The year in Prydz: Ten of Eric Prydz’s Most Memorable 2017 Moments [Watch]
By Rachel Narozniak
2017 has proved to be an ‘epic’ year for Eric Prydz, the industry veteran cementing his status as a vanguard of modern electronic production via the debut of EPIC 5.0, a synergy of high def holograms, millions of LED pixels, and laser beams. Prydz found company in deadmau5, the duo reprising its revered b2b approach at London’s Creamfields’ Steel Yard, marking a landmark first dual performance in the UK. A coupling verging on the mythical, deadmau5 and Prydz would go on to co-headline Electric Zoo, treating New York fans to another unicorn b2b.
The first to receive the award for “DJ Of the Year” at the inaugural Electronic Music Awards, Eric Prydz elevated expectations for 2018 nominees as he labored in the studio on another first: the introductory EP for Prydz’s fourth alias, Tonja Holma. Commanding a momentum nothing short of unstoppable, Eric Prydz capitalized on the opportunity proffered by 2017. The ten below clips celebrate Prydz’s 2017 presence across banner venues. P.S. – Don’t miss his NYE performance in DC at Echostage this Sunday. Limited tickets are available here.
1.) Eric Prydz, Tomorrowland
Video Credit: DJ Mag/Facebook
Eric Prydz found himself escorted to this year’s Tomorrowland iteration by police, but not for any wrongdoing. The Swedish virtuoso elected to take the train to the festival, but encountered long delays aboard his train to Belgium. Belgian police drove Prydz to Tomorrowland at 160mph, delivering Prydz to the decks only 15 minutes late.
2.) Prydz Performs at Hi Ibiza:
Video Credit: @trackidblog/Instagram
Eric Prydz experienced another first this year, securing his inaugural Ibiza residency at Playa d’en Bossa (Hi Ibiza). The residency saw Prydz spin under his various aliases, including Cirez D and Pryda.
3.) EPIC 5.0 at Creamfields Steel Yard
Video Credit: Rave Jungle/Facebook
Eric Prydz descended upon London to present EPIC 5.0 at the Steel Yard, Europe’s largest superstructure. The show would be Prydz’s sole European EPIC show of the year, making it a must see for UK fans.
4.) Eric Prydz & deadmau5: b2b at Electric Zoo
Video Credit: Flav/YouTube
The illustrious duo closed out New York’s Electric Zoo Music Festival, performing a legendary b2b set at the venue’s main stage. The set was captured in its entirety by a devoted fan.
5.) Eric Prydz Visits Echostage
Photo Credit: Hans Kiebach/YouTube
Eric Prydz came down to the District in February to play Echostage, delivering a set comprised mostly of brand new IDs. The unheard material that Prydz played during this performance would anticipate the slew of new music that Prydz would later release under his numerous aliases.
6.) Eric Prydz Sets Lasers Aglow at Escape: Psycho Circus
Video Credit: Angelproshotz/YouTube
Forget tricks—attendees of the Insomniac supported Halloween event found themselves in for a treat when event organizers announced Eric Prydz as a headliner. Known for his intricate laser work, Prydz places the beams right above the audience’s reach during his set.
7.) Eric Prydz Debuts Tonja EP
Eric Prydz’s production is antithetical to the monotonous, the phenom surprising fans with a futuristic fourth alias that would serve as an expansion of Prydz’s massive catalogue.
8.) Eric Prydz Live From the Pryda Arena
Video Credit: Eric Prydz/Facebook
The Pryda Arena could be found among the many stages of Tomorrowland’s 2017 edition, the area a Pryda and Friends style showcase with talent curated by Prydz himself. Adam Beyer, deadmau5, Cristoph, Sasha, Eagles & Butterflies, and Dusky appeared in the Pryda Arena for the Boom, Belgium based festival’s 2017 edition.
9.) Eric Prydz takes Home the EMA for “DJ Of the Year”
Photo Credit: Glow/Echostage
Eric Prydz takes Home the EMA for “DJ Of the Year”
Hosted by Billboard Dance’s own Matt Medved, the Electronic Music Awards (EMAs) convened at Willow Studios in Downtown Los Angeles for the awards show’s introductory ceremony. The first awards occasion to be dedicated solely to electronic music, the EMAs recognized several electronic influencers, including Cashmere Cat as “Producer Of The Year,” Alison Wonderland as “Best New Artist,” and Eric Prydz as “DJ Of The Year.”
10.) Prydz Unveils World’s “Largest Holograms”
Video Credit: Eric Prydz/Facebook
Touted by Prydz as the “biggest holograms in the world,” EPIC 5.0’s stunning series of holograms featured satellites, band of DNA, tornadoes, and an astronaut. This clip from Prydz’s Creamfields Steel Yard performance shows Prydz’s astronaut stretch over the crowd, making for an intergalactic viewing experience.