John Summit Drops Sophomore Album, 'CTRL ESCAPE'

John Summit has found his way out of the matrix – and into a lane nowhere near a corporate office. Built on the theme of breaking out, from 9-to-5 monotony and the tech house that launched his career, his sophomore album, CTRL ESCAPE, leans into that imagery, trading fluorescent-lit routine for full creative autonomy. Fittingly, the former accountant’s follow-up to 2024’s Comfort In Chaos lands on Tax Day (April 15) as one of the year’s most anticipated dance LPs.

“This is kind of a crazy artistic journey, and I love to be able to share my story of breaking out of the matrix that is the corporate life, and really, you know, try to push boundaries as best I can in electronic music. This is my life and passion, and I truly pour my soul into this because I just f*cking love it so much,” Summit said on Instagram. “I’m just super grateful for this all.”

Sonically, the LP’s buzzy lead single, January’s “LIGHTS GO OUT,” indicated that the Experts Only label head would move beyond the house and tech house of his debut. The 13-track project follows through, playing like a patchwork of influences – house, drum & bass, trap, and rock included. 

Part of its novelty lies in its vocalists, whom Summit handpicked for the distinctive perspective and texture they bring. Colombian sensation Feid, for instance, turns “CHICA 305” into a summer-ready Latin tune that’ll thrive on Ocean Drive, while Julia Wolf’s appearance on “WITH ME” marks her first time singing on a dance/electronic song.

Listen below.

Though CTRL ESCAPE is adventurous, some tracks have more commercial appeal, like “MESS W/ ME” with Nija, who was nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, and whose credits include hits for Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Chris Brown. Other collaborators include Devault, Julia Church, Rohaan, Absolutely, The Chainsmokers, Ilsey, LAVINIA, and KILIMANJARO.

The album arrives amid Summit’s festival season jet-setting, on the heels of a closing set at Ultra’s main stage and ahead of his Experts Only residency at [UNVRS] Ibiza (starting June 1) and appearances across both weekends of Tomorrowland’s flagship edition in Boom, Belgium. While good things may come to those who wait, Summit is living proof that better things come to those who CTRL ESCAPE.

CTRL ESCAPE is out now via Experts Only/Darkroom Records.

Get it on Beatport.