Picture this: you’re chilling at a rooftop party as the sun dips below the horizon, a cool breeze hits, and the DJ drops a track that feels like a warm hug from the past, but with a fresh, modern twist. That’s exactly the vibe Phree Direxion brings with their latest single, Not The First Time. This self-taught producer, who kicked off their journey in September 2024, is already making waves in the house music scene with a sound that bridges the gap between old-school house roots and the chilled-out, emotive vibes of today’s progressive, minimal, and deep house genres. Let’s dive into why this track is a must-listen and why Phree Direxion is an artist to watch in 2025.
A Fresh Take on House Music
Not The First Time is a masterclass in blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. Phree Direxion describes their sound as “old-school house meets modern-day chill house with vocals,” and they deliver on that promise. The track kicks off with a classic four-on-the-floor beat, a nod to the Chicago house pioneers of the ‘80s like Frankie Knuckles and Marshall Jefferson. But it’s not stuck in the past—layered synths, subtle transitions, and a deep, groovy bassline give it that modern, progressive house polish reminiscent of artists like Sasha or Guy J.
The vocals are the heart of the track, weaving an emotive narrative that feels both soulful and introspective. Unlike the anthemic choruses of mainstream EDM, the vocals here are understated yet powerful, used rhythmically to build intensity and support the track’s climax. They evoke the soulful delivery of ‘90s deep house, with a touch of the atmospheric, dreamy quality you’d hear in modern AnjunaDeep releases. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to close your eyes and lose yourself on the dancefloor—or just vibe out at home with headphones on.
Musically, Not The First Time is a journey. The melody lines evolve slowly, with modulated filters and reverb creating a sense of movement that’s quintessentially progressive house. The percussion draws from minimal house influences, with crisp hi-hats and groovy top lines that keep the rhythm tight but never overpower the track’s chill vibe. At around 124 BPM, it’s got that sweet spot tempo for both club sets and laid-back listening sessions. The production feels polished for a self-taught artist, showcasing Phree Direxion’s knack for layering sounds to create a hypnotic, immersive experience.
Who Is Phree Direxion?
Phree Direxion is a rising star with a refreshing approach to music-making. Established in September 2024, this 100% self-taught producer is driven by a passion for emotive house music—the kind that tells a story and connects with listeners on a deeper level. Their bio is humble yet relatable: “Trying to make the emotive house music I love listening to so much. Grateful for any listens and/or feedback. <3” It’s clear they’re in this for the love of the craft, and that authenticity shines through in Not The First Time.
While Phree Direxion is new to the scene, their sound feels like it’s been honed by years of listening to house music’s evolution. The influences of early ‘90s progressive house, with its roots in the UK rave and club scenes, mingle with the soulful, jazzy chords of deep house and the hypnotic minimalism of modern producers like James Holden or Nathan Fake. Being self-taught, Phree Direxion likely spent countless hours experimenting in their DAW, absorbing the genre’s nuances and crafting a sound that’s both personal and universally appealing.
Why Not The First Time Stands Out
In a world where house music can sometimes feel formulaic, Not The First Time stands out for its emotional depth and genre-blending creativity. The track captures the essence of progressive house’s “lush melodies and atmospheric sounds” while staying true to deep house’s soulful roots and minimal house’s restrained elegance. It’s the kind of song that works in multiple settings—whether it’s a late-night club set, a festival sunset slot, or your go-to track for a reflective drive.
The current trend in house music leans toward fusion genres, with producers mixing elements of techno, trance, and even amapiano to create fresh sounds. Phree Direxion taps into this by combining the emotive vocal style of deep house with the evolving structures of progressive house, making Not The First Time feel both timeless and forward-thinking. It’s a track that could easily find a home on playlists like Spotify’s “The Sound of Deep Progressive House” or in the sets of DJs championing melodic house like Lane 8 or Bound to Divide.
Get Involved and Support New Talent
Phree Direxion’s Not The First Time is a testament to the power of passion and self-driven creativity. For a debut project, it’s an impressive entry into the house music world, and it’s exciting to think about where this artist could go next. If you’re digging the track, give it a spin, share it with your friends, and drop some feedback for Phree Direxion—they’re grateful for every listen and comment.
And if you’re an aspiring artist inspired by Phree Direxion’s journey, why not take the next step in your own music career? Platforms like DistroKid make it easy to distribute your tracks to major streaming services, helping you reach listeners worldwide. Plus, you can save 7% on your membership with this link: DistroKid VIP. It’s a small step that could lead to big opportunities, just like Phree Direxion is seizing right now.
What do you think of Not The First Time? Are you feeling the old-school-meets-modern vibes, or is there another house track you’re obsessed with right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the house music conversation going!