Eric Prydz — Swedish DJ, producer, and composer, and one of the most influential artists in the history of electronic dance music. He became a symbol of progressive house, the creator of iconic tracks such as “Call on Me”, “Pjanoo”, and “Opus”, as well as the visionary behind the grandiose EPIC and HOLO shows that redefined live performances in the EDM industry.
Early Years and Musical Roots
Eric Sheridan Prydz was born on July 19, 1976, in Täby, near Stockholm, Sweden. From an early age, he was fascinated by electronic and rock music — among his idols were Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, and Kraftwerk. The combination of emotion and technology in their music deeply influenced Prydz’s signature sound — blending the melodic structures of techno with the minimalism of house.
In the 1990s, he began creating his own tracks, experimenting with house rhythms and analog synthesizers. His first recognition came in the early 2000s, when his music started appearing in the sets of leading European DJs.
Breakthrough: “Call on Me” (2004)
Global success came in 2004 with the release of the single “Call on Me”, based on a sample from Steve Winwood – Valerie (1982). The track became a phenomenon — reaching number one in the UK and German charts and becoming one of the best-selling singles of the decade. Its aerobics-inspired 1980s-style music video went viral long before the YouTube era, making Eric Prydz an international star.
However, the artist later admitted that “Call on Me” was a double-edged success — it opened doors to the industry but also cemented his image as a mainstream producer, while Prydz himself aspired to more complex, progressive sounds.
Musical Projects and Aliases
To separate his creative directions, Eric Prydz created several musical alter egos, each becoming a brand of its own:
- Pryda — progressive house with deep melodies, minimalism, and atmospheric festival tracks (released on Pryda Recordings).
- Cirez D — a techno project with dark, industrial tones, released via Mouseville Records.
- Eric Prydz — the main commercial name for radio-friendly and festival releases.
This approach allowed Prydz to maintain creative freedom and bridge the gap between underground and mainstream audiences while staying true to his principle of no compromises in sound quality.
Career Peak: “Pjanoo,” “Opus,” and the Album “Opus”
In 2008, Prydz released “Pjanoo”, which became a new anthem of progressive house. Its simple yet emotional melody turned it into a festival and radio favorite worldwide.
In 2016, he released his debut album “Opus”, a culmination of years of work. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its engineering mastery and conceptual depth. The title track “Opus” became one of the most technically sophisticated compositions in electronic music history — gradually accelerating from 31 to 128 BPM, creating a sense of musical “evolution” and emotional buildup.
Shows and Visual Innovation
Eric Prydz became a pioneer in visual technology for live performances. His shows EPIC (Eric Prydz In Concert) and HOLO set new standards for audiovisual production. They feature holograms, lasers, and 3D projections synchronized with music in real time.
HOLO evolved into one of the most technologically advanced live shows in EDM history — audiences witness massive holographic figures and abstract shapes moving through the venue, creating an immersive experience unlike any other.
Prydz deliberately avoids overcrowded festival appearances to preserve sound precision and visual quality — every set is meticulously programmed as a unique audiovisual performance.
Influence and Philosophy
Eric Prydz is not just a DJ but an engineer of sound and visual aesthetics. His music transforms melody into emotional storytelling, with visuals acting as its continuation. Critics often call him the “architect of progressive house”, emphasizing his immense contribution to the genre’s evolution.
His influence extends to an entire generation of producers, including Deadmau5, Lane 8, Yotto, Jeremy Olander, and others from the melodic techno and house scenes. Prydz has inspired many to create immersive live shows with strong conceptual depth.
Personal Life
Eric resides in Los Angeles but keeps his personal life private. Known for his reserved lifestyle, he carefully plans each project. In interviews, he emphasizes that music, for him, is not show business but a form of inner expression and discipline.
Legacy
Eric Prydz is rightfully regarded as one of the most respected and influential producers of his generation. His name has become synonymous with quality, perfectionism, and innovation. He has built his own sound school — emotional, melodic, and expansive progressive house — which remains a benchmark for millions of fans worldwide.
His music continues to dominate major festivals around the globe, and his HOLO shows sell out consistently, proving that Prydz is not just an artist but a phenomenon of audiovisual art.
