Eric Prydz, born Eric Sheridan Prydz on July 19, 1976, in Täby, Sweden, is one of the most prominent and respected figures in the global electronic music scene. Prydz is known for his ability to seamlessly blend mainstream success with underground credibility, crafting music that ranges from massive commercial hits to deep, innovative progressive and techno sounds. He grew up in Sweden but moved to London in the early 2000s to fully pursue his music career, where he quickly established himself as a pioneering producer and DJ.
Prydz is famously meticulous in his work, spending countless hours perfecting his tracks, which has earned him a reputation as a perfectionist in the studio.
Musical Career
Eric Prydz first broke into the global spotlight in 2004 with his iconic single "Call on Me", a track that sampled Steve Winwood’s song "Valerie." The song became a massive hit, topping charts across Europe and turning Prydz into a household name in the dance music world. Despite this commercial success, Prydz remained dedicated to maintaining artistic integrity, shying away from being pigeonholed as a mainstream artist.
After the success of "Call on Me," Prydz released a series of progressive house tracks under his alias Pryda, and techno productions under Cirez D. In 2012, he released the triple album "Eric Prydz Presents Pryda", which showcased his deep and progressive house sound and solidified his standing as a creative force in electronic music.
In 2016, Prydz released his long-anticipated debut studio album "Opus", which was hailed as a masterpiece. The title track, "Opus," became one of his most acclaimed works, known for its dramatic, slow-building progression. Prydz's mastery in producing atmospheric and emotionally charged electronic music was further solidified with hits like "Generate" and "Every Day."
Throughout his career, Eric Prydz has also gained a reputation for his awe-inspiring live performances, especially through his EPIC (Eric Prydz In Concert) series, where he combines his music with cutting-edge 3D visuals, holograms, and stunning light shows.
Musical Influences
Eric Prydz draws inspiration from a wide array of musical genres and artists. Early electronic pioneers like Daft Punk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Vangelis have deeply influenced his sound, especially in their blending of melody with innovation in electronic music. He is also influenced by artists in the house and techno scenes such as Carl Cox, Sasha, and John Digweed.
Prydz has also cited the classical composer Philip Glass and modern minimalist music for influencing his progressive and atmospheric style, particularly in his use of repetition and evolving soundscapes. His diverse range of influences allows him to craft tracks that are both club-ready and deeply emotive.
Musical Style
Eric Prydz is renowned for his versatile sound, covering a spectrum of electronic genres:
Progressive House: Under his alias Pryda, Prydz is known for creating slow-building, melodic, and atmospheric progressive house tracks. Songs like "Pjanoo", "Melo", and "Niton (The Reason)" are characterized by expansive soundscapes, deep grooves, and uplifting melodies.
Techno: As Cirez D, Prydz delves into darker, harder-edged techno. Tracks like "On Off" and "The Accuser" feature driving basslines, sharp percussion, and a raw, industrial sound. This side of his music is more minimalistic and aimed at underground techno clubs.
Mainstream House: In his work as Eric Prydz, he bridges the gap between underground and mainstream with hits like "Call on Me", "Liberate", and "Every Day". These tracks are characterized by catchy hooks, memorable melodies, and club-friendly beats, often becoming dance anthems.
Prydz's music often has a progressive structure, with tracks building up over several minutes, gradually introducing new elements and creating tension before climaxing. His productions are highly detailed and layered, blending electronic beats with emotional, melodic elements.
Live Performances
Eric Prydz’s live performances are legendary in the electronic music world. His EPIC concerts feature cutting-edge visual technology, including holograms and 3D projections, creating a fully immersive experience for fans. These concerts push the boundaries of what a DJ set can be, making Prydz’s live shows some of the most anticipated events in electronic music. He regularly headlines major festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Creamfields.
Trivia
"Call on Me" was such a massive hit that Prydz felt it overshadowed his other work, and he distanced himself from producing more commercial music in favor of underground styles.
Prydz is known for his fear of flying, which has led to limitations on his touring, but he often performs multi-night residencies or travels by road to reach his fans.
The name Cirez D is an anagram of "Eric D."
Eric Prydz is a visionary artist who continues to shape the landscape of electronic music with his innovation, attention to detail, and unparalleled live performances. Whether producing uplifting house or dark techno, Prydz remains one of the most versatile and respected artists in the electronic music scene.
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