The backstory

EQ Records began in June 2023 when our founder, Jeremy Lewis, met artist Maddox VanDyken—then known as Heavy Houston—through a mutual friend. After an impromptu three-hour recording session at home, Maddox challenged Jeremy to learn mixing and production to help elevate his music. Driven by that challenge, Jeremy taught himself the basics of audio engineering and began producing Heavy’s early tracks.

By fall, they were ready to release songs on streaming platforms and began experimenting with marketing and social media. In spring 2024, EQ Records hosted its first live show at the Hillyard Youth Center, drawing nearly 100 attendees. That same season, Heavy performed for hundreds of students at Lewis & Clark High School during a lunchtime event.

Following graduation, Maddox was eager to commit more time to music. When Jeremy mentioned he was traveling to Chicago for work, Maddox asked to join. With an extra bed available, Jeremy brought him along. They booked a session at LSD Studios, where Maddox recorded three tracks—two of which were later released.

As Maddox began considering his next steps, both he and Jeremy agreed that building a strong foundation in life needed to come first. In January 2025, Maddox completed basic training for the U.S. Air Force and is now serving with plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

In September 2024, Jeremy was introduced to educator and advocate Murray Elbourne through a mutual friend, Jaeda. Together, they launched the Vision 2 Victory music camp—a groundbreaking experience that brought together nine blind high school students and a team of six musicians, including Heavy Houston and Jaeda.

Over the course of the camp, students collaborated with mentors to write and record an original song, learning the fundamentals of songwriting, recording, and musical expression. For many, it was their first time in a professional recording environment. The experience culminated in both a completed track and a short documentary that captured the spirit, creativity, and empowerment that defined the week.

The success of Vision 2 Victory solidified EQ Records’ commitment to accessibility in the arts and laid the foundation for future programs focused on mentorship, inclusion, and music as a vehicle for growth.