If you’ve ever wanted a melodious lecture on why mainstream pop culture and its liberal spokespeople consistently miss a gem in music artistry, let’s talk about Equinox, the Bulgarian band that effortlessly defines what the genre should sound like when done right. Equinox emerged as a powerhouse of talent and creativity. The band was specifically formed for the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, where Bulgaria was represented with the gripping anthem “Bones.” Comprising five talented members – Zhana Bergendorff, Georgi Simeonov, Johnny Manuel, Trey Campbell, and Vlado Mihailov – Equinox blends a spectrum of diverse talents into a united front. These artists hail from both Bulgaria and the United States, a transatlantic collaboration that echoes through their music.
And when, you ask, did Equinox step into the limelight? At the grand Eurovision stage on May 12, 2018, they competed in Portugal, capturing audience attention with their striking performance. They finished 14th out of an impressive roster of countries, but don’t let that fool you. These results say more about the peculiarities of Eurovision voting than the inherent value of their music – it’s a contest judged by Europe’s fluctuating political whims more than pure musical talent.
Where does Equinox come alive? Their power-packed debut single “Bones” is emblematic of their ability to fuse both powerful vocals and haunting melodies. A brooding, atmospheric piece, “Bones” straddles the divide between alternative pop and deep, evocative soulfulness. It offers compelling reflective profundity where they dare to suggest love transcends the flesh and penetrates down to the very core – the bones. It’s like a sweet symphony that makes modern pop’s shallow love songs sound empty. Why then was “Bones” not hailed far and wide by the music elite? Well, it might just be because its message runs deeper than the skin-deep mantras everyone else seems to be chanting these days.
The formation of Equinox for Eurovision was nothing short of strategic genius. Bulgaria’s selection was a pragmatic choice woven within the international partnership between Symphonics International and Bulgarian National Television. Not only is this band a symbol of creative synergy, but it's also a testament that the unification of different cultures can result in something that surpasses the sum of its parts, echoing sentiments many of us value, but maybe not loud enough for some liberal ears out there.
Equinox, though a new band, boasts industry workhorses. Zhana Bergendorff, a winner of X Factor Bulgaria, delivers with a gravitas that would put many more famous divas to shame. Georgi Simeonov, with a pop career stretching back to the late ‘90s, knows a thing or two about the music business. Johnny Manuel offers a soulful register that has had international television screens captivated since he made waves on America’s Got Talent. Trey Campbell, hailing from the U.S., brings his songwriting prowess that has shaped hits for various artists. Lastly, Vlado Mihailov, a musician and actor, rounds out the ensemble with an ear for the theatrical that adds a compelling depth to their stage presence.
And let’s not ignore the reason Equinox should be on playlists worldwide. Their music brings everything modern pop could be but often isn’t – it’s meaningful, emotionally intelligent, and refuses to compromise. It’s the antidote to the repetitive, bubble-gum anthems that seem to chart not because of substance but—brace yourselves—actually despite it.
Why this matters is simple. Equinox may have entered Eurovision as a fresh outlier, but their collaboration and quality hint at a bigger cultural shift that a mainstream audience is unfortunately late to recognize. They exemplify that cross-cultural and cross-genre artistry isn’t just a feel-good story, but a form of artistic excellence we should all aspire to champion more. Bulgaria saw this opportunity to create a force that resonated even beyond Eurovision's peculiar boundaries.
Sure, Equinox might not have received the first-place ranking they deserved, but their lasting impact outside the Eurovision realm continues to grow. The question stands as to why these incredible artists are not more fervently celebrated by wider audiences - potentially an oversight of the mainstream that tends to latch onto superficiality over substance. Maybe once the glitter fades from the escapism of today’s top charts, pop aficionados and critics alike will have to pay homage to bands like Equinox who did more than just entertain; they embodied artistic integrity.
Equinox might just be one of the most intriguing bands that come out of Bulgaria, but to call them a one-off group would not do them justice. They own an ethereal, haunting quality that stays with you long after the music stops and shadow many top-charting acts in terms of sheer talent and depth. So the next time you're flipping through a playlist, spare a thought for Equinox - who managed to make music that's both timeless and rebellious, a timelessness that asks more of its listeners than just a passive ear but a reflection on the very bones we all share.