Equiknoxx.
Notes From The Underground.
Equiknoxx, the Jamaican production house and label pioneered by producers Gavin ‘Gavsborg’ Blair and Nick ‘Bobby Blackbird’ Deane, take their stories directly from life in the Caribbean. ‘When both Gavin and myself were living in Kingston, Jamaica we walked or took the bus everywhere,’ says Nick. ‘We are tuned in and connected to our surroundings, so Jamaica influences us constantly.’
Having worked with the likes of Elephant Man, Aidonia and Beenie Man, the musical influence that Equiknoxx has is undeniable – an influence which led to them being invited to take part in ‘Notes from the Underground’. The resulting video was directed by Jamaican filmmaker and visual artist Storm Saulter, a leading figure in the new movement of independent filmmaking in the Caribbean. For the shoot they were styled in Gucci by by Ayana Rivière. ‘We’ve done some strange exciting collaborations in our past; this project was amazing also,’ recalls Nick. ‘In Jamaica we often say “mek the spirit move you”, so it felt right to work on this project.’ The relationship between clothes and music is a familiar union for some: it is often how artists choose to express themselves visually. ‘Gavsborg especially loved this project – he’s always channelling himself in what he wears, whether it’s going to the tailor or handstitching our outfits.’
The relationship between Equiknoxx’s founders was first established when Nick and Gavin were introduced through a mutual friend, all DJing in Jamaica. Since then, their brotherhood of true collaboration has influenced a label full of eccentric uniqueness: a powerhouse collective, showcasing vocals from Shanique Marie and Kemikal, as well as Jordan ‘Time Cow’ Chung on production. The term ‘equinox’ is considered to be the first day of spring: a serene moment, where the length of night and day are in sync and equal. Which may just be the perfect symbolism of the creative bond of Equiknoxx. The collective are most definitely impelled by nature and most specifically, birds. ‘When we first started the label, we used a lot of birdsong in our creations. I had always been obsessed with blackbirds; they are so intelligent,’ says Nick, whose admiration is immortalised in his nickname. ‘So when Gavin mentioned we were doing birdsong, that was exciting.’
Their refreshingly divergent albums challenge the rules of traditional dancehall, parading their signature octave-shattering eagle scream accompanied by distorted sounds and bird noises over a high-tempo reggae rhythm. ‘We are people who are constantly trying to enjoy ourselves through music,’ says Gavin. ‘Through the music we are trying to bring a story to life.’ The music that Equiknoxx create can only be described as authentic avant-garde sounds that demand the attention of those who are within earshot: adrenaline-heavy rhythms, seizing the emotional engagement of their prey.
