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Eric Prydz
Eric Prydz
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Key Information

Eric Sheridan Prydz (/prɪdz/, Swedish: [ˈêːrɪk ˈɕêːrɪdan ˈprʏts]; born 19 July 1976), also known by his many aliases including Pryda (/ˈprdə/)[2] and Cirez D (/ˈsrɛz/), is a Swedish DJ and record producer. He rose to prominence with his 2004 hit single "Call on Me", and saw continued chart success with "Proper Education" in 2007, "Pjanoo" in 2008, and "Opus" in 2015. In 2016, he released his debut studio album, Opus.

In 2017, he won DJ of the Year at the Electronic Music Awards and was also nominated for Live Act of the Year.

Career

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2004–2008: "Call on Me" and Swedish House Mafia

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Prydz is perhaps best known for his 2004 hit single "Call on Me". It topped the UK singles chart for five weeks[3] and was number one on the German Top 100 for six consecutive weeks.[4] Although this track made him immensely popular, Prydz has stopped playing it in his shows in an attempt to distance himself from it.[5] In some respects he has succeeded, and with his newer songs, Prydz has gained recognition from both underground and mainstream fans.[6] In 2006, he released a remixed version of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2", titled "Proper Education",[citation needed] with a video.[7]

In 2008, Prydz released the critically acclaimed single "Pjanoo", which topped the UK Dance Chart.[8]

Together with Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello, Prydz formed a group of DJs that informally referred to themselves as the Swedish House Mafia.[9] When the group with the same name officially formed in late 2008, Prydz decided not to join his friends.[10] He has collaborated with Axwell under the name Axer[11] and with Angello as A&P Project.[12]

2009–2013: Eric Prydz Presents Pryda

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In 2009, Prydz released "Miami to Atlanta", where the "Pryda snare" was first used. The Pryda snare is a popular technique in house and trance music consisting of a compressed and sustained snare sample at the end of a bar. Commonly used to mark progressions in a song structure, it has been widely sampled in the electronic dance music world, notably by producers such as Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and W&W.[13]

On 21 May 2012, Prydz released his debut artist album, Eric Prydz Presents Pryda, as a 3-disc album on Virgin Records (Astralwerks in the USA). Disc 1 is made up of new unreleased Pryda productions, which some fans may have heard as works in progress (including Shadows, Agag, Mighty Love, Allein and the intro edit of Pjanoo). Discs 2 and 3 bring together many of the classic tracks from the Pryda catalogue, sequenced and continuously mixed by the man himself, including some of his special re-edits.[14]

The Ministry of Sound club in London hosted the launch of Eric Prydz Presents Pryda on 14 April 2012, where Prydz played some of the tracks from the album.[15][16] Inserting the CD in a computer and visiting Prydz's Facebook page provides access to a download of 'Tijuana', a track previously known as 'Space Miami ID' in .WAV format.[citation needed]

His 2013 Essential Mix was named Essential Mix of the Year by Pete Tong.[17]

2014–present: PR(10)DA, PR(15)DA EPs and Opus

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Eric Prydz performing at Amnesia in Ibiza, 2012

2014 was the 10th year of Prydz's label Pryda Recordings, and, as a result, on 9 January 2014, Prydz announced a special upcoming artist album which was initially due for release later that year.[18] On 4 May 2015, Prydz announced PR(10)DA, a collection of unreleased tracks from January 2004 to December 2014. PR(10)DA was released over three EPs, leading up to an album release in February 2016.

On 19 May 2014, Prydz announced via social media the third installment of his concert, Eric Prydz in Concert, titled EPIC 3.0. Promising the 'world's largest indoor hologram', new music, and new visuals, the show was to be held at Madison Square Garden during the Fall.[19] Prydz performed his EPIC 3.0 show on 27 September 2014, playing a large range of new and unreleased material.[20] The show incorporated a 4K 20-metre (66 ft) hologram and 32 lasers.[21][22]

On 4 July 2015, Prydz was the first DJ with a set featured as a "One Mix" on Beats 1, the worldwide radio station on Apple Music.[23]

On 5 February 2016, Prydz released his debut studio album Opus.[24]

On 28 June 2016, Prydz collaborated with Luke Versalko from Mashable to produce a short documentary that details the making of his Epic 4.0 show.[25] In June 2016, he also appeared on Insomniacs Night Owl Radio.[26]

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Prydz' Pryda alias, on 10 April 2019 he announced the release of PR(15)DA, a collection of 27 songs.[27]

On 19 July 2019, Prydz announced EPIC 6.0. This instalment of his EPIC series involved a multi-storey eight-meter-wide transparent LED holosphere, which surrounded Prydz during his performance at Tomorrowland festival. The sphere was made up of seventy-two interlocking handmade panels, which contained over 2.4 million LEDs to illuminate with galaxies, darts of electricity, and alien planets.[28]

Prydz presented a HOLO performance at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023.[29]

On March 15, 2025, Prydz performed "Call On Me" for the first time in 20 years as part of the "20 Years of Prydz" show in Austin, Texas.[30]

Aside from producing music, Prydz also runs the record labels Pryda, Pryda Friends, Pryda Presents, and Mouseville, which release most of his own music.[31] On Pryda, he releases music as Pryda. On Mouseville Records, started in 2002, he releases techno tracks as Cirez D.[32]

Personal life

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Prydz has a fear of flying, which means he mainly tours on a bus.[33] He moved from London to Los Angeles in 2012, where he lived until his return to Sweden in 2021 after getting divorced from his former wife Sofie,[34] with whom he has two children.

Discography

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Studio albums

DJ Magazine Top 100

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Year Position Notes Ref.
2005 187 Non Entry [35]
2006 123 Non Entry (Up 64)
2007 36 New Entry (Up 87)
2008 21 Up 15
2009 34 Down 13
2010 30 Up 4
2011 46 Down 16
2012 52 Down 8
2013 54 Down 2
2014 60 Down 6
2015 57 Up 3
2016 66 Down 9
2017 34 Up 32
2018 20 Up 14
2019 17 Up 3
2020 22 Down 5 [36]
2021 31 Down 9 [37]
2022 29 Up 2 [38]
2023 39 Down 10 [39]
2024 46 Down 7 [40]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Eric Sheridan Prydz (born 19 July 1976) is a Swedish DJ, , and renowned for his influential work in , particularly in and genres. Born in , a suburb of , he was raised partly in the and later based himself in , blending diverse influences into his sound. Prydz first gained international prominence in 2004 with his breakout single "Call on Me", a house track sampling Steve Winwood's "Valerie" that topped charts in multiple countries, including five weeks at number one in the UK, and became one of the decade's defining anthems due to its iconic aerobics-themed video. His follow-up success came with "Proper Education" in 2007, a remix of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" that reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying his reputation for transforming classic rock into dancefloor hits. In 2008, the instrumental "Pjanoo" marked a shift toward his signature melodic progressive house style, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and earning critical acclaim for its emotional piano-driven build. Under pseudonyms like Pryda for melodic and Cirez D for harder-edged sounds, Prydz has maintained a prolific output, founding the influential label Pryda Recordings in 2004 to release his underground work. His discography includes the 2016 album Opus, featuring the title track premiered via a groundbreaking holographic live show, and collaborations across electronic subgenres. Known for innovative performances, Prydz pioneered immersive AV experiences like the EPIC series starting in 2011 and the HOLO shows, incorporating lasers, holograms, and custom visuals that have headlined festivals worldwide. As of 2025, Prydz continues to tour extensively, celebrating milestones such as 20 years of Pryda with special sets, and ranks at position 37 in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs, recognized for mega-hits like "Call on Me" and "" alongside his holographic productions. His career, spanning over two decades, has sold millions of records and influenced generations of producers, while he distances himself from mainstream EDM, favoring artistic depth in club and festival settings.

Early life

Upbringing in Sweden

Eric Sheridan Prydz was born on 19 July 1976 in , a suburb of , . He was raised partly in and the . He grew up in a family with Swedish roots on both sides, though his middle name reflects possible English heritage through his mother's side; his parents are Marianne Sheridan Larsen and Jan Prydz. Although not from a deeply musical household—his father reportedly struggled with rhythm while his mother enjoyed club dancing in the —Prydz developed an early fascination with music as a child. From the age of eight, Prydz began playing , viewing it initially as casual fun rather than a serious pursuit. He soon convinced his parents to purchase a keyboard, which he used to recreate tracks by influential electronic acts like , sparking his interest in synthesis and production. During his teenage years in the region, he attended local schools while nurturing a growing passion for synthesizers and computers, often experimenting with that would later define his career. This period laid the groundwork for his technical affinity, as he balanced school with self-taught explorations in electronic sounds. By the mid-1990s, as a teenager, Prydz started hands-on music production using basic home equipment. In 1994, he joined the synth band Enemy Alliance as drummer, touring locally in and aspiring to emulate pioneers like Kraftwerk. These early experiments, conducted in modest setups, marked his transition from listener to creator, influenced by the burgeoning electronic scene in before he pursued opportunities abroad.

Move to UK and music beginnings

Prydz's entry into the music industry began during his teenage years in , where he developed a passion for electronic music inspired by and acts. At age 8, he started playing piano and experimenting with recreating tracks by on a home keyboard. By 1994, at 18, he joined the synth band Enemy Alliance as drummer, touring and drawing influence from Kraftwerk's electronic soundscapes. Determined to pursue production full-time, Prydz quit his job that year and spent the next two years in near-poverty, focusing exclusively on creating techno-funk tracks with basic equipment like the . During the mid-1990s, he began DJing at local Swedish venues, honing his skills in intimate club settings while producing unreleased material. His persistence paid off with his debut in 2000, the double A-side "By Your Side"/"Mr. Jingles" on EMI's New Religion imprint, which marked his initial foray into the international market via . The breakthrough success of his 2004 single "Call on Me" prompted Prydz to relocate to later that year, seeking better opportunities for touring and immersion in the UK's dynamic electronic scene. Living initially without a long-term plan, he stayed for seven years, using the move to expand his performances in underground clubs and raves influenced by and elements. This period allowed him to build connections, experiment with pseudonyms for diverse styles—such as Cirez D for harder —and cultivate a growing audience before attracting major label attention.

Career

Breakthrough hits (2004–2008)

Eric Prydz achieved international breakthrough in 2004 with his debut single "Call on Me," a house track that sampled the chorus from Steve Winwood's 1982 song "Valerie." Released on September 13, 2004, via and Data Records, the track topped the UK Singles Chart for five non-consecutive weeks, becoming one of the year's biggest dance hits. The song's , directed by Reich & Bell and featuring women in outfits performing suggestive exercises, sparked significant for its perceived objectification, leading to bans on some UK television channels while boosting its visibility and cultural impact. Building on this success, Prydz released "Proper Education" in early 2007, a of Pink Floyd's 1979 track "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II," which fused the original's iconic guitar riff with pulsating electronic beats. Issued on January 1, 2007, through , the single peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, highlighting his ability to blend elements with dance music for mainstream appeal. It also charted highly across Europe, including number two in Ireland and number three in , and earned platinum certification in the UK for over 400,000 sales, further establishing Prydz's crossover success in the pop-dance genre. In 2008, Prydz briefly collaborated with fellow Swedish producers , , and , forming the supergroup and contributing to their early tracks like "One," which laid the groundwork for the group's anthemic house sound. However, Prydz departed the collective shortly after its formation in late 2008 due to creative differences, allowing the trio to pursue their vision independently while he focused on solo endeavors. This period contrasted with Prydz's mainstream hits, as he simultaneously developed his techno alias Cirez D, releasing darker, club-oriented tracks on his own Mouseville Records label, founded in 2002. Notable early Cirez D releases from 2004 to 2008, such as "On Off" and "Thunder," emphasized raw rhythms and , providing a stark to his vocal-driven pop anthems and appealing to underground electronic audiences.

Pryda establishment (2009–2013)

Following the success of his breakthrough hits under his own name, Eric Prydz increasingly channeled his creative energies into the Pryda alias during 2009–2013, establishing it as a platform for deeper, more experimental progressive house productions tailored for club environments. The alias had debuted earlier with tracks like "Aftermath" in 2005 on Pryda Recordings, the label Prydz founded in 2005 to showcase his instrumental work, but it truly gained traction with the 2008 single "Pjanoo," whose melodic piano riff and driving rhythm continued to resonate in sets and charts throughout this period. Pryda Recordings, initially focused on Prydz's own output, ramped up activity in 2009 with releases that defined the alias's signature sound, including the EP Animal / Miami to Atlanta / Loaded. The title track "Miami to Atlanta" introduced the iconic "Pryda snare"—a crisp, layered percussion technique that became a staple in —emphasizing atmospheric builds and hypnotic grooves over vocal hooks. Later that year, the label issued "Melo / Lift / " and "Waves / Alfon," further showcasing Prydz's emphasis on emotive, club-ready tracks that prioritized sonic texture and progression. These releases highlighted the label's growth as a hub for innovative electronic music, though signings remained selective and centered on Prydz's vision. In 2010 and 2011, Prydz expanded the Pryda sound with singles like "Viro / Emos" and the instrumental "Niton," the latter evolving into the vocal-driven "Niton (The Reason)" under his main moniker, which peaked at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart and exemplified melodic with its soaring synths and emotional depth. This period marked Prydz's pivot away from group collaborations, including his early informal ties to , toward solo Pryda endeavors that allowed greater artistic control. The culmination of this establishment phase arrived in 2012 with Eric Prydz Presents Pryda, a three-disc compilation on featuring 37 tracks of originals, remixes, and a continuous mix spanning the alias's history. Released on , this retrospective not only compiled seminal Pryda works like "" and "Miami to Atlanta" but also introduced new material, such as "" and "Allein," reinforcing the alias's influence on the genre and celebrating a decade of the label's evolution into a respected imprint.

Opus and PRDA expansions (2014–2020)

In 2016, Eric Prydz released his debut studio album, Opus, through , marking a significant milestone in his career as his first full-length project under his own name. The double-disc album, comprising 19 tracks, showcased Prydz's evolution in , blending intricate builds, melodic layers, and emotional depth, with the title track "Opus" standing out for its sweeping, orchestral-inspired crescendos that evoke a cinematic quality. Collaborations on the record included "Breathe" featuring vocals from of and , adding a vocal-driven intensity, as well as "Moody Mondays" with The Cut, highlighting Prydz's ability to integrate guest artists into his signature sound. Released on February 5, 2016, Opus received praise for its ambitious scope, positioning Prydz as a key figure in elevating electronic music's artistic boundaries. Building on the success of his Pryda label, established in 2005, Prydz expanded its catalog with the PR(10)DA series in 2015, a collection of previously unreleased tracks spanning a decade of production to commemorate the label's 10-year milestone. Issued across three EPs—Volumes I, II, and III in , , and respectively—PR(10)DA featured raw, club-oriented cuts like "Rebel XX," "Loving You," and "SOL," emphasizing Prydz's unrestrained creative process without commercial pressures. This initiative culminated in a comprehensive compilation, reinforcing Pryda's role as a platform for his experimental side. Later, in 2019, Prydz marked the label's 15th anniversary with the PR(15)DA series, releasing three volumes of mastered tracks debuted in live sets, including emotive pieces such as "" and "T.I.D.E.," which captured the label's enduring hypnotic and melodic ethos. During this period, Prydz continued issuing singles under the Pryda moniker, further blending with emotive, tension-building structures. "Generate," released on April 13, 2015, via Pryda Recordings, exemplified this approach with its pulsating basslines and uplifting synth progressions, serving as a precursor to Opus material. Similarly, "Liberate," issued in June 2014, introduced orchestral-like swells and euphoric drops that became staples in his sets, underscoring Prydz's focus on immersive, narrative-driven tracks rather than formulaic club fare. These releases not only sustained momentum for the label but also highlighted his refinement of emotional builds within the genre. Prydz's live performances evolved significantly from 2014 to 2020, incorporating Opus elements into his pioneering HOLO audiovisual production, which debuted at in 2014 with synchronized holographic projections and LED visuals synced to tracks. By 2016, with the EPIC 4.0 iteration, shows integrated Opus tracks like "Floj," "Last Dragon," and the title track, using a massive holographic and multi-screen setup to create immersive, 360-degree environments that amplified the album's dramatic builds. This period saw HOLO tested and refined across global tours, including residencies, where the visuals—designed in collaboration with teams like GMUNK—transformed standard DJ sets into synchronized spectacles, enhancing audience engagement with Prydz's music.

Recent projects and tours (2021–present)

In 2023, Eric Prydz revived his Pryda alias with the single "," marking the project's first major release in five years and debuting it during his set at the Ushuaïa opening party. The track, characterized by pulsating elements, quickly became a staple in his live performances throughout the summer season. Prydz continued his output in 2024 with the collaborative single "We Are Mirage (Radio Edit)" alongside Empire of the Sun, released on November 28 as part of the latter's "We Are The People Reimagined" project. This remix-infused track blended Prydz's signature melodic builds with the duo's ethereal pop, earning play across streaming platforms and festival sets. The year 2025 saw Prydz embark on the "20 Years of Pryda" North American tour, a multi-city run celebrating two decades of his influential label and sound, featuring extended full sets of Pryda classics (as of November 2025). A highlight came during the March 16 Austin stop at The Concourse Project, where he surprised fans by performing "Call on Me"—his 2004 breakthrough hit—for the first time in 21 years, blending it seamlessly into the anniversary retrospective. Prydz's Ibiza presence evolved through innovative residencies, starting with the HOLO audiovisual concept at Ushuaïa in 2023, which integrated "The Return" into immersive light shows. This progressed to the [CELL] residency at Hï Ibiza in 2024, running Mondays from June 24 to September 9 with custom light installations and guest appearances from artists like . In 2025, he extended his visual innovations with Holosphere 2.0 at the new [UNVRS] venue, debuting on June 23 and incorporating five years of developed 3D holographic and LED effects throughout the season (ongoing as of November 2025).

Aliases and style

Key aliases

Eric Prydz has employed multiple aliases throughout his career to delineate distinct musical explorations, enabling him to compartmentalize commercial endeavors from more subterranean, experimental output. This approach has facilitated over 100 releases across various pseudonyms, preserving artistic separation while showcasing his versatility in production. His primary alias, Pryda, emerged in 2004 and centers on with melodic, club-focused tracks designed for immersive dancefloor experiences. Pryda also serves as the imprint for his Pryda Recordings label, established that same year to champion this sound. Cirez D, introduced in 2004 via Prydz's Mouseville label, embodies a darker techno aesthetic, emphasizing minimalistic and industrial elements for intense, underground club settings. Among his other pseudonyms, Sheridan represents an early venture into pop-oriented remixes, while Dirty Funker captures funk-infused house hybrids from the early 2000s. Additionally, A&P Project marks a collaborative effort with Steve Angello for select trance-inflected works, such as the 2009 single "Sunrize" featuring Zemya Hamilton.

Production techniques

Eric Prydz's production techniques have evolved significantly over his career, transitioning from sample-based pop remixes in the 2000s to original compositions in the that emphasize intricate and emotional layering. Early works like "Call on Me" (2004) relied on sampling Steve Winwood's 1982 track "Valerie" as a core element, which Prydz looped and filtered into a high-energy framework to achieve mainstream appeal. This method allowed for quick, impactful builds by repurposing familiar vocal and melodic phrases. By contrast, his 2016 album Opus represents a shift to creations, with tracks composed from scratch using synthesized elements and no external samples, focusing on progressive structures that prioritize and studio craftsmanship. Prydz employs as his primary , leveraging its built-in synthesizers and effects plugins to construct layered builds and breakdowns central to his sound. These techniques create tension through gradual accumulation of melodic and rhythmic elements, as heard in the title track of Opus, where a four-minute ascent of swelling synths and percussion culminates in a explosive drop marked by sharp, resonant snares. His reliance on software enables precise control over dynamics, allowing for seamless transitions between sparse breakdowns and dense climaxes without hardware dependencies. A hallmark of Prydz's style is the integration of riffs, orchestral-like synth samples, and reverb-heavy atmospheres to foster immersive, euphoric experiences. In "" (2008), a riff serves as the emotional anchor, processed with generous reverb to evoke a vast, anthemic space that amplifies the track's club energy. Similarly, Opus tracks employ sweeping, string-emulating synth layers that mimic orchestral arrangements, contributing to their cinematic scale and prompting orchestral covers in live settings. To enhance emotional resonance, Prydz incorporates live instrumentation and vocal collaborations , blending organic recordings with electronic elements for added humanity, as seen in vocal-driven pieces like those on Opus that feature processed yet expressive performances.

Performances and visuals

DJ sets and residencies

Eric Prydz began his DJ career in clubs during the early 2000s, establishing a presence in the UK's underground electronic scene through regular performances at venues like . Following the release of his breakthrough single "Call on Me" in 2004, which achieved global chart success, Prydz transitioned from local residencies to extensive international touring, performing across , , and while maintaining a base in for key events. In the , Prydz launched long-term event series under his Pryda banner, including Pryda Friends parties in and the , where he curated lineups featuring artists from his Pryda Recordings label such as Jeremy Olander and Gui Boratto. Notable examples include the Pryda Warehouse Party in in 2010 and the Pryda Arena at in the that same year, which showcased exclusive sets and label previews to dedicated fans. These events emphasized Prydz's role as a tastemaker in , blending his own performances with emerging talents from his roster. Prydz's residency at Hï Ibiza commenced in 2023 with the HOLO show in the Theatre room, evolving into the [CELL] concept by 2024. In 2025, Prydz presented Holosphere 2.0 weekly every Monday at UNVRS in from June 2 to September 1, running for 14 weeks with Pryda-focused sets highlighting tracks from his alias and label. The residency features immersive audio experiences and guest appearances from and artists, solidifying Prydz's influence on Ibiza's club circuit. Beyond residencies, Prydz has maintained a prominent festival presence, headlining major events like Tomorrowland in Belgium, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in Las Vegas, and Exit Festival in Serbia in 2025. These sets often tie into his 20 Years of Pryda tour, celebrating the label's milestone with extended progressive house journeys. In 2025, he incorporated rare classics like "Call on Me" into select performances for the first time in over two decades.

Audiovisual innovations

Eric Prydz has been at the forefront of integrating advanced audiovisual technology into electronic dance music performances, creating immersive experiences that synchronize holographic projections and dynamic lighting with his tracks. In 2017, during his EPIC 5.0 tour, Prydz introduced groundbreaking holographic elements, featuring what were described as the world's largest holographic video projections spanning 20 meters wide, synced precisely to compositions like "Opus" to produce three-dimensional spatial effects that enveloped audiences. These innovations utilized Holo-Gauze technology for transparent, reflective screens that allowed projections to appear as floating 3D forms, enhancing the emotional depth of tracks through visual storytelling. Building on this foundation, Prydz debuted his HOLO show in , evolving the concept with more refined holographic integrations and for real-time synchronization between audio and visuals. By 2019, the EPIC 6.0: HOLOSPHERE iteration marked a significant advancement, incorporating a massive 8-meter transparent LED sphere surrounding the DJ booth, over 20 lasers, expansive LED walls, and to generate geometric patterns and immersive environments that reacted dynamically to the music. This setup, produced in collaboration with visual director GMUNK and his team including animators Conor Grebel and Michael Rigley, pushed boundaries in scale and interactivity, using for bespoke animations that transformed festival stages into otherworldly realms. Prydz's audiovisual approach continued to evolve into full production sets at major festivals, where layered holograms, arrays, and LED configurations created narrative-driven spectacles. In 2025, the Holosphere 2.0 update, debuted at UNVRS in , featured enhanced holographic elements and updated visuals tailored to anniversary tracks from his Pryda catalog, incorporating advanced for deeper immersion during the 20-year milestone celebrations. These developments, often realized through partnerships with production firms like RES, have set benchmarks in EDM for audiovisual synergy, influencing how artists design live experiences to blend sound and sight seamlessly.

Recognition

DJ Magazine rankings

Eric Prydz first entered the Top 100 DJs poll in 2007, debuting at position 36. His early success coincided with the peak popularity of his 2006-2007 hit "Proper Education," a of Pink Floyd's "" that propelled his mainstream recognition. He climbed steadily in subsequent years, reaching his highest position of No. 17 in 2019, reflecting his evolution from commercial hits to innovative productions and live shows. Throughout the , Prydz maintained a strong presence in the poll, with consistent top 50 placements in several years, including No. 30 in 2010, No. 34 in 2017, No. 20 in 2018, No. 17 in 2019, and No. 22 in 2020. These rankings highlighted his sustained appeal, bolstered by releases like the 2016 album Opus and his Pryda alias's underground influence, even as he occasionally dipped into the 50s and 60s during transitional periods.
YearPositionChange
200736New entry
200821+15
200934-13
201030+4
201146-16
201252-6
201354-2
201460-6
201557+3
201666-9
201734+32
201820+14
201917+3
202022-5
202131-9
202229+2
202339-10
202446-7
202537+9
In the 2025 poll, Prydz rose to No. 37, an increase of 9 spots from the previous year, attributed to his 20 Years of Pryda anniversary tour across . With appearances in the poll nearly every year since his debut, totaling 19 entries as of 2025, Prydz's rankings underscore his longevity, bridging commercial breakthroughs with enduring respect in and circles.

Awards and influence

Eric Prydz received a nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the in 2008 for his remix of "Proper Education," a rework of Pink Floyd's " (Part 2)." He received another nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the in 2013 for his remix of M83's "." He also won DJ of the Year at the inaugural Electronic Music Awards in 2017, recognizing his contributions to production and performance. Prydz's innovations in audiovisual production have significantly shaped experiences, with shows like 6.0 and HOLO credited for elevating visual integration in EDM through holographic projections, 3D effects, and synchronized LED installations. These performances, debuting in the early , set new standards for immersive stage design, influencing subsequent EDM acts to incorporate advanced elements beyond traditional and lasers. As a pioneer in , Prydz has impacted the genre's evolution by emphasizing melodic builds, atmospheric synths, and underground credibility, helping bridge mainstream appeal with club-oriented sounds. His Pryda Recordings label, founded in , has played a key role in amplifying the Swedish electronic music scene's global prominence by releasing influential tracks and fostering a network of like-minded producers. This output has contributed to Sweden's reputation as a hub for high-caliber electronic talent, alongside contemporaries in and .

Personal life

Residences

Eric Prydz maintained a primary residence in , , from the early until around 2022, when the property—featuring a dedicated studio setup for production work—was listed for sale. He previously owned a home in the area of , , from 2013 until its sale in 2021 following his . Since his 2021 relocation to after finalizing his divorce, Prydz has based himself primarily in , which now serves as his main residence for family visits and managing international tours and record labels.

Private interests

Eric Prydz maintains a notably private , rarely sharing details about his family or non-professional pursuits in interviews or public forums. He was married to Sofie Prydz from 2015 until their divorce was finalized in 2021, following a filing citing ; the couple has two children, a daughter and a son, but Prydz has not publicly discussed them or elaborated on family matters beyond the divorce proceedings. Prydz's approach to fame underscores his preference for discretion, with little documented information on personal hobbies or interests outside his career. This low-profile stance allows him to navigate the demands of international touring while preserving boundaries around his private world. His philanthropic involvement has been selective but impactful, including donations of all proceeds from his 2007 track "Proper Education" to . In 2016, following the death of a young fan from cancer, Prydz debuted a new track at dedicated memorial shows and raised over $60,000 for the Cancer Research Institute through ticket sales and fan contributions. In August 2025, he donated $10,000 to the in support of initiatives.

References

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