Label Look: How John Summit Built Experts Only Into a Major Indie Force & Experts Only Festival NYC Details
John Summit, a prominent figure in dance music, has successfully transformed his vision into reality with Experts Only, a label that operates with the agility of an indie but possesses the strategic acumen of a major label. This article delves into the success of Experts Only and previews the upcoming Experts Only Festival NYC.
The Rise of Experts Only
In his early career, Summit faced numerous rejections before signing his Touch Me EP to Psycho Disco! in 2018. He then collaborated with artist-led labels like Repopulate Mars and Farris Wheel Recordings, leading to the establishment of his own imprint, Experts Only, in 2022. Distributed by Darkroom Records since early 2025, the label has quickly become a powerhouse in the dance music landscape.
The Experts Only Team
The label's success is attributed to its team, which includes experienced executives such as Toby Andrews (former president of Astralwerks) as label manager, Jack David (formerly with UMG) as head of marketing, and Will Weston, who manages Experts Only events. Holt Harmon and Parker Cohen of Metatone also oversee Experts Only alongside Summit's other business ventures.
The Experts Only Ethos
Experts Only aims to provide a platform for the next generation of artists, focusing on curated sound and a strong artist-led vision. The label distinguishes itself by having a figurehead, John Summit, who actively supports the music through live performances, providing real-time A&R insights from the dance floor.
Experts Only Music Style
The sound of Experts Only is defined by versatile records that defy easy categorization. According to Summit, the label strives for music that can resonate in both underground clubs and large-scale festivals. Odd Mob’s and Omnom’s “Losing Control,” a 2023 release, epitomizes this ethos, with its commanding synths and catchy vocal hook.
Experts Only Festival NYC 2025
Experts Only Festival NYC is set to debut on September 20-21 at Randall’s Island. The festival, co-produced by Medium Rare and Relentless Beats, features a lineup of label artists and influential figures. John Summit will headline both nights, alongside artists like Roddy Lima, Tini Gessler, and Layton Giordani. Other featured artists include Pete Tong, and artists curated by John Summit personally.
Experts Only Festival Lineup
The lineup includes:
- Saturday: John Summit, Green Velvet B2B Layton Giordani, AYYBO, Enamour B2B Weska, Pete Tong, Roddy Lima, TEED, and more.
- Sunday: John Summit, Kaskade B2B Cassian, DJ Seinfeld, Kasablanca (Live), LP Giobbi, Tini Gessler, and more.
Experts Only Festival: Essential Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 20-21, 2025 |
| Hours | 3pm-10pm daily |
| Venue | 20 Randalls Island Park, New York, NY 10035 |
| Tickets | Available HERE |
Experts Only Festival: Set Times, Map, and Afterparties
Set times and the festival map are coming soon. There are multiple afterparties scheduled, with tickets available for various venues including Brooklyn Storehouse, Unveiled, Refuge, and 53 Scott Rooftop.
Experts Only Festival: Transportation
There is no parking on Randalls Island. Options include ride-sharing, ferry service from East 35th Street Ferry Landing, and public transit. Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 125th Street station and transfer to the X80 express bus.
Experts Only Festival: Bag Policy
Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or mesh, with a maximum size of 15in x 15in x 5in. Hydration packs are allowed but must be empty upon entry and have no more than two pockets.
Experts Only Festival: Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include drugs, alcohol, outside food/beverage (except one unopened water bottle), weapons, and various other items. Permitted items include clear bags, empty hydration packs, small clutches, non-professional cameras, cell phones, sealed tampons/gum/chapstick, and service animals with proper certification.
Experts Only: A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships
With a focus on developing artists and a keen understanding of the dance music landscape, Experts Only is proving to be a genuinely impactful force. The label's success, exemplified by its No. 1 ranking on Beatport's global label chart, reflects its commitment to quality music and effective marketing strategies.
