Slander Biography

In the vast landscape of electronic music, few names shine brighter than Slander. This dynamic duo has been making waves and breaking boundaries, all while redefining the genre with their unique sound. But who exactly are they? What’s their story?

Early Life & Background

Exploring the origins of Slander, anchored in the lives of Derek Andersen and Scott Land, we note their birth in Southern California. These friends turned business partners met at the University of California, Irvine. Combining their shared passion for music, they began their journey, creating a sound that breaks electronic music boundaries.

In their adolescent years, the duo indulged in a blend of different music genres. This diverse exposure influenced their distinct and innovative sound palette. Continuing in their exploration, these individuals built their identity in the music scene, setting the stage for the emergence of the Slander music sensation.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

After countless hours in the studio, utilized on an insatiable quest for music perfection, Slander hit the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene with a sound like no other. Their unique musicality, stemming from their shared love for music and diverse influences, unleashed a groundbreaking EDM wave. Most notably, their riveting performances at major music festivals catapulted them to stardom. Ultra Music Festival, an internationally acclaimed annual event, showcased Slander’s innovative music to an audience of thousands. Their song “Gud Vibrations,” a collaboration powerhouse with NGHTMRE, reached the beatport Top 30 Charts. The song, imprinted with their creative genius, not only validated their unmistakable talent but also served as a launchpad for their soaring career. Throughout, reliance on their roots and dedication fostered an unshakeable ascent in the EDM terrain.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

In the expansive world of electronic music, Slander’s tailor-made fusion of genres propels them beyond the crowd. They’ve innovatively constructed a signature sound, employing unique production techniques that shape their position in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) landscape.

What Type of EDM is Slander?

Despite the wide spectrum of electronic music, Slander falls under two main sub-genres: Trap and Progressive House. Within Trap, it’s Slander’s inventive utilization of bass heavy drops and heart-thumping beats that distinguishes them. On the other side, their exploration of Progressive House showcases their melodic, instrumentally driven tracks, often painted with emotionally resonant vocals. For instance, their songs “Love Again” and “Superhuman” exemplify their unique synergy of harmonious melodies and upbeat rhythms, establishing their footprint in the world of Progressive House.

Unique Production Elements

Slander’s signature sound thrives from a host of unique production elements. They exploit the power of synthesis, creating harmonic complexities and rich textural layers within their music. Their meticulous selection of sound design tools, like Serum and Spire synthesizers, enables them to carve out intricate, high-energy drops and euphoric, pulsating choruses.

Their use of risers, a commonly employed technique in EDM, introduces tension and anticipation into their tracks, making their weighty drops even more impactful. For example, the riser in their track “You” sets the stage for an explosive breakdown, demonstrating their mastery over dynamic arrangement within EDM production.

Use of Sampling

Sampling is another feature of Slander’s production techniques. They manipulate audio samples to inject new life and distinctive elements into their music. For instance, their remix of Showtek’s “We Like to Party” features an almost unrecognizable, metamorphosed vocal sample that perfectly melds into their signature high-intensity trap beats.

Similar Artists to Slander

In the realm of EDM, several artists mirror the unique sound and production techniques synonymous with Slander. Noteworthy among them are NGHTMRE, Illenium, and Seven Lions. NGHTMRE, a long-time collaborator, shares a close stylistic resemblance, with a predilection for intense bass drops. Illenium, known for his emotive, melodic compositions, aligns with Slander’s penchant for heart-string-pulling tracks. Lastly, Seven Lions, renowned for his diverse genre experimentation, encapsulates the innovative spirit also inherent in Slander’s work. Indeed, they all testify to the thriving vibrancy within the EDM landscape.

Discography

Following their rise in the EDM industry, Slander made pivotal contributions to the music landscape through their discography. Beginning with their debut EP “Nuclear Bonds” in 2015, they introduced a fresh sound that redefined the genre. The year 2016 saw the release of ‘Dead,’ a unique track blending their signature heavy bass with haunting vocals. In 2017, they released ‘Superhuman,’ featuring emotionally resonant vocals and synth-heavy drops, further cementing their status as innovators. More recent works, such as ‘You Don’t Even Know Me’ and ‘Potions,’ illustrate Slander’s constant evolution, showcasing maturing production techniques and refined storytelling. This iterative discography exhibits their consistent growth and expanding influence within the EDM scene.

Tours & Live Performances

Taking over stages with energy-filled performances, Slander’s live shows bring their distinctive sound to life. One instance, their notable presence at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in 2017, drew considerable attention. During this performance, they showcased their infectious energy, with bass-heavy drops reverberating through the crowd. Another memorable moment, their riveting performance at the Tomorrowland festival in 2018, held the audience captive with their haunting vocals.

Their co-headlining tour, “Gud Vibrations,” alongside NGHTMRE, became a formidable showcase of their musical prowess. This tour sent tremors through the EDM community, reinforcing their bond with fans and fellow musicians.

Apart from these tours, Slander continues performing at major electronic dance music festivals, captivating audiences worldwide with their spellbinding performances. They consistently reinvent their music in these live settings, providing fans an immersive soundscape that extends beyond their recorded tracks. Their exceptional live shows underline their status as trailblazers in the EDM industry and further enhance their vibrant biography.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Personal aspects of Slander draw as much interest as their on-stage performances and music production. Both Derek Andersen and Scott Land, despite being in the limelight, maintain discreet off-stage personas. Reticent about their private life, they allow their music to hold center stage. Off-stage, however, they are avid travelers, using their global touring as an opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences. Known for their down-to-earth demeanour, they engage actively with fans on social media platforms. While much about their personal lives remains private, it’s clear that they channel their experiences into creating resonant music, continuing to shape the EDM landscape.

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Twitter: @SlanderOfficial

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Slander?

Slander is an electronic music duo consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land. Both originate from Southern California and met while attending the University of California, Irvine. Their shared passion for music led to the creation of their unique sound that spans the sub-genres of Trap and Progressive House.

How did Slander break into the EDM scene?

Slander broke into the EDM scene through their commitment to musical excellence and performances at major music festivals. Their collaboration with NGHTMRE on “Gud Vibrations” was a significant milestone that cemented their place in the EDM landscape.

What are some of Slander’s standout production techniques?

Slander’s unique sound comes from their innovative use of heavy bass drops, emotionally resonant vocals, synthesis, and sound design tools like Serum and Spire synthesizers. Their use of risers for tension building and specific sampling techniques also contributes to their distinctive musical style.

Which other artists align with Slander’s style and production techniques?

Artists such as NGHTMRE, Illenium, and Seven Lions align with Slander’s unique sound and production style. These artists represent the diverse and vibrant range of the current EDM landscape.

What are some key releases in Slander’s discography?

Slander’s discography includes their debut EP “Nuclear Bonds” and tracks such as “Dead,” “Superhuman,” “You Don’t Even Know Me,” and “Potions.” These songs illustrate Slander’s signature sound, innovative production techniques, and consistent growth in the industry.

How are Slander’s live performances described?

Slander’s live performances feature high-energy shows with a distinctive sound that captivates audiences. They have performed extensively at major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Tomorrowland, known for their infectiously energetic sets.

What is known about the personal lives of the Slander duo?

Derek Andersen and Scott Land, the pair forming Slander, maintain private off-stage personas, preferring to let their music take center stage. They enjoy traveling and the exploration of new cultures afforded by their global tours. They are known for being down-to-earth and actively engaging with fans on social media.