John Summit: Rising EDM Star Soars

John Summit is taking the electronic dance music world by storm. This Chicago-born DJ and producer has quickly become one of the hottest names in house music, with Rolling Stone dubbing him “the hottest name in dance music” in 2024. But who is John Summit, and how did he rise to such prominence in just a few short years? From his humble beginnings as a college party DJ to headlining major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, John Summit’s journey is a testament to raw talent, hard work, and an unwavering passion for music. Let’s dive into the world of this EDM sensation and discover what makes John Summit a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

The Early Days of John Summit

John Walter Schuster, better known as John Summit, was born on July 29, 1994, in Naperville, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Growing up in the birthplace of house music, it’s no wonder that Summit developed a love for electronic beats at an early age. But his journey to becoming a world-renowned DJ wasn’t a straight path.

As a kid, Summit was surrounded by music. His father was a drummer, which likely played a role in shaping his musical interests. He started taking piano lessons in middle school, laying the foundation for his future in music production. But it wasn’t until he attended the Lollapalooza music festival that he truly fell in love with electronic dance music.

During his high school years at Neuqua Valley High School, Summit dabbled in filmmaking. This creative outlet would later influence his ability to craft compelling narratives through his music. After high school, he decided to pursue a more traditional path, enrolling at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study accounting.

From Accounting to Turntables

While studying accounting at the University of Illinois, Summit’s passion for music continued to grow. He joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and became known as the go-to DJ for college parties. It was during this time that he honed his skills behind the decks, playing marathon sets at local venues like The Red Lion in Champaign and Canopy Club in Urbana.

After graduating with a degree in accounting, Summit landed a job as a CPA at Ernst & Young. But he quickly realized that the corporate world wasn’t for him. He described the job as “soul-sucking” and knew he needed to make a change. In 2019, Summit took a leap of faith and decided to pursue music full-time, using the money he had saved from his accounting job to support himself.

The Breakthrough: “Deep End”

John Summit’s big break came in 2020 with the release of his track “Deep End” on Defected Records. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. As the world grappled with lockdowns and uncertainty, Summit’s infectious beats provided a much-needed escape for music lovers around the globe.

“Deep End” quickly became a sensation, dominating the Beatport charts and becoming the longest-running Beatport No. 1 track of the year. The song’s success catapulted Summit into the spotlight, earning him recognition from both underground enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

Crafting a Unique Sound

One of the things that sets John Summit apart from other DJs is his versatility and unique sound. His music effortlessly weaves through various sub-genres of house music, creating a style that’s both fresh and familiar. From deep, hypnotic basslines to soulful, melodic vibes, Summit’s tracks are designed to keep the dancefloor moving.

Summit’s production style is characterized by its groove-heavy beats, catchy melodies, and expertly crafted drops. He has a knack for creating tracks that are both radio-friendly and club-ready, appealing to a wide range of listeners. This ability to bridge the gap between underground and mainstream has been a key factor in his rapid rise to fame.

Conquering the Festival Circuit

With his growing popularity, John Summit quickly became a sought-after name on the festival circuit. He has performed at some of the biggest events in electronic music, including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival. These high-profile gigs have allowed him to showcase his talents to massive audiences, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the EDM world.

Summit’s live performances are known for their energy and excitement. He has a talent for reading the crowd and adapting his sets to create an unforgettable experience for his fans. Whether he’s playing an intimate club show or headlining a major festival stage, Summit’s passion for music shines through in every set.

Chart-Topping Success

John Summit’s success isn’t limited to the festival circuit. He has also made a significant impact on the charts, with several of his tracks reaching the top spots on various dance music charts. Some of his notable chart achievements include:

• “Human” reaching #1 on the US Dance Radio Chart
• “Where You Are” also hitting #1 on the US Dance Radio Chart
• “Shiver” peaking at #8 on the US Dance/Electronic Chart in 2024

These chart successes have helped to cement Summit’s position as one of the most exciting new artists in electronic dance music.

Launching Experts Only

In addition to his work as a DJ and producer, John Summit has also ventured into the world of record labels. He founded his own imprint, Experts Only, as a platform to showcase his own music and support other up-and-coming artists in the house music scene.

Launching Experts Only demonstrates Summit’s entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to giving back to the dance music community. By providing a platform for emerging talent, he’s helping to shape the future of house music and create opportunities for the next generation of producers.

The Debut Album: “Comfort in Chaos”

In 2024, John Summit reached a major milestone in his career with the release of his debut album, “Comfort in Chaos.” This 12-track project showcases Summit’s growth as an artist, exploring new genres and pushing the boundaries of his sound.

“Comfort in Chaos” is more than just a collection of dance tracks. It’s a personal statement from Summit, offering listeners a glimpse into the man behind the music. The album blends Summit’s signature body-centric approach to dance music with more emotional and introspective elements, creating a well-rounded listening experience.

Some standout tracks from the album include:

• “Tears” featuring Paige Cavell: A progressive house anthem with stunning vocals that’s reminiscent of Summit’s earlier hits like “Shiver” and “Where You Are.”
• “Give Me Anything” with Elderbrook: A collaboration that perfectly blends Summit’s production skills with Elderbrook’s distinctive vocals, resulting in an uplifting and memorable track.

The album has been well-received by fans and critics alike, earning Summit a nomination for Top Dance/Electronic Album at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards.

Social Media Savvy

In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial for any artist’s success. John Summit has embraced this aspect of the music industry, building a substantial following across various platforms. His engaging content and interactions with fans have helped to create a loyal and dedicated fan base.

Here’s a breakdown of Summit’s social media presence:

Summit’s social media strategy goes beyond just promoting his music. He uses these platforms to connect with his fans on a personal level, sharing glimpses of his life both on and off stage. This approach has helped to create a strong sense of community among his followers and has contributed to his rapid rise in popularity.

The Man Behind the Music

While John Summit’s professional achievements are impressive, it’s also worth taking a look at the person behind the music. Despite his growing fame, Summit remains grounded and committed to his craft. He’s known for his down-to-earth personality and his genuine passion for music.

Summit’s background in accounting has likely contributed to his business savvy and work ethic. He understands the importance of hard work and dedication, qualities that have undoubtedly played a role in his success. His ability to balance the creative and business aspects of his career has set him apart in an industry that can be notoriously difficult to navigate.

Outside of music, Summit is an advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about his own experiences with anxiety and depression. He uses his platform to encourage conversations about mental health in the music industry and beyond, showing that even successful artists face challenges.

Looking to the Future

As John Summit continues to rise in the electronic dance music scene, the future looks bright for this talented artist. With his debut album under his belt and a growing list of accolades, Summit is poised to become one of the biggest names in dance music.

But what’s next for John Summit? Here are a few things we might expect to see in the coming years:

1. More high-profile collaborations with both established and emerging artists
2. Continued expansion of his Experts Only label, potentially signing and developing new talent
3. Exploration of new sounds and genres, pushing the boundaries of his musical style
4. Larger headline shows and possibly a world tour to support his debut album
5. Increased involvement in music production and songwriting for other artists

One thing is certain: John Summit’s journey is far from over. As he continues to evolve as an artist and push the boundaries of electronic dance music, fans around the world will be eagerly waiting to see what he does next.

In conclusion, John Summit’s rise to fame is a testament to his talent, hard work, and passion for music. From his early days as a college party DJ to headlining major festivals and releasing a critically acclaimed debut album, Summit has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the electronic dance music scene. With his unique sound, engaging personality, and dedication to his craft, John Summit is not just a rising star – he’s a supernova in the making, ready to light up dance floors and festival stages for years to come.