elements. They sound professional and refined, yet warm and human. A pleasant surprise!
Tea Teona
A hippie fairy on the waves of acoustic alternative folk. Sensual, hypnotic, mystical. A bit of ’90s alt-rock and fairycore vibes. Her music smells of fire, freedom, and the bittersweetness of summer nights. The Slovak answer to Mazzy Star? We think so.
Krtko Bain
Who hides behind the name playfully referencing the late Nirvana frontman? Krtko Bain is a quartet of musicians and intermedia artists from Bratislava bringing alternative rock to Garage. Post-grunge with poetic Slovak lyrics that can touch your heart and grab your attention. It’s heavy, it’s artsy, it’s underground – it’s Krtko Bain!
If this packed lineup excites your music-loving soul, Garage is the place to be. Plus, there’s a rich side program. On Saturday, September 13th, for example, there’s a concert by Fvck_Kvlt and Dušan Vlk, prepared for the 85th anniversary of the Cultural-Creative Center Hviezda. Garage visitors get discounted entry for this event. Follow our social media for more details. We look forward to seeing you!
