John Summit, the dynamic DJ/producer known for his electrifying performances and hit tracks, recently sat down with the GRAMMYs to discuss his long-awaited debut album, Comfort in Chaos. This release marks a significant milestone in his career, a testament to over a decade of dedication and musical evolution.
Comfort in Chaos, a body of work that has made waves far and wide building up to its release, is finally out now. You can find a complete review on it made by our team, by clicking this link right here.
The Journey to ‘Comfort in Chaos’
“I always wanted to do an album“, Summit reveals. The path to Comfort in Chaos was far from straightforward. Despite his success on major stages worldwide, it took him over ten years of producing and eight years of releasing music to feel confident enough to create a full-length album. This journey wasn’t just about technical growth but also about understanding his unique sound and artistic identity.
Balancing Life and Music
In a candid moment, Summit admits, “I’m a little hungover, but I’m hanging in there“, reflecting on a rare night out with friends. Despite his demanding schedule, he cherishes these glimpses of normalcy. Summit’s rise to fame began with the 2020 hit ‘Deep End,’ released just months into global lockdown. His momentum continued with tracks like ‘Thin Line’ with Guz and ‘Sun Came Up’ with Sofi Tukker. As live events resumed, he graced stages from EDC Las Vegas to Madison Square Garden, launched his label Experts Only — formerly Off The Grid —, and maintained a vibrant social media presence, all while working on his debut album.
Creating Comfort in Chaos
The creation of Comfort in Chaos was a deeply personal endeavor for Summit. “The album showcases my past, present, and possible future“, he says. Tracks like ‘EAT THE BASS’ highlight his club roots, while hits like ‘Where You Are’ and ‘Shiver’ with Hayla reflect his evolution towards more melodic, lyric-focused music. The album also explores new sounds beyond his usual House and Techno style, revealing a broader artistic vision.
Summit’s month-long retreat in London was crucial for this project. He rented a studio house, inviting collaborators like Sub Focus, Hayla, and Julia Church. “It was great to make an actual body of work instead of just festival music“, he notes, emphasizing the importance of stepping back from touring to focus on creative exploration.
The Duality of John Summit
The album’s title, Comfort in Chaos, reflects Summit’s personal journey. It captures the balance between his public persona as an energetic DJ and his introspective self, John Schuster. “I’ve been portraying this John Summit image my whole career, but in reality, I’m John Schuster“, he explains. This duality is a central theme of the album, showcasing his ability to find peace amidst the chaos of his life.
Summit’s collaboration with Kaskade on the album is particularly meaningful. Kaskade, a mentor and inspiration, taught him the importance of patience and staying calm. “Everything I’m experiencing is something he’s experienced at some point in his DJ career“, Summit shares, highlighting the invaluable guidance he received.
Looking Ahead
With Comfort in Chaos, John Summit has not only achieved a significant career milestone but also opened a new chapter in his artistic journey. He continues to push boundaries, exploring new sounds and emotional depths in his music. As he says, “Now is when my career is starting to actually get fun“.
[H/T] – Grammy
