Some songs are born out of heartbreak. Others come from rebellion, frustration, or joy. “Darkslide (ft. Boyband)” was born out of experimentation—an artist pushing himself to new limits, teaching himself skills that no one had handed him, and proving that raw passion can outshine even the most polished production.
At the time, Te’Jani had never stepped foot in a proper studio. Every song, every sound, every beat was crafted from the ground up with whatever resources he had at his disposal. When he set out to record “Darkslide”, it wasn’t just about making a song; it was about teaching himself how to play and record drums in his own space, tweaking mic positions until he found something that worked. It was a process of discovery—both technically and emotionally.
As he fine-tuned the recording setup, he found himself reflecting on the relationships that had shaped him, particularly the one with his father. Their lives couldn’t have been more different, yet in many ways, they were the same person. That realization became the driving force behind the song’s relentless energy. Every hit of the drums, every riff, every lyric was infused with that reflection—the understanding that while paths may diverge, some bonds remain undeniable.
But “Darkslide” wasn’t just a personal breakthrough. It became proof of what could be achieved with determination and creativity. When Boyband sent back his feature, it cemented the song’s impact. A Grammy-nominated artist had added his voice to a track recorded in a bedroom with cheap gear—no expensive studios, no big-budget setup, just passion and persistence. That moment wasn’t just a win for Te’Jani; it was a signal to anyone who had ever felt limited by their circumstances.
The result? A track that doesn’t just demand to be heard—it demands to be felt. The production is raw yet intentional, the energy relentless, and the emotion undeniable. “Darkslide” isn’t about perfection; it’s about the process, the grit, the journey of making something out of nothing. It stands as a testament to the fact that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how far you’re willing to push yourself.
And if a kid with a minimal setup in a small town can make a punk song that reaches Grammy-nominated artists, then what else is possible?
With Darkslide, Te’Jani answers that question: Anything.
