ILLENIUM Dives Into Melodic House with new two-track bundle

Known for his emotionally loaded melodic bass anthems, the Grammy-nominated producer ILLENIUM shifts gears with the release of “Refuge” and “Ur Alive,” two new singles that mark a foray into melodic house. The bundle, out now via Republic Records, offers a glimpse into what the label calls “his most ambitious project to date.”

On “Refuge,” ILLENIUM pairs up with vocalist Norma Jean Martine for a slow-burning track that leans into cinematic tension. Her voice cuts through the haze of synth swells with lyrics about finding comfort after the storm. The production is expansive but never overwhelming—built on subtle rhythms that let Martine’s delivery shine. It’s moody, yes, but also tender and spacious, evoking a feeling of quiet resilience.

The second track, “Ur Alive,” brings a more uptempo energy, but the emotional weight remains. WYLDE’s vocals anchor the song in nostalgia, recalling childhood innocence and urging listeners to reconnect with the present moment. “Why did we forget how to feel the sun?” he asks. It’s a simple lyric, but one that lands with gravity when paired with ILLENIUM’s lush, soaring production.

Both tracks suggest an evolution rather than a reinvention. The melodies are still big, the feelings still front and center—but the drops are cleaner, the builds more restrained. It’s a sound that feels ready for a broader audience, while still grounded in the emotional core that built ILLENIUM’s fanbase.

Whether or not this signals an upcoming full-length album remains unclear. But this bundle hints at an artist ready to explore new territory without abandoning the emotional stakes that define his work. If this is just the start, ILLENIUM’s next chapter could be his most compelling yet.