For DJ Johnny K, music has always been more than just sound, it has been a way of life. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, his earliest memories are tied to beats, rhythms, and the joy of bringing people together. His first brush with DJing goes back to the mid 1980s, but 2025 marks an exciting new chapter as he steps fully into the world of music production.
The spark that started it all came from his family’s restaurant in Indiana. After closing time on weekends, the basement transformed into a lively dance floor where he and his brother would host parties for the neighborhood kids. In a small town with little to do, those nights quickly became legendary. Freestyle and house music filled the room, and the love for creating energy through sound never left him. Johnny still remembers how it felt to give the community something to look forward to, crediting his parents for giving him the space and his brother for helping him create something special. That was the moment he realized music was not just a hobby, it was part of who he was.
Back then, freestyle and house were his go to sounds. Today, Johnny has embraced the pulse of EDM, rave, and club music, blending nostalgia with modern energy. His sets and productions bring the best of both worlds, paying homage to his roots while keeping his finger on the pulse of today’s dance floors. Beyond the decks, he also brings something unique with his skills on the Greek bouzouki, an eight string acoustic guitar that carries a deep cultural heritage.
His greatest inspiration has always been the pure love of music, but it was his nephew who reignited the flame after a twenty year break from the scene. That push reminded him of what he was missing, and the fire came back stronger than ever. Another spark came when he experienced DJ Alexx K live. Watching him spin in Indiana and later in Chicago was unforgettable. The way Alexx K had the entire club jumping non stop lit something inside Johnny again. Standing in the booth and feeling that energy, he knew it was a sign. Alexx K reminded him of his roots and pushed him to return to the thing he loved most. Johnny credits him with reigniting everything and giving him the motivation to step back into the game with full force.
Since then, Johnny has returned to what he loves most, making people move. From bars to weddings to clubs, the reward has always been the same, seeing people lose themselves in the rhythm and joy of the moment.
Now he is ready to share his sound on a new level. His first official release, a blend of house and EDM, is dropping on September 5th, 2025, with a fresh two track project already in the works. For Johnny, this is not just a comeback, it is a continuation of a journey that started decades ago in that restaurant basement.
From freestyle to EDM, from Chicago to the clubs of today, DJ Johnny K is proving that it is never too late to reignite your passion. With new music on the way and the energy of a man who never lost his love for the craft, he is ready to remind the world why music has always been at the center of his life.
Follow his journey and his music on Instagram: John Karamitsos (DJ Johnny K).
