John Summit successfully wrapped up Billboard‘s captivating series of shows at SXSW 2025, with enthusiastic support from Jordan Miller and Nala.

John Summit, captured by Ysa Pérez on February 4, 2025, at Riverset Studios in Miami. Styled by Brianna Dooley. Grooming by Natasha Smee at Creative Management. On-Site Production by Daniela Molina at Out of Service. Featuring a CUBEL x The Room jacket, Lost ‘N Found tee, and Tercero Jewelry rings.
On Saturday, March 15, John Summit closed out an eventful week in Austin with a spectacular performance during the third and final night of Billboard Presents The Stage At SXSW. His high-energy set was a perfect culmination of the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
The renowned dance music artist, who graced the cover of Billboard, captivated an enormous audience at the Moody Amphitheater in downtown Austin. Approximately 5,000 fans filled the venue, stretching from the grassy back area to the front pit, with many others perched on a nearby parking garage for a view of the electrifying show. The performance dazzled attendees with its stunning light displays, compelling visuals, and impressive pyrotechnics, illuminating the warm evening.
The night kicked off with a dynamic set from producer Jordan Miller, who thrilled the crowd with nostalgic hits like “No Scrubs” from TLC. Following him, Miami’s own Nala took to the stage, delivering her unique blend of tracks and energizing the audience further. At precisely 9:45 p.m., Summit made his grand entrance clad in stylish white attire, which ignited a thunderous cheer from the crowd. He launched into a series of his hit songs, including “Where You Are” and “Shiver,” skillfully exploring various dance music genres while introducing special guests throughout his set.
This show followed a lively Thursday night performance by country artist Koe Wetzel and an energetic Friday night show by Grupo Frontera from Mexico, making it a highly anticipated finale.
Here are five standout highlights from Summit‘s unforgettable set.
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Engaging Vocal Performances of Key Tracks
The crowd was a key part of the experience, enthusiastically singing along during “Where You Are,” a collaboration with British singer Hayla, as the anthemic chorus echoed throughout the venue. For another highlight, Summit invited Australian singer-songwriter Cloves to perform their popular track “Focus,” which has been making waves on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart for 14 weeks. He also brought out South African-born, U.K.-based vocalist Julia Church to close the show with their collaboration “Go Back,” a hit with drum & bass legend Sub Focus. Both artists provided stunning vocal performances, adding an exciting dynamic to the already electric atmosphere.
It’s a common practice for Summit to feature guest artists during his live performances. He expressed to Billboard his excitement for these collaborations, stating how much he enjoys witnessing the crowd’s enthusiastic reactions, which were certainly evident during Saturday’s show.
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The Energetic Crowd Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the Amphitheater was electrifying, with fans dressed in vibrant rave attire, complete with sunglasses at night and stylish pashminas. From the very beginning, the audience was fully engaged, singing along in harmony to the big hits. They danced energetically during every drop, while simultaneously raising their phones to capture the magical moments. A particularly memorable instance occurred when Summit played his remix of The Temper Trap’s 2008 classic “Sweet Disposition,” prompting the crowd to unite in a powerful display, pumping their fists during the iconic lyrics. A special mention goes to those who continued their night at the downtown Austin official afterparty, which featured another mesmerizing performance by Nala and a late-night set from KSHMR.
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Stunning Visual Effects Throughout the Performance
The stage was alive with action as pyrotechnics lit up the night, enhanced by Summit‘s infectious enthusiasm. He frequently engaged with the crowd, sharing smiles and singing along to the music, all while expertly managing the decks. Behind him, the giant screens displayed a captivating array of visuals that shifted from intricate geometric patterns to vibrant color splashes, alongside logos for his Experts Only label. This artistic display created an atmosphere of upscale psychedelia, particularly highlighted during “Focus,” where the visuals mirrored the nostalgic, ’90s VHS-style aesthetics from the track’s music video.
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The Unique Intimacy of the Moody Amphitheater
Over the past year, Summit has performed at massive venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and Kia Forum in Los Angeles, making his performance at the relatively intimate Moody Amphitheater—which accommodates around 5,000 attendees—feel like a rare treat. This setting created a vibe reminiscent of Summit‘s own Experts Only party series, which he hosts in smaller, underground music venues across locations like Lake Tahoe and Vail. The compact size of the venue allowed fans to see the artist bouncing to the rhythm of the music, his infectious energy resonating with the audience and enhancing their overall experience.
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Diverse Sonic Experience During the Set
As the founder of Experts Only, Summit is committed to promoting emerging artists while featuring new music during his underground-oriented events. His SXSW performance did not disappoint, showcasing a mix of his most popular tracks including “Where You Are,” “Go Back,” “Focus,” “Shiver,” and his remix of “Sweet Disposition.”
In addition to his hits, he also introduced lesser-known tracks such as Nord Pole’s exhilarating 2018 track “Trancecatcher,” January’s “Monks Dance” by Wthbrdrs, and Subarctica’s “Storms of Silence” from 2011. These selections were seamlessly integrated into his set through smooth transitions. Summit leaned into remixes, playing the Odd Mob edit of his own “palm of my hands,” along with the wobbly remix of “Gas Pedal” by Subtronic, Tape B, and his own recent remix of Anyma and Ellie Goulding’s “Hypnotized.” He ended the show by asking the audience if they wanted to hear some dubstep, which was met with an enthusiastic roar, leading to a surprising and intense segment that left him exclaiming “holy s—” into the mic after the hard-hitting drop.