After two years of back-to-back Top 5 finishes at Eurovision, Bulgaria’s state broadcaster BNT decided that Equinox were the act most likely to keep the nation’s momentum going. The newly-formed 5-piece group, specifically created for Eurovision, was selected from an intense internal selection process, which saw producers accepting bids from artists and record companies. Europe will judge the fruits of the broadcaster’s labour on 8 May, when the group perform in the second half of the first semi-final.
Equinox — whose name is symbolic of where light meets darkness — consists of Zhana Bergendorrf, Vlado Mihailov, Johnny Manuel, Georgi Simeonov and Trey Campbell. They’ll sing the electro pop anthem “Bones”, which continues Bulgaria’s recent trend of ominous and dark art-pop with slick production.
As the competition edges closer, we compiled 10 facts about Equinox to shed a bit of light on them amid all the darkness.
1. THEY EMBODY THE SLOGAN ‘CELEBRATE DIVERSITY’
The group consists of 5 members, all with various ethnic backgrounds and cultural vantage points. As producers and songwriters hand-picked the group’s members, they sought a more international sound. So in addition to the Bulgarian members, Zhana, Vlado and Georgi, Equinox also consists of Trey and Johnny – both of whom hail from the United States. That’s what we like to call building bridges!
2. BONES WAS COMPOSED BY EUROVISION ELITES — SYMPHONIX
After the roaring successes of Kristian Kostov and Poli Genova in the two most recent editions of Eurovision, Borislav Milanov and his music production group, Symphonix, took it upon themselves to write another track that could steal the win in Lisbon this May. Equinox member Trey also co-wrote and co-produced “Bones”. Symphonix have composed songs for international artists such as Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Kelly Clarkson….as well as Eurovision darlings Jana Burceska and Tijana Bogicevic.
3. REALITY TELEVISION RUNS THROUGH THEIR VEINS
Three of the 5 members of Equinox participated in Reality TV competitions across Europe and indeed the US. Zhana won the second edition of X Factor Bulgaria in 2013, seizing the imagination and attention of the Bulgarian public with her avant-garde style.
Johnny Manuel captured the hearts of many Americans during his triumphant journey on America’s Got Talent 2017. He has racked up millions of views on Youtube; his rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’ sealed him a golden buzzer. View that iconic performance below.
And Georgi Simeonov — aka JJ — made a huge impact on X Factor Romania, which catapulted him to stardom in Bucharest and beyond.
4. SASHA JEAN BAPTISTE WILL STAGE THEIR PERFORMANCE
Sasha Jean Baptiste is a renowned Eurovision and international artistic stage director who has created successful performances in the past for artists such as Iveta Mukuchyan, Kristian Kostov and Artsvik. And now Sasha will stage Equinox’s performance in Lisbon. BNT tweeted about Sasha’s involvement with Bulgaria for the second year running, mentioning Sasha’s love for dreaming up “contemporary performances” which “breathe arty”. We certainly cannot wait to see what she conjures up for Equinox.
"I think my strength lies in contemporary performances that breaths arty. The song #Bones is right up my alley and I look forward to show you our interpretation of the song." – Sacha Jean-Baptiste about @EquinoxBulgaria's staging #Eurovision #Bulgaria pic.twitter.com/Qt5gG3BOZX
— BNT Eurovision ?? (@bg_eurovision) March 29, 2018
5. EUROVISION FANS HELPED SELECT THEIR SONG
In a fiercely competitive internal selection process, Equinox’s song “Bones” went through various stages of judging and scrutinising by musical professionals, journalists, betting experts and a Bulgarian jury. However, BNT added one final stage: the fans. BNT launched a Twitter competition where Eurovision fans could express why they should be on a fan jury that would filter through the 13 songs in the Bulgarian selection process. At the end of it all, “Bones” came out on top.
6. ZHANA TRAVELLED THE WORLD IN SEARCH OF A MUSIC CAREER
The only female in the group took a huge leap of faith at the young age of 18 and travelled to South Korea in blind pursuit of building a successful music career. There she met her fiancé, and they moved to Denmark in 2010, as Zhana competed in X Factor Denmark. Zhana is an experienced polyglot who can speak four languages: Bulgarian, English, Korean and Danish.
7. JOHNNY MANUEL TOURED WITH N’SYNC
At the tender age of 14, Johnny got his first taste of stardom and the heated spotlight. He was spotted covering a Run-D.M.C hip-hop song, which eventually led to him singing a record contract with the stage-name Lil’ Johnny. This gave him the chance to tour and open for major artists such as N Sync and Lil’ Bow Wow.
8. VLADO IS A DEVOUT G.O.T FAN
In a recent interview with Wiwibloggs at the London Eurovision Pre-Party, Vladomir revealed his love for the fantasy fiction show ‘Game of Thrones’. He stated, in our interview, that “he hopes that a show like that [Game of Thrones] could pick up a song like ours,” perhaps as a route of gaining more listeners and fans. Perhaps they will introduce a new character soon: Vlado, Father of Equinox, Slayer of Eurovision, Uniter of the 43 Kingdoms.
9. TREY IS A SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER ON THE RISE
Trey Simpson was born in North Carolina, and is now a Los Angeles-based artist and producer. In addition to playing a significant part in the production of “Bones” as part of Symphonix, Trey has penned songs for major artists in the music industry such as Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Adam Lambert and Kehlani. He’s the real deal, y’all.
10. GEORGI IS ESTABLISHED AS AN INDUSTRY-REGULAR
Georgi – who goes by the name JJ – made his debut on the music scene at 16 years of age as part of a successful Bulgarian boy-band called 032. Since then, he has expanded his music career by releasing solo singles and by teaching everything he knows to his students in Sofia.
What do you think of Bulgaria’s entry this year? Do you think Equinox can snatch a win in Lisbon with their song “Bones”? Do you love beyond the bones? Let us know in the comment section below.
READ MORE BULGARIA EUROVISION NEWS HERE
Now Bulgaria is getting close to a victory. This is a solid top 5 place.
These guys deserve it after a good row of great performances and results.
The ” specialists ” below want the chicken song! Ha – ha – ha!
I will be so happy if Bulgaria wins! No better way to troll the trolls in this comment section 🙂
Symphonix also happens to compose Cesar’s song too.
THIS IS SOOOO BORING. IRS GONNA BE A BAD SONG AGAIN WHO WIN ESC. 0.5/10
41/43
Who are the songs that are top 5 in your list? Just wondering.
The thing that concerns me the most, apart from your top 5 this year, is that you see last year’s winner as a “bad song” just because you don’t like it.
If you can’t see the beauty in a well-produced jazz song, even if it’s not your cup of tea, then I feel very sorry for you.
You’re probably one of those who thinks that Czech Republic and Israel’s songs are the best this year (I do understand those who defend the Israeli song, though).
(I suppose you refer to last year’s song as a bad win because you said “again”. If I’m wrong, please correct me.)
Johnny Manuel was fab on america’s got talent
but yes a lovely group together 🙂
i can see Bulgaria being one of the contenders to win esc this year
This year strongest song; I really love it, but I can understand some people don’t.
They just have to be careful not to stage this like an american superproduction; they could end up looking too artificial. But I hope they’ll make the top 3.
As for some nasty comments below: eastern europe is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth visting; instead of calling them poor, just remember these countries suffered for decades. Could have happened in western countries too. Just take some history lessons.
Not everything has in life has to be a swedish super production you know.
As for last year’s show, we had a pretty good time in front of the telly – don’t remember was that terrible. Maybe you should have some extra beer or wine 🙂
Because it deserves the hate? Ever thought about that?
Of course, this is what a masterpiece does… it provokes your deep feelings…your hidden truth. In some people if provokes Love, Joy, positive feelings…. unfortunately in your case it provokes hate.
Also Belarus! The dude cannot even sing…
Great news!
Thats obviously because we Dutch are awesome that Albania will sing here 🙂
Btw, Bulgaria will have a surprise 14th of April for all of us, they will announce a NEW singer for their band, I think it will be Poli.. Which I WILL SEE TONIGHT (this friday) OMG HOLD ME YAAAAAAAS
It is not Poli unfortunately 🙂 But Mia D is awesome too.
In Amsterdam is going to be Kristian Kostov with Equinox – oooh yaaah, so wonderful!
Hahahah, as if anyone cares who you like and dislike 🙂
BTW Albania and Eugent wiill be at Amsterdam this week. Not sure what’s been going on behind the scenes since they pulled out of everything due to “technical issues”. They probably want to tweak the performance, but how much tweaking do they actually need when the performance is really good to start with? It’s confusing, but I’m glad that he’ll be in Amsterdam.
Eugent was having issues with his passport, but it arrived today so I too am glad he’ll be in Amsterdam
Eugent had issues with his passport. I think it was held by the UK embassy for several weeks when he applied for the visa.
When you realize that this guy (Perfect Eurovision) most probably comes from another poor Eastern European country (or Greece) and apparently has a personal issue with the country… No Western European would actually take so much effort to write those useless comments about a country they don’t even know the exact location of.
For saying that they are as poor as Bulgaria? We all already know this ourselves and I am from this region too. And hating on your neighbors is an everyday life here on the Balkans, especially online. Bulgarians have issues with Serbians, Serbians with Albanians, Albanians with Greeks, Greeks with Macedonians, Macedonians with Bulgarians and so on. It is not right, but we can’t deny this exists.
So I guess they should invite you then… right?
I feel the same…. So much “dirty” comments here. Whats wrong with the people here?!
I do have a sneaking suspicion they could win too. Also if Ukraine could host in the midst of what they have going on I’m sure Bulgaria could too.
This give me serious winner vibes for some reason. It’s a good song but in my opinion, out of the last 3 Bulgarian entries, if they were gunna win, it should have been with Poli Genova. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they do win. They seem well liked. Dark Horse this year? Perhaps! I’ve a feeling this song was built around the staging. As for those saying Bulgaria cannot host…eh hello, did you see the successful television event that was JESC 2016? They done an amazing job on that and quite possibly the best JESC ever. They took a… Read more »
Finally a normal opinion from someone that does not want Bulgaria to win. Thank you for that… It is like a fresh air comparing it to the pure hate written below!
Haha cheers ESC fan. 🙂 I don’t hate the song, it’s actually pretty good, I just don’t think it should win as there’s are far better songs. But if it happens…I’m sure Sofia will put on a great show. And maybe the fan hype around Bulgaria since they came back in 2016 can relax a bit.
Hehe, I have never said you hated the song. What I said is that you don’t want it to win, which is universe away for hating it. And you and all other people are entitled to have your opinion. However, you are one of the few that express it in the right way. And I am sure that if Bulgaria wins, it will do a remarkable job organizing it!
Haha i know ESCfan I was just joking with you 🙂 we can like/dislike a song without insulting the country 🙂
Let’s not turn Eurovision into a ‘my country is richer than yours’ exchange, thanks. Let’s try to be civilised and grown up. If a country wins ESC, they can turn down the hosting job next year if they want, however, the economic benefits of hosting Eurovision far outweigh the negatives. Depending on the broadcaster (Sweden tends not to use it for tourism) but Eurovision can highlight the host country and boost its tourism, people see it on tv and say “wow, I want to visit that city!” plus the amount of money spent in the host city at hotels, shops,… Read more »
Very well said, thank you! Stop denigraiting countries, it’s shameful!
So you are speaking from the eurovision’s fans now. Is that right?
Oh, move on already!
Ahh, so you have an inside about their stage dresses… Hmmm, let me know where you got your crystal ball from… I want to buy one too 🙂
Could the new member be Loreen ? That would be a bomb! :O 🙂
This doesn’t mean that only ‘rich clean’ countries should win Eurovision (they don’t even deserve it, especially this year). If Bulgaria or any other ‘poor’ country wins, they can still refuse to host and it will be held in another country. It’s not a big deal and it has happened before.
Even Bulgaria had a stage with LED screens for the junior eurovision, so Portugal might be saying the truth. LEDs are not so expensive apparently
Yeah, who needs to get to know other countries, cultures and… travel. That’s insane. Let’s stick to the rich ones.
Oh, btw:
GDP per capita:
Ukraine: 2,185 USD
Serbia: 5,348 USD
Azerbaijan: 3,876 USD
Bulgaria: 7,350 USD
If Ukraine, Serbia and Azerbaijan were decent hosts, then Bulgaria (which is actually richer than them all) would do equally well. Plus, JESC 2015 was great- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PYI18wMdPc
They can always simply refuse to host, I believe
All over the world… 3 Bulgarians + 2 Americans…. I guess you do consider Bulgaria “All over the world”.
Yes Bulgaria is rich compared to african countries but still is poor compared with other european countries. Even Greece, after 8 years of ongoing crisis, has by far a more advanced financial status compared to Bulgaria and a much higher GDP. I don’t think that EBU would like a high risk organisation in Sofia next year, they will play safe.
i know it’s a good song, with good singing and interesting dark atmosphere but i don’t feel it, like i don’t want to listen it again and again, like i listen my many others fav, France or Belgium ,Ukraine or Germany and etc.,
for me it’s good enough to take a high place in GF but not in top 5
Honestly, I don’t want to sound rude but i don’t want this to win because the song is pretty much lead by American artists and not Bulgarian ones. For most of the song it appears that its the USA with Bulgarian backing singers. Although, this is a really good song.
Oooh, what is this now? I was left with the impression that most Eurovision big fans are truly leftist, always supporting multiculturalism, LGBT+, feminism and being different on this stage is a big advantage. Bulgaria probably wants to be “modern” as well and it would be nice to celebrate diversity.
Song composition- the Bulgarian Borislav Milanov. The idea was Milanov’s as he shared that he was inspired by The Fifth Element and Orthodox Christianity and other religions’ meaning of the day of the Equinox. And only then he contacted Tray to help out with the lyrics as a native speaker and textwhiter Where did you find those 100%? Plus, the Americans only sing the choruses, which are actually very short for a 3 minute song.
We’ve got Australia in the ESC, and people from different european countries perform, compose, write, produce and do stageing for different european countries. So it’s hypocritical to criticise Bulgaria for it – since everyone else it doing it too
So Bulgaria is putting all the passion they have in Eurovision and that’s a bad thing? Don’t think so! And lets wait for the stage performance, they gonna slay !!!! Sofia 2019!!!!
Wrong, wrong and wrong. Bulgarian artists + 2 Americans and a song written by Bulgarian. How about that?
I am literally shocked after today i learnt that Ingrosso in Axwell^Ingrosso was Sweden’s ESC act in ’18
since when has being keen to win a sin?? I am from the UK and I wish the UK authorities would show the ambition and imagination shown by Bulgaria since 2016.
Bones is a cracking song, though a little repetitive between 2 mins 10 and 2 mins 40…..if it is staged well and the vocals deliver, it is the only song, in my opinion, that can beat TOY.
American music…. WTF, read who wrote the music… you hater! But even if the music were written by aliens, it doesn’t matter. It is the song that will represent Bulgaria. Remember that ESC now days is about the whole package and not just the “do re mi”!
Careful what you wish for. EBU is already trying to appeal to US viewers by having them send a commentary team and now could be testing the US reaction by having two singers from the USA on the winning team this year…AND we already have Australia so it’s not entirely out of the realms of possibility…give it time.
There are too many sacred cows this year, and Bulgaria is a major one! They used to belong with the jolly bunch, with Romania, Moldova, Israel and for the last 2 years, Hungary( welcome, Hungary, you are great!). But, when expectations reached high levels they decided to go to their roots. They went for a ethno-mystical vibe – there in the middle there’s byzantium- church corus Bulgarians are famous for. They threw 2 americans in as if there aren’t enough Bulgarians to do the job. The result for me is very underwelming. Why is this seen higher than Muntenegro or… Read more »
So according to you all of the esc songs should be in the same electro disco genre? No originality then? How is this a good thing?
That’s exactly my question too!!!!
Probably because Serbia this year feels like four different acts in one and Montenegro sounds just like the other 100 000 Balkan ballads we have heard already. You can’t always go for “eurovisionish” love, love peace, peace style with “lived happily ever after” ending, sometimes you need to take a risk and try to be creative.
@EugeneESCUK Very good analysis Eugene, very well done! part 1.) Let’s talk about the betting market for a moment. Today, it is very easy to steer the odds in one direction or another, it only takes a few hundred pounds / euros. It should be noted that some betting syndicates have continued to evolve in recent years, some of which are biased towards the UK betting companies very close as betting market advisers too. Their compilers work together hand in hand and do not shy away from tricks as usual. These include sites like sofabet, esctips, Tim B and two… Read more »
@EugeneESCUK
part 2.)
Here are a few numbers from the ESC betting market from last year 2017 on the day of the final. The win market at betfair had reached the level of over 3 5 million pounds.UK bookmaker companies as bet365 and William Hill each had the amount of over 350,000 pound at the win market placed.
part 3. stay tuned
@EugeneESCUK
part 3.
Exactly 2011, “Mamma Mia”, please don’t remind me again.
For the next days and weeks please keep on with your writing, comments and analyzes as they have always been welcome and very useful to me. 🙂
@EugeneESCUK
part 4)
:-} As Always, I agree – Eugene.
You do remember ABBA, don’t you?
“THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL” as the bookies laughing up to the bank.
Wow! You’re right, this could get interesting
Eugene, how could it be possible? They have already sent their song for contest and there are 5 voices in it? Can they add one more person? And in every photos of the group-including album artwork- they are 5 persons. I don’t think they could add anybody to the group after this moment.
Its not a secret anymore. 6th member is Poli Genova and just for Amsterdam not for the real scene. You got it wrong.
The 6th element is called Mia D 🙂
It seems the mental development of mankind is still at the level of ordinary mammals, and not human being. I suppose next year Bulgaria should take a few steps down to the level of gorillas and chickens to b? appreciated. Small dogs always bark a lot because they are scared and frightened. Here is the weak concept of “helpless and desperate Bulgaria”, small dogs ….? Zhana does not sing in the first part, as equinox means battle of light with the darkness. The first part of the song is more dark, but in the second part light is already prevalent.… Read more »
Wow, that’s a great interpretation! I love the song even more now
Well, i didn’t pay attention to most of the things you mention…. Was busy pushing the replay button 🙂 And for the haters…. MASTERPIECE!
Let the haters come! This is my winner!
Mine too 🙂
Love the song, love the vocals, love how it’s produced. Seriously what’s not to like?
Well said ! And some more!
Sorry, but I have a feeling your just a troll who tries to make their own country look better by critisizing others. None of what you said is even close to the truth. ‘Weak vocals’ – lol, are you for real? 😀 everyone of them has amazing, exceptional vocals. ‘Bad production’ – where? It sounds great – fresh and modern. ‘Flat song’ – I don’t quite know what you mean by that, personally I love the composition, it’s so original and different. ‘No charisma, no chemistry’ – that’s totally subjective, I thought they were great on stage together, and i… Read more »
Nope, it’s just hyped, sorry! Not good at all! I finnaly said it and I’m glad! Excited even because they are so hyped!
Well, that’s your opinion. The fact that you don’t like something doesn’t mean it’s bad 🙂
Absolutely agree. They were great with everything. Song, production, vocals, chemistry, stage presence, etc. And it is not by chance that they hold the second position now with the bookies. What I cannot understand though is why there are so many haters here. I thought that ESC is a song contest, where color, race or any other factors should not matter but the music itself, and yet people are speaking about gypsies, poor country and so on. Shame on you, cos all of you haters just look pathetic. Bulgaria can and hopefully will win…. so, get over it and thy… Read more »
Well, actualy they were second with the bookies even before! they released the song, very curious thing!
It’s a decent song, but not deserving of a win imo.
It lacks build-up and the lyrics aren’t exactly outstanding
Sure they may sound great live and they supposedly are gonna have great staging, but i don’t think that’s gonna be enough….
Their vocal are flawless , but the song does nothing for me ….total snoozefast…don’t get the hype around it
Really? I didnt hear it live… if they not so good live then there is nothing left to hold on with this entry … totally bland and forgettable for me…
My favorite this year alongside Italy. Sofia or Rome 2019!
Rome 2019? Pretty unrealistic.
Poor you, Poor. Any country can arrange a great Eurovision show, they just have to reorganize their broadcaster’s budget, and so did Finland in 2007. And Estonia, Latvia before us, and Ukraine twice. What the h**l is wrong with you here? Why do you have to be so negative and rude to each others? Is this some special year with a theme “Don’t behave, don’t respect, don’t be nice to anyone”?
This may come as surprise to you but Finland is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe and YLE is well off broadcaster. Money wasn’t any kind of issue 2007 as it wouldn’t be now.
Uhh dude, Bulgaria hosted Junior Eurovision in 2015. Why not adult Eurovision? *Facepalm* So because they’re so damn poor they shouldn’t win? Maybe they should withdraw from Eurovision because they’re not worthy of entering such a “prestigious” elite music competition for rich countries? What nasty xenophobia on your part.
You are right on this, respect all countries, please, it’s only that Bulgaria is just overhyped at the moment.
Tomorrow, they will announce their new band member. There are rumours that it’s going to be Poli, since she is currently in Amsterdam as well.
Yeah, probably. 🙂
It is going to be another cool girl. Her name is Mia D…. I hope
So, are you saying that the other 5 members of Equinox are gypsies?
Bulgaria from worse has gone up in just 4 years ,congratulations
I didn’t know Borislav Milanov is from Sweden… I used to work in Germany, does that make me German now? And Sacha Jean Baptiste works with like 1/4 of all countries.
The difference is Azerbaijan only buys songs.
Can you please tell me FIVE countries from this year that only used their own resources? The poorer countries’ problem is that their specialists leave their home states as they get better paid somewhere else (just like Milanov and thousands of medical doctors, engineers and skilled workers). But when Bulgaria, or Azerbaijan, need somebody from abroad it suddenly becomes a big deal…
Yeah, Ermal Meta sounds very Italian to me, and he was not born in Albania at all…
Sofia 2019
Bravo Bulgarie.Vive Sofia 2019
It’s not a group, it’s a common framework!
Bulgaria is very desperate to win and it shows.They did not vote for the contenders last year and this year it will be no different.I don’t want them to win tbh
Neither did Portugal vote for the contenders last year. So, if you personally don’t like the BG song entry, that’s fine, as long as it’s individual opinion of yours. But to put the blame on who voted for who is infantile.
And yes, Bulgaria is determined to win, as much as any other country is in the contest. Nothing wrong with that!
Stop with your anti-Bulgarian bias. The song is well produced.
A producer – my a*s – LOL. Here on the internet you can say that you can be whatever you like when you don’t need to prove it. Bulgaria is a possible winner this year, at least on top5 I guess. As an owner of an international record label myseIf can guarantee it.
I am from Skandinavia and as far I can see from my latest comment, I haven’t said a word about Romania 😀
PS, you don’t have a sense of sarcasm. Of course, I am not an owner of anything, but as the answer to that guy who claims to be a producer himself, I just answered that you can be anything, like Donald J. Trump in this discussion as far as you don’t need to prove anything. I was just shooting down a false duck. Maybe this is too complicated to you, so never mind, forget it.
I am not going to lower me on the same childish level with you. Grow up and clean up your mouth babe.
Ash, did you forget they hosted Junior Eurovision in 2015? Why not adult Eurovision? *Facepalm* So because they’re so damn poor they shouldn’t win? Maybe they should withdraw from Eurovision because they’re not worthy of entering such a “prestigious” elite music competition for rich countries? What nasty xenophobia on your part.
Yeah, because Azerbaijan was a world superpower in 2012 and Serbia was the Balkan Switzerland in 2008…
“THEY EMBODY THE SLOGAN ‘CELEBRATE DIVERSITY’”
So I guess it’s only fair that Denmark embodies the slogan “All aboard” this year.
Rooting for this class! And voting.
Ftw BG!