Music Industry News

Ōtautahi-based jazz metal band EQUILIBRIUM are excited to release their debut single ‘Rumination’ today, following their win in the Smokefreerockquest band category last year.

The release marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the group as they continue to develop their sound and build on the momentum generated by a growing social media following (5M+ views, 19.5K+ followers).

Blending jazz harmony, progressive metal and pop-rock influences, EQUILIBRIUM became the first instrumental act in Smokefreerockquest’s 38-year history to take out the national title. The band features Corban Blackwell (guitar), Alex Gibson (keyboard & saxophone), Wonie Park (bass), and Finley Tressler (drums). All members remain in high school, with the exception of Finley, who is now studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Performance at the University of Canterbury.

Recorded, produced and mixed by Clint Murphy at Orange Studios, and mastered by Ryan Smith, ‘Rumination’ captures the band’s unique and innovative sound through intricate musicianship and immersive melodies. The composition takes listeners on an intense and captivating journey from the first riff to the guitar solo finale.

Guitarist Corban Blackwell reflects on the track;

“Throughout ‘Rumination’ there’s fast-paced, complex melodies sitting on intense, crushing drum and bass lines. As an instrumental track, listeners are brought together and pulled down into dark heavy beats, sax and guitar runs, as well as unexpected stops and restarts, providing lift and excitement throughout the piece. We hope that everyone can find a piece of themselves within the music and return time and time again to experience the depth and passion in the song.”

Alex, who doubles on keys and sax, adds;

“We’re hugely excited to finally share our first single with our fans. Since winning the 2025 Smokefreerockquest National Final, we’ve been working hard on growing momentum and building our community of listeners. The accompanying music video, which features a live rendition of the track, feels really authentic to us as composers and instrumentalists.”

Made with support from NZ On Air, ‘Rumination’ is accompanied by a striking music video. Directed by Imaginary Friends videographer Dave Thomson at Christchurch’s iconic Great Hall, the video provides a dramatic backdrop that matches the scale of the music and ambition of their performance.

Check out all things EQUILIBRIUM below:
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