Reality-defying Eric Prydz is back on Mondays at Hï Ibiza this summer. Aside from a 30 second teaser video, his new audio-visual concept [CELL] is still shrouded in mystery.
Whatever it entails, the successor to last year's HOLO show is sure to have clubbers on the edge of their feet. Using the latest technology, [CELL] is made especially for The Theatre and will feature Prydz's trademark 3D effects that reach out in the crowd. Further details pending...
The visual half of A/V might be unknown, but the audio half is a bit easier to speculate on. Regardless of genre, we can always count on Prydz's music raising hairs. Few producers have a catalogue on par. It isn't just the volume of material to his name, but the quality.
From the days of Cream Ibiza and Tonight on Amnesia's Terrace in the late Noughties and 2010s, to his more recent personalised high-tech shows in Playa d'en Bossa, Eric Prydz is responsible for numerous Ibiza anthems. He has scores under his belt.
We asked our club team to pick their favourite, from any of the Swede's aliases.
Eric Prydz | Pjanoo | Ultra Records | 2008
picked by Hayley Morgan, social media manager
There's something about this summery track that gets me every time.
It brings on a drip feed of incredible dancefloor memories, from club nights gone by. I think it's impossible to hear without announcing "oh, what a tune" and then rising to your feet as if commanded by the gentle clapping that's stitched into the beginning.
It works at every setting. Alfresco afternoon beach club, with a warm breeze running through your hair - check. The closer to a sweaty night in a club, when you should have gone home four hours ago - check. Those keys are just timeless and it absolutely screams "IBIZA!"
It's on in the background as I'm writing this at 08:00 and it's got me going already.
Eric Prydz | Slammin' | EMI Records | 2003
picked by Jo Dargie, freelance contributor
"And finally, for those of you who just gotta have House music..." Going off this line, you'd be led to believe Eric Prydz's Slammin' was produced with Ibiza in mind, right?
The 2003 record packs a punch with its warm production, Prydz's upbeat basslines a signature of that era and, dare I say, a nostalgic feel. Throw in the track's splash of a summer groove and in my opinion, Slammin' is a worthy Ibiza classic.
Pryda | Layers | Pryda Recordings | 2013
picked by Lissy Lübeck, staff writer
This track, what can I say? I first heard it around the year it came out, but I didn't know that Pryda was the moniker of Eric Prydz. When I found out, it all made sense. Pete Tong hammered it on the radio and awarded it his essential new tune.
I still love it as much as I did ten years ago. It's the definition of simple but effective. It's got a bounce to it that just makes you wanna body-pop! I would actually describe it as CONTAGIOUS. You just want more of it.
You can't help but feel good when you hear it. It's also got those classic Prydz deep build-ups, which makes each drop just as mind-blowing.
Cirez D | ON OFF | Mouseville | 2009
picked by Stephen Hunt, clubbing editor
There's only one track I could pick and that's ON OFF from 2009 under Prydz's Techno alter-ego Cirez D. Whether as part of his EPIC shows or being dropped by DJs as varied as John Acquaviva or Ida Engberg, it's pure dancefloor ignition. Even now, it still takes the roof off every time.
While it's been great to have been treated to more Cirez D material in recent years, nothing will top this. Even chin-stroking musos can't resist, proving the widely acknowledged rule that Prydz is the guilty pleasure it's acceptable to have. ON/OFF? On!
Pryda | Madderrferrys | Pryda Recordings | 2020
picked by Tim Dackombe, co-owner
Can I have two? Or ten?? If you put a gun to my head, it would have to be Madderrferrys. In my opinion, it's one of the greatest Progressive House tracks of all time. I definitely prefer his more proggy output. Stuff that carries you along on a wave. It's the same with Snaz.
Put either of those on at about 03:00 and step back from the decks.
Pryda | Javlar | Virgin | 2012
picked by James Ledden, co-owner
Javlar is an unbeatable mix of pumping basslines and poignant melody. I first heard it outside at a private villa party in the north of the island at 05:00, surrounded by loads of friends. Another classic old-school prog tune with an uplifting piano breakdown.
What are your favourites?
While we wait (im)patiently for further details of [CELL] to emerge, we at least know that the soundtrack is going to be all killer, no filler.
Tickets for all dates of Eric Prydz presents [CELL], with Patrick Topping in the Club Room, are on sale now. Get yours below.
WORDS | by Hayley Morgan, Jo Dargie, Lissy Lübeck, Stephen Hunt, Tim Dackombe and James Ledden
