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Lost Kings

Lost Kings is an electronic dance music duo composed of Robert Abisi and Nick Shanholtz, based in . Formed in 2014, the pair initially rose to prominence through a series of high-profile remixes for artists including , , and , which helped establish their signature sound blending , , and elements. The duo's career gained further momentum in 2015 with their signing to the influential label and the release of their debut EP, The Bad, featuring original tracks that showcased their production style and collaborations with vocalists. Follow-up releases included the companion EP The Good later that year, along with singles like "Phone Down" (featuring ) after signing to Disruptor Records/ in 2016, which peaked on Billboard's chart. By 2017, they had notched multiple No. 1s on Hype Machine's popular chart and debuted on Billboard's Dance 100 list in 2019 following a breakout year of touring and hits such as "Look at Us Now" with and A$AP Ferg. Remaining active into the , Lost Kings have continued to release EPs, including Paper Crowns (2019), (2025), and What's the Move (2025), while maintaining a strong presence on streaming platforms with approximately 1.07 million monthly listeners on as of November 2025 and performing on major tours. Their discography emphasizes catchy, anthemic tracks often featuring guest artists, solidifying their role in the evolving landscape.

Background

Formation

Lost Kings, the American electronic music duo consisting of Robert Abisi and Nick Shanholtz, was formed in 2014 in , where both members were independently pursuing careers in music production and DJing. Abisi and Shanholtz first met through a mutual friend at Abisi's 25th birthday party that year, during which they bonded over their shared passion for electronic music and quickly decided to collaborate as a duo rather than continue as solo artists. This partnership was driven by their complementary strengths: Abisi's focus on creative production complemented Shanholtz's expertise in DJing and technical mixing, allowing them to blend innovative with high-energy performance elements. Prior to signing with any record labels, the pair experimented extensively with electronic music production, particularly in and remix styles, honing their sound in the competitive scene without formal commitments. This initial phase emphasized organic collaboration and skill synergy, laying the foundation for their joint project.

Members

Robert Abisi, also known as Rob Gainley, was born in , , in 1989. Growing up in the area, he was influenced by his father's career in the radio industry, which sparked his early interest in production and songwriting; by his late teens, Abisi was working in radio and honing his skills in pop production. He relocated to around 2013, where he focused on DJing and vocal elements in electronic , bringing high-energy live performances to his contributions as a primary vocalist and performer in the duo. Nick Shanholtz, known professionally as Dr. No, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 22, 1988. He attended Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, where he began playing piano and guitar, before studying music production at Berklee College of Music in Boston starting around 2009. At Berklee, Shanholtz developed expertise in electronic sound design, mixing, and multi-instrumental performance; he handles much of the technical DJ setup and production engineering for the duo. Prior to forming Lost Kings, Shanholtz co-founded the pop/rap group Crush Club with fellow student Bryce Ross-Johnson (now known as Bryce Vine), releasing demos and tracks that showcased his beat-making and production talents. The duo's sound emerges from the of Abisi's pop-oriented songwriting and energetic stage presence with Shanholtz's technical proficiency in design and mixing, creating a balanced approach to EDM-pop production. Abisi and Shanholtz met through a mutual friend shortly after both had relocated to from the East Coast.

Career

Early career (2014–2015)

Lost Kings, the Los Angeles-based electronic music duo consisting of Robert Abisi and Nick Shanholtz, began their professional trajectory in by producing remixes that quickly garnered attention within the community. Their remix of Disclosure's "Latch" featuring , released that July, earned radio play on SiriusXM's channel and accumulated significant plays on , helping to establish their sound characterized by vibrant elements blended with pop sensibilities. This was followed by official remixes for artists such as and, in early 2015, Imagine Dragons' "I Bet My Life," which premiered exclusively on and further amplified their visibility through Interscope distribution. In 2015, the duo signed a distribution deal with , a prominent label, which facilitated wider release of their remixes and paved the way for original material. Their debut , The Bad, arrived on October 23, 2015, via Spinnin', marking their first collection of originals with tracks like the title song "Bad" featuring Jessame, "You" featuring , and "Loveless." The EP showcased their approach to genre blending, merging drops with and tropical influences to create accessible yet energetic dance tracks. As newcomers, Abisi and Shanholtz navigated challenges in label negotiations, emphasizing creative freedom over rigid genre constraints; as they noted in a contemporary , "We never go into a session saying this is the genre we are going to make... we care about a great song more than a genre." Amid these releases, Lost Kings built momentum through early live performances in Southern California, including a set at Insomniac's Crush SoCal festival in San Bernardino in February 2015, where they shared the bill with acts like The Chainsmokers. These club and festival appearances in the Los Angeles area allowed them to refine high-energy sets while cultivating a growing online presence, with SoundCloud remixes routinely surpassing one million plays and social media engagement rising steadily. The duo's focus on viral digital distribution and genre experimentation as emerging artists positioned them for broader recognition in the competitive EDM landscape.

Mainstream breakthrough (2016–2019)

In 2016, the DJ duo Lost Kings signed a recording deal with Disruptor Records, a under , marking a pivotal step toward broader commercial exposure and distribution for their productions. This partnership enabled the release of their debut single under the label, "Phone Down" featuring vocalist , on October 7, 2016, which blended elements with pop sensibilities and achieved a peak position of number 25 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The track's success underscored their transition from independent remixes to original material with mainstream appeal, garnering millions of streams and radio play. Building on this momentum, Lost Kings released "First Love" featuring singer on October 13, 2017, a track that further fused drops with emotive pop vocals and reached number 26 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The single's accompanying , directed with a focus on youthful romance, amplified their visibility, while highlighted their chart performance as evidence of rising influence in the dance genre. These releases solidified their pop- crossover style, attracting a wider audience through collaborations that bridged electronic production with vocal-driven hits. In 2018, Lost Kings ventured into high-profile live performances, including a set at the in on the Worldwide Stage, where they showcased a mix of their originals and remixes to thousands of attendees, boosting their live reputation. That year, they also collaborated with artist on "Stuck," a future bass-infused track released in July that explored themes of emotional dependency and became a staple in their sets. This partnership exemplified their strategy of working with established pop voices to expand into melodic territory. The period culminated in 2019 with the release of their EP Paper Crowns on January 4 via Disruptor Records/, a four-track featuring collaborations like "Don't Kill My High" with and Social House, which emphasized their evolving sound blending influences with anthemic choruses. The EP's rollout, including a deluxe edition, reflected their growing catalog and fan engagement, as evidenced by repeat festival appearances such as Miami in March 2019, where they performed on the Mainstage to a substantial crowd. These milestones, coupled with consistent chart presence, highlighted Lost Kings' ascent to mainstream recognition in the EDM-pop landscape during this era.

Recent developments (2020–present)

Following the release of their Lost Angeles EP in late 2019, Lost Kings experienced continued momentum into 2020, though the significantly disrupted their plans for live performances and promotions. The duo adapted by focusing on studio work, releasing the single "Hurt" featuring DeathbyRomy in September 2020, which marked their first output amid global lockdowns and showcased a more introspective electronic pop sound. This period of isolation delayed broader industry engagements, but it allowed for creative experimentation that influenced subsequent releases. In 2021, Lost Kings dropped their EP on December 10, navigating ongoing challenges that postponed tours and collaborations. The eight-track project, featuring artists like and , emphasized emotional vulnerability in and elements. Post-2021, the duo faced further release delays due to label transitions and creative hurdles, with attempts at new projects stalling until 2023. They reemerged with "Dreams" featuring Frawley in October 2023, a track blending uplifting synths and indie-tinged vocals that hinted at their evolving style. By 2025, Lost Kings accelerated their output, leaning into melodic and influences for a fresher, dancefloor-oriented sound. In May, they released a high-energy remix of ' "Young Blood," transforming the classic into a speed suitable for festivals. They previewed a reimagined version of their 2016 track "Phone Down" on in July, incorporating contemporary and melodic elements to reflect modern club vibes. The single "What's the Move" arrived in September, serving as the lead for their What's the Move EP, released on October 24 via TH3RD BRAIN Records, which includes tracks like "," "Often," "Ball Out," and "Promises," emphasizing groovy basslines and -inspired hooks. On the touring front, Lost Kings resumed national headline shows in 2024, including stops at Marquee Nightclub in on December 31 and in on December 14, building fan engagement post-pandemic. They also took on opening acts and special events, such as a Boiler Room set at in NYC in August 2024, where they delivered an intimate, high-energy performance blending new and classic material. The EP's launch aligned with a San Diego headline at Bloom Nightclub on October 25, 2025, marking a celebratory return to live venues with their refreshed melodic house direction, followed by a performance in on November 6, 2025. These developments underscore the duo's resilience and pivot toward house-infused sounds amid industry shifts.

Artistry

Musical style

Lost Kings' musical style centers on EDM-pop hybrids, characterized by a party-minded approach that emphasizes energetic, accessible tracks designed for broad appeal. Their sound features upbeat drops, layered synths, and catchy vocal hooks, often building to emotional, anthemic choruses that blend electronic builds with pop song structures. This fusion creates relatable, feel-good music that pushes genre boundaries while remaining rooted in and elements. In their production approach, prioritizes crossover appeal by integrating pop melodies and vocal collaborations into frameworks, drawing from diverse influences to craft timeless pieces without self-imposed genre constraints. They test tracks in live settings to refine based on audience response, incorporating spontaneous mixing for dynamic performances that enhance the emotional impact of their builds and drops. This method allows them to evolve their sound organically, focusing on what feels authentic in the moment rather than adhering strictly to conventions. Over time, Lost Kings' style has shifted from high-energy remixes and festival-oriented tracks in their early years to more eclectic, boundary-pushing original music that explores introspective and crossover elements. Beginning with wonky productions in the mid-, their work has come full circle toward versatile house-infused sounds, emphasizing continuous evolution through experimentation and personal . By the late and into the , this progression reflects a commitment to relatable, mood-lifting anthems that adapt to changing musical landscapes.

Influences and collaborations

Lost Kings' musical influences draw from a diverse range of genres beyond electronic music, reflecting the duo's backgrounds in non-EDM styles before transitioning to production. Robert Abisi has cited Kanye West's Graduation album and producer Ryan Leslie as early inspirations, emphasizing their impact on his approach to blending hip-hop elements with melody. Nick Shanholtz has highlighted contemporary artists like Swae Lee and The 1975 for their innovative boundary-pushing, which informs the duo's genre-blending ethos. Additionally, the pair has incorporated disco influences into their sound, evolving from house remixes to a more distinctive, upbeat style shaped by Los Angeles' vibrant, sun-soaked vibe. Their genre inspirations encompass 2010s pop radio hits and festival scenes, fostering a fusion of accessible melodies with dance energy. This is evident in their admiration for artists who integrate pop sensibilities into frameworks, allowing Lost Kings to create relatable tracks that appeal across audiences. In recent years, they have nodded to influences in remakes and new releases, as seen in their 2025 EP What's the Move, which features beats alongside melodic elements to evoke nostalgic yet fresh vibes. Notable collaborations have significantly shaped Lost Kings' output, elevating their pop credibility through partnerships with high-profile vocalists and rappers. Early works include "Quit You" with and "Look At Us Now" featuring and A$AP Ferg, which showcased their ability to merge electronic production with mainstream and pop flows. Tracks like "Phone Down" with and "Stuck" featuring highlighted their remix-style versatility, drawing from earlier EDM influences to craft anthemic, radio-friendly hooks. Further collaborations, such as "First Love" with —initiated by her team and debuted at —demonstrated how vocal synergy enhances thematic depth, with the duo praising Carpenter's energy for refining the track's exploration of love dynamics. Later efforts like "Don't Kill My High" with Social House and , "When We Were Young" featuring , and "Dreams" with Frawley expanded their reach, introducing them to via shared producers and fostering cross-genre credibility. These partnerships not only diversified their sound but also accelerated their trajectory by connecting them with established networks in pop and .

Discography

Extended plays

Lost Kings released their debut extended play, The Bad, on October 23, 2015, through Spinnin' Records. The EP features four tracks, including extended and radio versions: "Bad" (featuring Jessame), "You" (featuring Katelyn Tarver), and "Loveless." The lead single "Bad" served as a breakout track, accumulating over 15 million streams on Spotify and contributing to the duo's early mainstream recognition in the electronic dance music scene. Lost Kings followed with their second EP, The Good, on March 11, 2016, through . The two-track release includes "Marathon" (featuring & ) and "Something Good." In 2019, Lost Kings issued Paper Crowns on January 4 through Disruptor Records and [RCA Records](/page/RCA Records), with a deluxe edition following on January 18. Comprising five tracks, the EP highlights collaborative efforts such as "Stuck" featuring , alongside "Don't Kill My High" (with and Social House), "Anti-Everything" (with ), "When We Were Young" (featuring ), and "FU4E." Tracks from the project performed strongly on streaming platforms, with "Don't Kill My High" debuting on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and exceeding 50 million global streams. Later that year, on October 25, 2019, the duo released Lost Angeles via the same labels, emphasizing production inspired by nightlife and urban energy. The six-track EP includes "LA & The Parties" (featuring and ), "Somebody Out There" (featuring ), "Feather" (featuring Finn Askew), "Too Far Gone," "Ain't The Same," and "Try" (with ). It garnered attention for its thematic cohesion, with the EP as a whole surpassing 20 million streams across platforms. It’s Not You, It’s Me, released on December 10, 2021, through Disruptor and , explores introspective themes of relationships and self-reflection across four core tracks. The project features "Broken In All The Right Places" (with ), "PS I Love You," "Me Myself & " (featuring ), and additional cuts like "I Miss The Days" (with Violet Days), though the EP's focus remains on its foundational quartet. It received positive reception for its emotional depth, with lead tracks accumulating over 10 million streams and charting on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Marking a four-year hiatus from full EPs, Lost Kings returned with What's the Move on October 24, 2025, via independent distribution. The five-track includes teased singles "," "Often," "What's the Move," "Ball Out," and "Promises," blending melodic with upbeat elements. Early performance metrics show strong initial streaming uptake, with the title track exceeding 1 million global plays in its first week and entries on emerging Dance/Electronic charts.

Singles

Lost Kings have released several singles as lead artists, often featuring prominent vocalists and achieving notable streaming success and chart performance. Their discography emphasizes electronic pop and dance tracks, with many garnering millions of streams on platforms like . "Phone Down" featuring marked the duo's debut single under Disruptor Records/, released on October 7, 2016. The track, an uplifting pop anthem encouraging listeners to disconnect from devices, has amassed over 94 million streams on as of 2025. It peaked at No. 25 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and earned gold certification in the United States (500,000 units). In 2017, "Look At Us Now" featuring and A$AP Ferg became a staple, released on June 9 via the same label. The high-energy collaboration blended with elements, contributing to the duo's growing live performance reputation at events like . It helped solidify their mainstream presence during their breakthrough period. Also in 2017, "First Love" featuring was released on October 13, peaking at No. 26 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The nostalgic track showcased Carpenter's vocals over the duo's signature production, marking one of their highest-charting releases at the time. Following a period of relative quiet, "Hurt" featuring DeathbyRomy arrived as a post-pandemic release on September 4, 2020, via Disruptor Records/. The track addressed emotional vulnerability amid global challenges, peaking at No. 47 on the Hot chart. Shifting toward indie-pop influences, "Dreams" featuring Frawley was released on October 27, 2023, emphasizing dreamy melodies and lyrics. This single represented an evolution in the duo's sound, blending elements with more . In 2025, "What's the Move" served as the for their EP of the same name, released on September 26. The track adopted a melodic style, with driving beats and summery vibes, setting the tone for the EP's five-track collection issued later that year.

Remixes

Lost Kings began their career by producing for established artists, which helped establish their signature and melodic sound on platforms like and garnered initial industry recognition before they focused on original material. These early efforts showcased their ability to infuse pop tracks with high-energy drops and euphoric builds, building a reputation for festival-ready interpretations that bridged mainstream appeal with . In 2014, the duo's remix of Disclosure featuring Sam Smith's "Latch" marked an early breakthrough, transforming the original's deep house groove into a vibrant future bass track that amassed significant plays on SoundCloud and introduced their style to a wider audience. This remix highlighted their knack for elevating vocal-driven hits with infectious synth layers, contributing to their rapid online traction during their formative years. By 2015, Lost Kings expanded their portfolio with high-profile remixes that drew attention from major labels. Their take on Imagine Dragons' "I Bet My Life" infused the rock anthem with pulsating electronic elements, premiering exclusively on Billboard and signaling their growing industry buzz. Similarly, the nu-disco remix of Krewella's "Somewhere to Run" added shimmering synths and upbeat rhythms, further solidifying their presence in the EDM scene through official releases on Columbia Records. These works, alongside a remix of Vance Joy's "Wasted Time," demonstrated their versatility in reworking indie-folk and pop tracks for dancefloors. In 2016, the remix of Rihanna's "Work" became one of their most streamed efforts, clocking over 27 million plays on with its tropical-infused beats and extended breakdowns that suited festival sets and radio play. This period aligned with their transition toward originals but reinforced their prowess through collaborations with global pop icons. During the 2019 Paper Crowns era, Lost Kings contributed to various artists, maintaining momentum by blending their evolving sound with contemporary hits, though specific outputs focused more on promotional edits than full official packages. In 2025, Lost Kings revisited classics with a speed house of The Naked and Famous' "Young Blood," released in May, which accelerated the staple into a high-BPM festival banger featuring driving basslines and anthemic drops tailored for live crowds. They also self-ed their 2016 hit "Phone Down" featuring , updating it with modern melodic house elements for contemporary sets, reflecting their ongoing evolution. These releases underscored es' enduring role in revitalizing their catalog and engaging fans amid festival circuits.