LA-based titans SLANDER reconnect with Denver producer William Black to revisit their massive melodic bass anthem from 2020, with a heartfelt, intimate acoustic rendition.
LA-based duo SLANDER and Denver producer William Black return to one of their most enduring collaborations with “Back To U (Acoustic),” a stripped-back reinterpretation that reframes the emotional core of the original through a softer, more intimate lens. First released on the former’s Gud Vibrations in 2020, “Back To U” has since become a cornerstone of modern melodic bass—now receiving new life through a rendition that trades festival-scale drops for vulnerability and space.
Listen here : https://gudvibrations.ffm.to/backtou-acoustic
In its acoustic form, the track leans fully into restraint. The topline, already one of the song’s most arresting elements, cuts deeper here, revealing a narrative centered on emotional guardedness and the magnetic pull of a connection that refuses to fade. Sweeping piano chords replace surging synths, allowing the melody to breathe while amplifying the song’s quiet tension. Each note feels deliberate, carrying the weight of hesitation, longing, and emotional honesty that defined the original, now rendered with heightened clarity.
The “Back To U” rework arrives on the heels of massive success for the initial release, which has amassed over 41 million streams and earned widespread support across radio, playlists, and live stages. The original single garnered praise from press outlets such as EDM.com, Dancing Astronaut, EKM, Conscious Electronic, Electric Hawk, and Chill Nation, helping cement its reach.
For SLANDER, the release lands amid a period of sustained momentum. The duo remains a defining force within melodic bass while continuing to dominate heavier corners of bass music and beyond. They’re currently in the midst of their ‘Voyager’ Tour, with upcoming appearances spanning Armory, Nebula NYC, Contact Festival, Exchange LA, System Overload, and Veld Festival, leading to a highly anticipated set at Countdown NYE. SLANDER is gearing up to return to the state-of-the-art Sphere Las Vegas venue, as part of Illenium’s ‘Odyssey’ residency, with a headline night taking place on Thursday, April 2nd. It follows their incredible debut appearance this year via the landmark ‘Unity’ experience hosted by Insomniac and Tomorrowland.
William Black enters the release fresh off the launch of his album ‘The Shadow Realm,’ a project that further solidified his reputation for emotionally immersive production and cinematic storytelling. He’s set to carry that vision on the road with ‘The Shadow Realm’ Tour, hitting venues including Silo, Terminal 5, Ramova Theatre, The Eastern, Big Night Live, Showbox SODO, and The Ogden Theatre as part of the tour’s first phase.
“Back To U (Acoustic)” is as a quiet counterpoint to the scale both artists are known for—proof that the emotional gravity of melodic bass doesn’t rely on volume or spectacle. Instead, it lives in the spaces between notes, where honesty resonates longest.
SLANDER and William Black’s new single “Back To U (Acoustic)” is available on all platforms via Gud Vibrations.
More About SLANDER
SLANDER is a Grammy-nominated American electronic music duo consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land based in Los Angeles, CA who are best known for their unique, emotional, melodic bass music sound. Going from being Icon Collective graduates to selling out massive hard ticket venues including Red Rocks, and performing at global festivals such as EDC, Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, and Ultra. SLANDER has become one of the hottest acts in dance music with one Platinum and one Gold RIAA Certifications to their name.
More About William Black
William Black is a powerhouse in the melodic bass scene, known for his emotionally charged productions and uplifting anthems. Having collaborated with some of EDM ’ s biggest names, including Illenium, Slander, and many more, his music seamlessly blends heartfelt storytelling with dynamic drops. William has graced some of EDM ’ s biggest stages, performing at major festivals and venues worldwide, captivating audiences with his high – energy sets and signature sound. With a growing global fan base and a deep passion for pushing boundaries in electronic music, he continues to solidify his place as one of the genre ’ s most exciting and influential artists.