Ultra: The Architects of UK Progressive House

Ultra is a British electronic music production duo known for crafting intricate, melody-driven progressive house anthems. Formed in Manchester in 2008, the pair achieved a major commercial breakthrough with their 2012 platinum-certified debut album, "Neon Skyline," which charted in the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.

Early career

Producers Leo Vance and Jamie Sellers formed Ultra in 2008, bonding over a shared love for the evolving progressive house sound emanating from clubs in Manchester and Ibiza. Their first official release, the "Catalyst EP" on the small but influential imprint Deep Focus Recordings in 2010, garnered immediate attention from key DJs, leading to a signing with the major electronic label Aura Recordings later that same year.

Breakthrough

The duo's mainstream arrival was cemented in 2012 with the release of their debut album, "Neon Skyline." The lead single, "Echoes," featuring vocalist Rhea, became a crossover hit, peaking at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and achieving platinum sales status. The album's success established Ultra as leading figures in the progressive house genre, capable of delivering both club-ready energy and radio-friendly hooks.

Key tracks

Echoes (feat. Rhea) — This platinum-selling single defined their breakthrough, blending Rhea's ethereal vocals with a soaring, festival-ready melody.

Horizon — An instrumental track that became a DJ staple, showcasing their mastery of building atmospheric, driving progressive grooves.

Neon Skyline — The title track from their debut album is a seven-minute journey that perfectly encapsulates their detailed, cinematic production style.

Fade Into Light (with Maya Jones) — A successful 2014 collaboration that charted across Europe, demonstrating their consistent hit-making ability.

Vektor — A key track from their 2016 sophomore album "Pulse," noted for its complex, arpeggiated synth work and relentless energy.

Following their initial success, Ultra solidified their status with a steady stream of releases. Their second album, 2016's "Pulse," debuted at number 12 on the UK chart and spawned several Beatport number ones in the progressive house category. They have since collaborated with notable vocalists like Alyssa Shaw and have seen their music licensed for major sporting events and television broadcasts globally.

Fans of Ultra's polished, emotive take on progressive house also frequently enjoy the work of Eric Prydz, who shares a similar affinity for grand, melodic compositions. The driving rhythms of Deadmau5 also find a parallel in Ultra's earlier club-focused work. For the vocal-driven side of their sound, listeners gravitate toward Above & Beyond and their anthemic trance-progressive style. The intricate production of fellow UK act Feed Me also resonates with Ultra's detailed sonic approach.

Ultra's catalog remains a fixture on electronic music radio stations featured on this website. Their hits are regularly programmed on dedicated progressive house and mainstream dance radio stations, ensuring their anthems continue to reach both dedicated fans and new listeners across the airwaves.

The music of Ultra can be heard across a variety of electronic and dance radio stations available on onairium.com. Listeners can easily discover the duo's influential tracks and latest releases by tuning into the progressive house and UK dance music stations featured on our platform.