Picture this: you’re cruising through the city at night, windows down, and a infectious beat pulses through your speakers, blending nostalgic vibes with fresh energy. That’s the magic of Josh Dorey’s latest track, “So High,” dropped under IN / ROTATION. This 18-year-old UK prodigy is serving up a slice of old-school house and UK garage that’s got us hooked—and we’re betting it’ll grab you too. Let’s dive into why this track is a must-listen and get to know the young talent behind it.
A Groove That Hits All the Right Spots
“So High” is a masterclass in blending the soulful, gritty essence of old-school UK garage with a modern house twist. From the moment the track kicks off, you’re greeted with those signature syncopated hi-hats and a punchy 4/4 kick that scream classic UKG. The bassline? Pure butter—deep, rolling, and just dirty enough to keep you locked in. Dorey layers in chopped vocal samples, a staple of the genre, that feel both retro and fresh, giving the track an emotional edge that’s perfect for late-night drives or sweaty club floors.
The production is crisp, with a tempo hovering around that sweet 130 BPM spot, making it a DJ’s dream for seamless mixing. There’s a nod to the early 2000s garage sound—think DJ Luck & MC Neat or Sticky—but Dorey infuses it with a polished, contemporary flair that feels right at home in 2025’s electronic scene. The melody is infectious without being overbearing, letting the rhythm take center stage while still leaving you humming along. It’s the kind of track that feels like it’s been in your playlist forever, yet it’s brand-new.
What stands out most is how effortlessly “So High” balances nostalgia with innovation. It’s got that back-of-the-bus, blasting-through-your-Sony-Ericsson vibe, but it’s also polished enough to hold its own on modern streaming platforms. Whether you’re a UKG purist or just dipping your toes into the genre, this track is a vibe that’ll have you skanking in no time.
Who Is Josh Dorey?
At just 18, Josh Dorey is already making waves in the UK’s electronic music scene. Hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, this multi-instrumentalist is part of a thriving local scene that’s been churning out talent like nobody’s business. According to his Beatport bio, Dorey draws inspiration from heavyweights like Fred Again, Calvin Harris, Eric Prydz, Dom Dolla, Ben Hemsley, and the late, great Avicii. That’s a pretty stellar lineup, and you can hear those influences in the emotive, larger-than-life quality of his production.
Dorey’s youth doesn’t hold him back—his work feels mature, confident, and meticulously crafted. “So High” follows his earlier release “Me n U” under IN / ROTATION, showing he’s got a knack for churning out bangers that resonate with both club-goers and casual listeners. Posts on X have been buzzing about his latest drop, with fans praising the track’s infectious energy and old-school roots. His SoundCloud is a treasure trove of tracks and playlists, hinting at a prolific career ahead.
UK Garage in 2025: Why It’s Hot Again
UK garage has been enjoying a serious revival over the past few years, with producers like Conducta and labels like Kiwi Rekords pushing the genre into new territory. “So High” fits perfectly into this new wave, often dubbed NUKG (new UK garage), which blends the genre’s classic elements—shuffled rhythms, vocal chops, and deep bass—with modern production techniques. The result is a sound that’s both timeless and forward-thinking.
The genre’s resurgence isn’t just nostalgia; it’s about capturing the raw, communal energy of UKG’s heyday while making it accessible to a new generation. Tracks like “So High” are proof that UK garage still has plenty to say, whether it’s soundtracking a house party or dominating festival stages. Plus, with artists like Disclosure and AJ Tracey giving nods to the genre, it’s clear UKG’s influence is stronger than ever.
Get It Out There with DistroKid
If you’re an artist inspired by Josh Dorey’s rise, now’s the time to get your own music out there. Platforms like DistroKid make it super easy to distribute your tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond, letting you keep more of your earnings. Sign up with this link for a 7% discount on your membership: DistroKid VIP Link. It’s a no-brainer for independent artists looking to make their mark, just like Dorey’s doing right now.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need “So High” in Your Playlist
Josh Dorey’s “So High” is more than just a track—it’s a love letter to UK garage’s golden era, reimagined for today’s dancefloors. Its infectious rhythm, soulful vocals, and polished production make it a standout in the genre’s ongoing revival. At 18, Dorey’s already proving he’s got the chops to hang with the big names, and we can’t wait to see what he drops next.
Stream “So High” on your favorite platform, and let it take you back to the glory days of UKG while keeping you firmly in the present. Got thoughts on the track? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think of Josh Dorey’s sound! And if you’re an artist, don’t sleep on that DistroKid link—get your music out there and join the next wave of talent.
