Using a computer designed and built for the band by member Robin Whittle, they were also pioneers in the use of programmable beat sequencing software during live performance, predating the release of Fairlight CMI's "Page R" by a couple of years.
When The Birthday Party returned to Melbourne in early 1980 to record their album Prayers on Fire with producer Tony Cohen, Jackson, Hauser and Ewart were invited by the band to contribute horns to two songs: the LP's first single "Nick the Stripper", and "Zoo Music Girl".
[2] Also in 1980, Equal Local provided the soundtrack for the documentary Punkline, filmed in the Crystal Ballroom.
[3] Two songs by Equal Local, "Widespread" and "Barren and Wasted", appeared on the fifth edition of the cassette magazine Fast Forward, released in 1981.
That year, a recording of their last ever show, held at the Crystal Ballroom on 29 May 1982, was released as a live album by the cassette label Rash (DECISIONS).