ERIC PRYDZ (Sweden)

Eric Prydz stands alone in his proven ability to mix commercial success with underground notoriety. This is clearly demonstrated by his capacity to deliver huge global hits, but then simultaneously be held in the highest regard by an adoring underground scene. His careful and smart approach of releasing certain tracks under different pseudonyms, on his own labels, has enabled him to achieve a kind of success that has never been seen before or since.

The now London based DJ runs three separate record labels, each responsible for the more underground music that leaves his bustling studio. The ethos behind these labels is truly underground, scarcely any promotion, no press intrusion and true label identity. Acknowledged by Beatport as their biggest grossing labels as well as having the accolade of their fastest ever selling release, these labels are widely recognised as genre defining imprints. His Mouseville imprint has seen Prydz produce under the alias Cirez D, releasing harder and more upfront techno tracks to great acclaim. “Knockout”, the biggest selling EP from the label epitomises the Mouseville ethos with its succinct nod to the Swedish underground. On Pryda, under the same name, Prydz explores his house influences with a plethora of tracks that have become huge club tunes around the globe. Songs like “Aftermath”, “Armed”, “Rymd” and “Melo”, layer harmonies, melodies and hooks over his unmistakable Prydz basslines. Eric also created Pryda Friends as an outlet for tracks created by his friends. Collaborations such as the inimitable “1983” with Paulo Mojo and “123” with fellow Swedish producer, Axwell are testimony to this.

After becoming the only artist ever to be given the go ahead to sample Pink Floyd, Prydz release the huge “Proper Education”. Remixing Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall” he reached number two in the charts, and was subsequently nominated for a Grammy. This was yet another display of his unique ability to amalgamate the underground and the popular. Summer 2008 saw “Pjanoo” become his third successive commercial hit. First released on his Pryda imprint it quickly became Beatport’s fastest ever selling download. Its uplifting piano-led hook made it the perfect summer anthem. The track took off, smashed clubland, Ibiza and the world’s summer parties and then went on to reach the pinnacle of the charts, gaining an unprecedented four separate ‘Record of the Week’ accolades from Radio 1 DJs such as Zane Lowe & Jo Wiley, as well as “The Hottest Record In The World” again from Zane Lowe, truly astonishing!

Since his arrival, Eric Prydz has unassumingly broken into uncharted territory for dance music. Previously seen as an impossible target, the man famous for his phobia of flying has managed to fuse huge commercial success with huge underground credibility. With his first artist album ready to drop on Pryda Recordings, this anticipated project will not disappoint - Eric will undoubtedly continue to produce the goods for years to come.