John Summit Discusses Building Experts Only, Investing $1M at Madison Square Garden, and His Upcoming Arena Tour

John Summit has emerged as a leading figure in the dance music scene, particularly following the release of his second album, CTRL ESCAPE, earlier this year. This album features collaborations with prominent artists such as The Chainsmokers and Feid, showcasing Summit’s evolution in the tech house genre. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has been instrumental in establishing Experts Only, a record label that has gained significant traction since its inception in 2022, frequently topping Beatport’s global label chart and releasing music from various artists, including Devault and Layton Giordani.

The Dual Nature of Experts Only

Experts Only operates not only as a record label but also as an event business, a common trend in the electronic music industry. Artists associated with the label are often invited to participate in high-profile showcases, including a festival that attracted 60,000 attendees on Randall’s Island in New York City, as well as ski weekend events in Vail and Whistler.

Summit recognizes the need to capture attention in the competitive music landscape. He is set to headline Lollapalooza in Chicago later this year, marking a significant milestone for a dance artist, especially considering his roots in the Chicago area. Following this, he will embark on an extensive arena tour in October, supporting CTRL ESCAPE, with 20 dates across Canada and California.

Insights on the Dance Music Industry

In a recent discussion, Summit highlighted the unique characteristics of the dance music industry, particularly its focus on singles and the tendency for artists to switch labels frequently. He noted that many labels host events, which can be a strategic move for artists looking to expand their reach. Summit himself has transitioned through various labels, including Repopulate Mars and Defected Records, to establish a presence in Europe and connect with their communities.

Experts Only has developed its own community, evidenced by the success of its festival, which is expected to grow in scale this year with additional stages and a broader lineup. Summit expressed enthusiasm about the label’s trajectory, emphasizing the synergy between skiing and house music, which has resonated with fans.

The Challenge of Proving Himself

As a dance artist, Summit feels a heightened pressure to validate his presence among pop headliners. He has encountered skepticism from pop fans, prompting him to acknowledge the need to turn more heads in the industry. Despite having charted in dance music, he has yet to secure a spot on the Billboard Hot 100, which he views as a different realm altogether.

Balancing an intense performance schedule—having completed 250 shows in a single year—has posed challenges for Summit. He recently experienced burnout, leading to the cancellation of shows for the first time in his career. This was attributed to a combination of physical exhaustion and a demanding tour schedule that included performances across Asia and South Africa.

Production Costs and Event Strategy

Summit discussed the financial aspects of live performances, noting that while dance music can have low production costs, high-profile festivals like EDC represent significant investments. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between extravagant visuals and the core musical experience. His recent pop-up set at Coachella exemplified this approach, where he performed with minimal equipment, relying primarily on his USB drive.

Looking ahead to his upcoming arena tour, Summit plans to incorporate full-scale production elements. He reflected on the successful reception of club music in arena settings, citing his experiences at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, where he managed to break even after three nights of performances.

Financial Investments in Career Growth

Summit revealed that he invested $1 million into his Madison Square Garden shows, viewing it as a pivotal moment in his career. He acknowledged the risks involved but considered it a necessary step to prove the viability of dance music in large venues. This investment is seen as a long-term strategy, allowing him to amortize production costs over multiple tour dates.

The success of his MSG show has provided him with confidence in the potential for dance music to thrive in arena settings, allowing him to reach new audiences across various markets.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-05-27 21:08:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk