SLANDER and NGHTMRE have joined forces once again for “Free,” a long-awaited reunion that feels like both a homecoming and a statement of intent. Out January 30 via their Gud Vibrations imprint, the single marks their first collaborative release on the label since 2020. Featuring rising singer-songwriter ZOHARA, the track channels the emotional intensity and cathartic release that have long defined the duo’s shared creative DNA.
“Free” opens in a wash of twinkling tones and spacious atmospherics, immediately setting a reflective tone. ZOHARA’s luminous topline glides across light trap percussion and delicate synth work, her voice exploring the feeling of liberation after breaking free from a codependent relationship. The production hangs in a dreamlike haze before giving way to a deep, resonant groove. When the drop arrives, it unfolds with cinematic weight: swelling sub-bass, shuddering synth leads, and reverberating percussion collide in a moment that balances crushing low end with emotional lift. Every element feels deliberate, showcasing the careful craft SLANDER and NGHTMRE have honed while pushing melodic bass into increasingly expressive territory.
Speaking about the release, SLANDER shared, “‘Free’ is here! This record is extremely special to us and we could not be more thrilled it is out in the world. It was so exciting to work with ZOHARA for the first time alongside our dear friend, NGHTMRE. From the very first session, we knew this song had such a special feeling and a true, raw emotion at its core. We hope its feeling of freedom is something everyone can feel reflected within.”
NGHTMRE added insight into the collaborative process: “SLANDER and I started our careers together and they have always been my closest friends and favorite collaborators. We often get ideas going and share them remotely, but this time we got in the studio and built something completely from scratch with ZOHARA. The raw emotion she pulled from her personal life is instantly evident. I’m really proud of how this song turned out, and it has been blowing minds in our live sets.”
For ZOHARA, the song’s meaning stretches far beyond heartbreak. “This song is about so much more than heartbreak. It’s about freedom from all the baggage and pain we carry,” she explained. “Its message can mean something different and personal to anyone who hears it. We wrote it in less than two hours — one of those magical moments where you know you’re part of something bigger. The guys took the production to another level, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
“Free” has already built serious momentum on the live circuit. First surfacing during SLANDER and NGHTMRE’s back-to-back set at EDC Las Vegas, the track quickly became a fan-favorite ID, later appearing in sets at Lost Lands, Exchange LA, and Mission Ballroom. Its blend of emotional clarity and seismic energy has given it near-mythic status among bass fans.
The release continues a creative partnership that has shaped the evolution of the Gud Vibrations sound. Previous collaborations include “Fall Into Me” from NGHTMRE’s 2023 album DRMVRSE and “Monster” from SLANDER’s 2022 debut album Thrive. Their last joint label release, “Feeling Gud,” became one of the imprint’s biggest successes, surpassing 68 million streams and earning support from BBC Radio 1, Zeds Dead, Alison Wonderland, Gryffin, and Valentino Khan. Four years later, “Free” builds on that legacy with renewed focus and emotional precision.
Both artists are closing out major touring cycles surrounding the release, with SLANDER wrapping their Voyager Tour and NGHTMRE concluding MINDFULL, including a shared stop at The Armory. Their upcoming festival appearances include Beyond Wonderland SoCal, World DJ Festival in Seoul, Escapade, Veld, System Overload, Breakaway, Illfest, and SLANDER’s return to The Sphere, reinforcing their status as two of dance music’s most commanding live performers.
For ZOHARA, “Free” adds to a growing catalog that bridges emotionally driven pop songwriting with the scale of electronic production. The Brooklyn-born, Los Angeles-based artist previously connected with dance audiences through collaborations with Gryffin on “Remember” and “WHERE ARE YOU TONIGHT,” as well as her feature on KREAM’s “Water.” Known for her crystalline tone and understated intensity, she continues to emerge as a defining voice in electronic music’s emotionally resonant wave.
With “Free,” SLANDER and NGHTMRE reaffirm the strength of their creative bond. The track stands as a polished, emotionally grounded release that bridges their history with the evolving future of Gud Vibrations, reminding listeners why their collaborations continue to leave a lasting mark on the global bass scene.