Equal in the Darkness

"Equal in the Darkness" (Chinese: 都沒差) is a song by American DJ Steve Aoki, Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai, and American singer Max Schneider. Written by Teemu Brunila, Justin Philip Stein, Steve Aoki, and Tian Chenming^[a], and produced by Aoki, the single was released on October 21, 2021, by Liquid State in both Mandarin and English-language versions.^[1]

"Equal in the Darkness"
Single by Steve Aoki, Jolin Tsai, and Max Schneider
Released	October 21, 2021 (2021-10-21)
Genre	Dance
Length	7:00
Label	Liquid State
Songwriters	Teemu Brunila Justin Philip Stein Steve Aoki Tian Chenming[a]
Producer	Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki singles chronology
"End of the World" (2021) "Equal in the Darkness" (2021) "Stars Don't Shine" (2021)
Jolin Tsai singles chronology
"Stars Align" (2021) "Equal in the Darkness" (2021) "Untitled" (2022)
Max Schneider singles chronology
"Butterflies" (2021) "Equal in the Darkness" (2021) "Wasabi" (2022)
Music video
English version on YouTube Mandarin version on YouTube

Background

On July 29, 2021, Jolin Tsai revealed she would soon release a new single.^[2] That same day, Steve Aoki and Max Schneider premiered a new track at the Lollapalooza in Chicago, which featured Tsai's vocals. Her Chinese and English names were also displayed on the stage's backdrop. The single was originally scheduled for release on August 13, with Aoki stating it would appear on his upcoming album. On August 19, Tsai announced that the release had been postponed due to scheduling adjustments, though production of the track had already been completed.^[3]

On October 19, 2021, Aoki confirmed on Weibo that his collaboration with Tsai and Schneider would be released on October 21. The following day, Tsai revealed that the single would be available in two different arrangements, a Mandarin version and an English version, and announced that its music video was in production.^[4]

Composition

The song centers on the theme: "In darkness, we are all afraid; that very fear makes us equal." According to Tsai, the lyrics capture the fear, fragility, and sorrow that people feel when facing darkness, while affirming a sense of universality. At the time, she was experiencing an emotional low point and sought hope, which motivated her to join the project.

After hearing the initial ballad-style demo, Tsai expressed excitement for Aoki's completed production. To coordinate across time zones, she frequently held late-night discussions at 2 or 3 a.m. Aoki noted that this global collaboration allowed them to create something truly unique.^[5]

Music video

On October 22, 2021, Aoki released a visualizer video on his YouTube channel, later announcing on Twitter that the official music video would follow the next week.^[6] A teaser was uploaded on November 1, confirming a November 2 release (Pacific Time). On November 15, 2021, Tsai released a separate music video for the Mandarin version on her YouTube channel.

The videos were shot in both Los Angeles and Taipei, directed by Ariel Michelle. Due to travel restrictions, Michelle directed Tsai's scenes remotely via live video, marking her first experience filming a music video under such conditions. The footage was later composited by the production team. In the video, Tsai performs within a transparent glass enclosure, symbolizing being trapped by dark emotions before ultimately breaking free to embrace light and hope. Her two contrasting outfits combine softness and strength, underscoring the message that one need not always appear perfect or strong, facing fear requires both courage and vulnerability.^[7]

Other versions

On November 19, 2021, Aoki released the "Steve Aoki Character X" version of the track, which combined English vocals with the Chinese instrumental arrangement. A lyric video for this version was uploaded to YouTube on November 23. On December 3, 2021, a remix package titled "The Remixes" was released, featuring two additional remixes of the song.^[8]

Commercial performance

The English version of "Equal in the Darkness" ranked number 32 on Hit FM Top 100 Singles of 2021, while the Mandarin version placed at number 37.^[9] The track also spent four weeks on Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, where it peaked at number 36.^[10]

Reception

Taiwanese musician Tseng Jen-yi praised Tsai for her diverse cross-genre collaborations, noting that she not only engaged the Mandopop market but also challenged herself on the international stage, demonstrating leadership and artistic courage.^[11]

Awards

On November 30, 2021, "Equal in the Darkness" was nominated for Best Collaborative Single at the Asian Pop Music Awards. On July 8, 2023, the track won Cross-Border Collaboration Single of the Year at the 4th Tencent Music Entertainment Awards.

Live performances

On July 29, 2021, Aoki and Schneider performed "Equal in the Darkness" at the Lollapalooza in Chicago, prior to the song's official release.

Track listing

Digital download and streaming

1. "Equal in the Darkness" – 3:30
2. "Equal in the Darkness" (Mandarin version) – 3:30

Digital download and streaming – "Equal in the Darkness" (Steve Aoki Character X version)

1. "Equal in the Darkness" (Steve Aoki Character X version) – 3:30

Digital download and streaming – "Equal in the Darkness" (The remixes)

1. "Equal in the Darkness" (Gabry Ponte remix) – 3:01
2. "Equal in the Darkness" (Crazy Donkey remix) – 3:03

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Equal in the Darkness"

Chart (2021–2022)	Peak position
China (Tencent)[12]	59
US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard)[10]	36

Release history

Region	Date	Version	Format(s)	Distributor
Various	October 21, 2021	Original	Digital download streaming	Liquid State
	November 19, 2021	Steve Aoki Character X version
	December 3. 2021	The remixes

Notes

1. Mandarin version lyrics only