John Summit is preparing to step away from the EDM festival circuit in 2027, choosing to spend more time in the studio and return to the deeper club sound that helped shape his career.
The Chicago house artist revealed the news in a candid post on X, explaining that after an intense run of major events, headline performances and arena shows, he is ready to “dig deeper again.”
John Summit Wants to Make More Club Records
“I love working on these big events & arena tour, but it’s gonna be real fun to not play any EDM festivals/shows next year so I can focus on making club records and digging deeper again,” Summit wrote.
The announcement marks a notable shift for an artist who has become one of the most recognisable names on the modern festival circuit.
Rather than continuing to prioritise large-scale EDM events, Summit intends to focus on studio work and the club-focused sound that established his reputation before his rise to mainstage headliner status.
From Mainstages to the Underground
Over the past 18 months, Summit has played some of the biggest stages in electronic music, while also expanding his Experts Only brand into a wider live platform.
His recent run has included major festival appearances, headline performances and the ongoing CTRL ESCAPE arena tour. He also sold out the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, marking the biggest headline show of his career.
In August, Summit cancelled several European festival appearances to rest and prepare for the arena tour, including scheduled performances at Pukkelpop, BBC Radio 1 Dance in Malta, Creamfields and Touquet Beach Fest.
That decision now appears to have been part of a broader reassessment of his touring schedule.
A Return to Deeper House
Summit’s planned break is likely to appeal to fans who first connected with his more underground productions.
Before the mainstage bookings and arena shows, tracks such as “Deep End,” “Where You Are” and “Shiver” helped establish his distinctive house sound and positioned him as an influential figure within contemporary club music.
His 2027 plans suggest a renewed focus on deeper, sample-driven productions, with less emphasis on large festival drops and more attention paid to the details of club records.
While Summit has not announced a complete schedule for next year, his statement indicates that he intends to significantly reduce his presence at traditional EDM festivals and shows.
Experts Only Remains Part of the Story
The announcement does not necessarily mean John Summit is leaving live music behind altogether.
His Experts Only label and event platform have continued to grow, including the second edition of Experts Only Festival in New York, held at Randall’s Island on 19 and 20 September 2026. The event featured Summit alongside artists including GRiZ, Subtronics, Cassian, Green Velvet and LP Giobbi.
Summit’s wording specifically focuses on stepping away from “EDM festivals/shows,” leaving room for club performances, label events and more specialised appearances.
For now, the artist’s message is clear: 2027 will be less about chasing the biggest stage and more about returning to the studio.
After a period defined by scale, momentum and major live productions, John Summit appears ready to make space for the records that come next.
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