It all begins with distorted, alienesque-sounding synths. Then, solemn melodies enter before elated beats build up into a bass-driven drop that induces sensations of comfort and longing. BPMs slowly rise throughout the track until they steadily reduce, bringing listeners back to the sounds of the beginning of the record. It all begins with “Comfort In Chaos.”
Next on deck is “Tears (with Paige Cavell).” Piano notes start the song, with captivating vocals shortly following. As the toplines become more emotional, driving bass takes center stage, building up to a drop led by shimmering synths. The heartfelt vocals and bass are then reintroduced, leading to a second drop that explodes with energy.
Halfway through is “comedown,” which features spellbinding synths before the bass and drums kick in, together creating a transfixing sonic atmosphere. Tinkering tunes close out the track, which is less than two minutes in length.
Upon listening to the penultimate song, “Go Back (feat. Julia Church),” listeners hear celestial beats and lush vocals. Pounding bass shortly follows, building up to a crescendo meant for pure dancefloor euphoria. The love song returns to a slower BPM, gradually getting faster before descending into a drum’n’bass drop. This change in style showcases the artist’s versatility.
Closing out the 12-track body of work is “palm of my hands.” Fluttering synths are the backdrop to venbee’s sultry toplines. A drum’n’bass drop and glimmering synths enter, enticing listeners to enter a world of wonder—one that is energetic yet calming at the same time. These are the sounds of John Summit’s debut album, Comfort in Chaos.
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According to John Summit, legally known as John Schuster, the LP represents his life as a touring artist, as well as the dichotomy of his persona and his role as a tastemaker.
“I'm just in this chaotic lifestyle,” he says. “I went from being an accountant, which is the least chaotic life, to literally being in chaos every other night where there's like a huge festival, club, after party or even just travel schedule—being in a different hotel every single night and trying to find my comfort in that. I don't think most people could do this. It's not the easiest. Obviously, it's a ton of fun, which helps.”
“Then, [the album] shows the duality behind John Summit and John Schuster,” he adds. “You have one, John Summit, who's this very crazy kind of entertainer and super high energy. And then me, personally, who is actually a pretty chill person who sits at home on my computer and makes beats every day. So it's kind of showing both sides of me because I feel like what most people have seen up until the album or up to recently, and especially the singles off [the album], [is] the John Summit, big partier, but now I’m showing the other side of me as well.”
The John Summit party aspect is best seen in how the sound designer frequently tweeted in 2021 that his life is a “bender,” which is when one parties for days. Nearing his 30th birthday, which was July 29th, 2024, his frame of mind began to change. He now sees benders as a different phase of his life. “I'm more introspective, but I still love the whole scene and everything, too,” he says. “But it's just different how your perspective changes the older you get.”
Certainly, Comfort in Chaos delves into who Schuster is beyond his famed alias as he showcases his genuine self by crafting chill rhythms—a contrast from his music moniker known to create dancefloor heaters. However, he fuses both personas skillfully on the LP.
His multifaceted creative capabilities are further exemplified by Schuster paying homage to his Chicago house roots on the album while experimenting with garage, liquid and dancefloor drum’n’bass.
Indeed, Comfort in Chaos proves to be a masterclass in unbound creativity.
Schuster’s melodic, infectious and bass-driven sound is fueled by his desire to connect with others, which he believes is best done through music. “I write good music, and I've always wanted to share it with the world,” the sonic storyteller says. “I've been writing music for so long now that now I finally have the confidence to put out more emotionally driven music.”
While his John Summit identity shows him as a lively, carefree extrovert, the beatmaker says his true self is actually a “natural introvert,” something many wouldn’t expect from knowing his stage personality.
When balancing being an introvert in his daily life with being an extrovert on stage, Schuster says: “You have to fake it till you make it. When I first did shows, I would have to drink a ton, even just to get the confidence to get on stage and stuff, which I think is pretty common. I feel like most deejays are kind of natural introverts because you have to be at home in the studio all day, every day, for years and years, to get good at it. So it was a big transition. But I think it's like doing anything in life. If you're not a good public speaker, the only way to get through it is by public speaking all the time. Now, I really do have full confidence on stage, which is awesome.”
However, finding confidence on stage took time for Schuster.
“It took me six years to even get on the mic the first time,” he says. “The first time I ever used the mic was at EDC 2022, and I couldn't figure out how to turn it on. Then eventually, I was like, ‘f**k.’ And that's the only thing that went on the live stream. It's on my SoundCloud. So I went from that to now I can say full sentences.” Readers can listen to the mishap here.
The sound creator says he found his confidence on stage by trusting himself and not taking life too seriously because one can never obtain confidence if they’re too hard on themselves. Not taking life too seriously, he says, is part of his brand.
“I think my music can get very deep and emotional, and really, I’m very serious with the process of making it,” Schuster says. “But then, clearly, on social media and stuff, I'm kind of goofing around, having a fun time, because, at the end of the day, I'm playing parties where we should always be having fun. But if you want to really listen at home, really listen to lyrics, it's kind of deeper than some people would think.”
The Experts Only label founder says it’s important for him to work with emerging artists because he is “someone who never had any connections in the music industry.” He got to where he is today because other artists believed in him and signed him to their labels, even though he “had no following or clout.” He intends to pay it forward. “I think that's how you keep the music scene fresh,” Schuster says. “I can be like a curator and help other people just like people helped me.”
The sonic stylist has quite the hand in signing burgeoning talent as he does all the A&R for Experts Only. He not only finds new acts, but he also works with them to help them “really hit their max potential because there are so many kids out there who are making the best music that hasn't been heard.”
Additionally, Schuster aims to create a community with the imprint, which he has done by throwing festivals around the country, in places such as Tennessee (The Caverns) and Vail Mountain. He says his community matches his personality, describing himself as a “funny and quirky guy.” The LIV Las Vegas resident adds that “your vibe attracts your tribe mentality where everyone truly loves the music, but they also truly love to have a good time. Everyone just loves to express themselves.”
Schuster initially fell in love with dance music upon hearing deadmau5’s and Kaskade’s renowned song, “I Remember.” In 2023, the Experts Only label boss had the honor of remixing the iconic dance music track. “That was just the biggest full circle moment for me ever—doing an official remix for a song that really made you fall in love with the genre,” he says. “It’s still one of my favorite remixes I've ever done beccause I knew if I was going do a remix of it, I had to give it justice.”
Surely, the producer did just that.
When it comes to the biggest hurdle the artist has faced in life, he says: “Dealing with anxiety and self-confidence because I could just hide from the world. Even having the confidence to put music out and be perceived, I feel like so many people do amazing creative things and the only thing that holds them back is themselves. That's definitely the biggest hurdle. But once you overcome that fear, anything is possible.”
Schuster has certainly proven to be successful, and Comfort in Chaos is just another impressive achievement for the top talent. Make note of Schuster and continue to follow his career. He is sure to continue to impress.
