What’s good, house music fam? If you’re craving a track that’s equal parts soulful, funky, and straight-up vibey, then illexotic’s brand-new single “Higher” is about to be your jam. Dropped fresh on May 30, 2025, this Oakland-based duo is serving up a feel-good house banger that channels the spirit of 90s Chicago house pioneers while sprinkling in some modern flair. Picture this: sunny open-air festivals, sweaty dancefloors, and a crowd losing it to those classic house beats—that’s the energy “Higher” brings. Let’s dive into why this track is a must-add to your summer playlist!
A Funky House Rework with Heart
“Higher” is a love letter to house music’s roots, with a nod to the funky, soulful sounds of Chicago’s 90s scene. illexotic, made up of Corinita (singer-flutist with Chicane vibes) and Josh (Pinoy rapper-pianist), took a bold move by sampling one of their own old hip-hop tracks from a past project and giving it a full-on house glow-up. The result? A track that’s upbeat, dancefloor-ready, and dripping with nostalgia, but still feels fresh for 2025. The melody is infectious, with groovy basslines and crisp percussion that’ll have you moving before the first drop hits. Corinita’s soulful vocals soar over the mix, adding that emotional depth that makes house music hit different.
What stands out most is how “Higher” balances old-school and new-school. The production is polished but keeps that raw, funky edge—think classic Frankie Knuckles meets the vibrant energy of modern acts like Sofi Tukker or Kaleena Zanders. It’s the kind of track that feels right at home at a Bay Area warehouse party or a summer festival stage. And with summer 2025 shaping up to be a big season for house music’s resurgence (hello, open-air events and rooftop parties!), “Higher” is perfectly timed to ride that wave.
Meet illexotic: Oakland’s Genre-Bending Duo
If you’re new to illexotic, get ready to fall in love with their story. Based in Oakland, California, Corinita and Josh are all about love, positivity, and empowerment. Their music is a melting pot of house, bass, pop, and rap, with a mission to uplift listeners and spark conversations around mental health and social justice. Since dropping their debut album Resilience in 2019, followed by the Chillexotic EP in 2020 and Illustrations in 2021, they’ve been building a loyal fanbase. Their early work caught attention from outlets like EARMILK and The Word Is Bond, and now they’re fully embracing the house and bass scene.
Inspired by artists like Louis The Child, Nostalgix, and Wreckno, illexotic’s live shows are pure energy—expect Corinita’s flute solos and Josh’s piano riffs to light up the stage. They’re not just making music; they’re fostering a community that vibes with their message of resilience and inclusivity. With “Higher,” they’re doubling down on their house music evolution, and it’s clear they’re here to make waves in the scene.
Why “Higher” Is a Big Deal for 2025
House music is having a moment right now, with festivals like CRSSD and Day Trip championing the genre and DJs like John Summit and Fisher pushing its boundaries. illexotic’s “Higher” taps into this zeitgeist while staying true to the genre’s soulful roots. The duo’s plan to promote the track is straight-up grassroots: sharing it with their DJ network, playing it at Bay Area gigs, and going hard on social media with memes and playlist pitches via platforms like SubmitHub. This hustle is what makes indie artists like illexotic so inspiring—they’re out here grinding to get their music heard.
The track’s summery, uplifting vibe also aligns with a broader trend in music: listeners are craving feel-good anthems that bring people together. Whether you’re dancing at a festival or chilling at a BBQ, “Higher” is the kind of song that sets the mood. Plus, its Chicago house influence gives it a timeless quality that’ll keep it in rotation long after summer fades.
Get “Higher” on Your Playlist & Support Indie Artists
illexotic’s “Higher” is a certified bop that deserves a spot on your house music playlist. It’s got the grooves, the soul, and the heart to make it a standout track for summer 2025. So, what do you think of this vibe? Drop a comment below and let me know if you’re feeling those Chicago house throwback feels or if illexotic’s story resonates with you!
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