John Summit
Biography
John Walter Schuster, known professionally as John Summit, is an American DJ and producer who has rapidly become a prominent figure in the house music scene. Born on July 29, 1994, in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Illinois, his early exposure to the city's rich house music history, including artists like Green Velvet, significantly influenced his musical direction. Before pursuing music full-time, Summit worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He taught himself music production through YouTube tutorials and DJ'd at local bars during his college years.
Career Breakthrough
In 2019, Summit decided to leave his accounting job at Ernst & Young to dedicate himself entirely to his music career. The turning point came in 2020 with the release of his track "Deep End" on Defected Records. The song became a massive success, achieving the status of the longest-running Beatport No. 1 of the year and receiving significant airplay, which catapulted him into the global electronic music spotlight.
Rise to Prominence
Following the success of "Deep End," Summit's career trajectory continued upward with a string of successful releases. In 2021, he released "Sun Came Up," a collaboration with Sofi Tukker, and "Human," which reached number one on the US dance charts. That same year, Dancing Astronaut named him their Breakout Artist of the Year, and he became Beatport's top-selling artist across all genres. He has since performed at major international festivals, including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, and Electric Daisy Carnival, and has sold out iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.
Music Style and Influences
John Summit's music is primarily rooted in house, tech house, and techno. His sound often incorporates elements of classic Chicago house, blended with modern production techniques and catchy vocals. He is known for his high-energy DJ sets that can also venture into other genres like drum & bass. His influences include Chicago house legends and the epic sounds of trance and progressive house.
Experts Only Record Label
In 2022, Summit launched his own record label and event brand, initially named Off The Grid, which was rebranded to Experts Only in 2023. The name is inspired by his passion for skiing. The label serves as a platform for his own music and for other artists, with a focus on "house music without limits." Experts Only also curates unique event experiences worldwide.
Notable Achievements
Summit's debut album, "Comfort in Chaos," was released in July 2024 and debuted at number two on the US Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. His 2023 single, "Where You Are" featuring Hayla, became a major festival anthem and a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The track was also listed as one of Barack Obama's favorite songs of 2023. In November 2023, he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Music list.