Audio-visual pioneer and production maverick Eric Prydz makes a sensational return to Ibiza on Sunday 21 August, where he'll headline a one-off show at Ushuaïa.
Best known for his music and his customised production that wows festival audiences all around the world, Prydz is also keen to develop talent. Perhaps the best example of a producer he has taken under his wing, nurtured and allowed to flourish is Cristoph.
Given free-reign on his Pryda Presents label, Cristoph has grown into a more complete DJ since coming on board the label. He also frequently supports Prydz at his club shows - as he will on Sunday at Ushuaïa.
Cristoph playing BBC Radio 1 Dance Live at Amnesia a fortnight ago by PHRANK
Having recently set Amnesia alight at the BBC Radio 1 weekend, Cristoph is now embarking on his own label project, Consequence Of Society. It's the next logical phase of an already impressive career.
Ahead of his appearance at the Eric Prydz concert, we caught up with the gentle Geordie giant to discuss his Ibiza journey, things on his to-do list and on receiving guidance from Eric Prydz himself.
First Ibiza memories
"Many of my early trips to Ibiza were with a group of my close mates are mainly a complete blur. They always consisted of 10 to 14 nights cramped up in one room in the Jet Apartments in Playa d'en Bossa. We would just go out for days and nights on end."
Jet Apartments has gained infamy for being the accommodation of choice for clubbers
"It was the days where Space would open at 09:00 and you would sit in Tantra waiting for it to open. Amazing times. I miss all that."
First gig on Ibiza
"My first ever gig there was a pre-season party Defected put on Savannah's back room. It was Simon Dunmore, Sam Divine and myself playing and we all ended up going back-to-back-to-back at the end.
It was a great night and a real insight into those more intimate parties in the island."
Pre-season Defected party at Savannah's backroom club in 2013
What you do for downtime on Ibiza
"In all honesty, I've never quite got round to having some downtime on the island. I would love to try out some of the spas or even just heading over to Formentera for the day. I really do need to sort myself out on this side of things."
The last time you played at Ushuaïa
12 July 2022.
"I loved it. It was great being back on stage with the CAMELPHAT and Solardo boys again.
It was the first time playing Ushuaïa and one thing which took me by surprise was the heat on that stage. I have a genuine fear of the unknown, so before big gigs like that my anxiety and nerves go through the roof."
Production at CAMELPHAT's Tuesday party is infernal
"This time round, I'll be able to control them much better. I'm really excited for it though and have a few new bits of music I'm looking forward to testing out, as well as catching up with Eric and the team.
I also have some of my family over with me for this one too, so it will be wicked to have them with me for the experience."
The best bit of advice given to you by Eric Prydz
"Eric has taught me to believe in myself and my music.
When I first started playing on shows with him I rarely played much of my own stuff. After speaking to him, he made me see how it's the perfect place to showcase unreleased music, to test it out and gauge crowd reactions."
"He also got it in my mind that people in the crowd have come to see me and hear the music I make. He loves to play my music out, so why shouldn't I? Self confidence is something I struggle with, so to have the backing from one of my heroes is a massive thing for me."
What we can expect from the new label
"At first it's going to be all music from myself, whether it be individual or collaborations. I love to make music across the House and Techno spectrum and that's exactly what the label will represent.
Just like when I play longer sets I tend to drift across different sub-genres - to make it more of a journey. I don't want to be pigeonholed to one specific sound."
Your new track Turning Away
"I've been a huge fan of Ross Quinn's voice for a while. During lockdown I decided to drop him a message to see if he fancied working on something. He was instantly up for it so I sent him a the project and he delivered a stunning vocal. We ended up with about five different versions.
We also will be putting out an alternate mix which I have ended a few sets on in the past."
"The funny thing is when we actually got speaking to each other more we found that our families actually know each other from years ago and his aunty was my mam's best friend throughout school but unfortunately they had lost touch.
So it's been an amazing on that front to put them back in touch after so many years."
Your ideal 24 hours on Ibiza
"Probably just be chilling through the day. Maybe a nice spot of lunch across on Formentera? Café Mambo for sunset then on to a restaurant at Dalt Vila or even the sushi place, Minami at Ushuaïa. I used to love going there before playing at Hï Ibiza in 2018."
Luciano (left), Solomun (right)
"Naturally, onto a club afterwards, but don't ask me to pick which one. I would have to see who was actually playing and where. I always love to catch Luciano playing in Ibiza so maybe if he's on or Solomun, head to wherever they are."
Alongside Anfisa Letyago, Cristoph supports mentor Eric Prydz at his Ushuaïa headline show on Sunday 21 August. In what's sure to be a feast for the senses, as well as a barrage of euphoric anthems, this is the last chance to see Cristoph in Ibiza 2022 and the only chance to see Prydz.
Last remaining tickets for this special one-off can be bought below.
