House and electronic dance music (EDM) artist Disco Lines, known offstage as Thadeus Francis Labuszewski, is waving the flag for house and EDM music among Gen-Z audiences. He stands alongside a vibrant roster of contemporaries including John Summit, Acraze, Fisher, It’s Murph, and Loud Luxury. These artists are not just making waves; they’re setting the tone for the future of dance music by bridging the gap between traditional sounds and modern sensibilities.
House music itself is a subgenre of EDM, defined by its constant rhythm and thumping four-on-the-floor beat. Typically, house tracks hang out between 120 and 130 beats per minute, creating that invigorating atmosphere that keeps dance floors pulsating. With its unique combination of hand claps, deep bass lines, and layered melodies, house music invites listeners into a euphoric state, making it the heartbeat of festivals and underground shows alike.
Last fall, notable house music artists Acraze and Loud Luxury took to USC’s frat row, performing in an intimate setting that allowed students to connect more profoundly with their peers. As noted by Riley Patterson, a senior music industry major at USC, this move reflects a wider trend: “The DJs would come [to campus] because they’re trying to build a college-age audience. I think there’s a resurgence of house shows coming up right now.” This resurgence is not merely about music; it’s fostering a sense of community around shared experiences.
Patterson acknowledges that EDM has undergone radical transformations over the past decade, yet its growing popularity on campus is unmistakable. Her eclectic taste extends beyond just house and EDM; she thrives in the diverse sounds of alternative music. “Go to a party on the row, and they are primarily playing some variant of house,” she shared. “It’s interesting because pop house was pretty popular in the early 2010s, and now stereotypical EDM, like classic EDM with no external influences, is making a huge comeback.” This cyclical evolution highlights the genre’s adaptability and its resonance with new generations.
Another voice from the scene is Grant Pallokat, a house DJ and USC alum who graduated in 2025 with a degree in real estate but decided to dive full-time into music. His first release, “Peace of Mind,” integrated samples from Kendrick Lamar’s profound track “United in Grief,” which helped propel him into the spotlight with over 1.3 million plays on Spotify. “It was crazy. It was honestly very shocking just because I haven’t taken any classes in music,” Pallokat said in a conversation with Annenberg Media. His journey underscores the reality that every artist starts somewhere, and talent can shine through unexpected paths.
Pallokat emphasizes that success can emerge from any artist, regardless of their background. “It doesn’t always have to be a big artist making a song that gets a good reaction,” he remarked, further emphasizing how community-driven support significantly shapes the music culture today.
According to the Berklee College of Music’s Business Journal, house music serves as a crucial connector—bringing listeners together much like it did with its original audience back in the 1980s. This genre has a flair for creating an inclusive atmosphere that resonates with fans of all backgrounds. Additionally, the economic accessibility of house shows remains appealing for younger audiences. As Patterson pointed out, “It’s a lot cheaper in the economic state of the world to go to a house show than a concert.” This affordability, married to the genre’s popularity among younger crowds, bolsters its presence in college settings like USC.
One noteworthy example of this community-driven culture is It’s Murph, another rising star in house music, who also hails from USC’s music industry program. His journey mirrors many other students venturing into the realm of house music, proving the myriad pathways available to aspiring artists.
Disco Lines is gearing up for an exciting performance at Exposition Park’s South Lawn on May 2. Joining him will be artists TOBEHONEST b2b MAESIC and Wes Mills, helping to create a night filled with vibrant energy and unforgettable moments. For more details on this event, fans can check out the official AXS website for tickets. As the house music scene continues to expand and adapt, artists like Disco Lines are not only capturing the sounds of a new generation but also redefining what it means to connect through music.
