In America, Eric Prydz is some what of an EDM enigma. Songs like 2004′s ‘Call on Me’ and 2008′s ‘Pjanoo’ are modern dance music classics, gaining mainstream success before American ears came around to the dance music genre. He was an original collaborator with Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Axwell, before they officially began touring as Swedish House Mafia – leaving the group to maintain complete control of production. However, there was one thing holding back Prydz from achieving the same success in America as he did across the pond – a fear of flying.
In recent years, it seems Prydz has quelled some of those fears a little bit. He headlined this summer’s IDentity Festival, albeit touring the country by bus; and he came back to New York for two huge shows at Roseland Ballroom. His last New York City stop, at Beekman Beer Garden, became so packed that the venue shut down – so this was a big make up for all of the fans who were shut out. This time around, over both nights, it seemed like no one went home disappointed.
As a huge LED screen project huge images behind Prydz, the superstar opened up his set with his latest single, ‘Every Day’. This track is really a perfect opener and introduction to the DJ’s sounds – hauntingly awesome synths, a steady classic dance beat, catchy lyrics, and top notch, smooth production values. Prydz comes from the Swedish brand of ‘larger than life’ sounds, meant for huge rooms and stadiums, and even in the big Roseland Ballroom, this song felt bigger than the space. The guys from Swedish House Mafia definitely learned a thing or two from Prydz about making stadium sized bangers.
The show continued into an all out dance music feast, three hours of Prydz’s distinct sounds mixed with an all out visual bonanza of lasers and CO2 smoke. Over the years, Prydz has created so many remixes and edits for his sets that have been played by countless DJs – it was so great to see the maestro actually weave through the songs himself. It seemed the part the crowd ate up the most was the all out sing along of his remix to Depeche Mode’s ‘Personal Jesus’, but there was so much more – the instant classic remix of M83′s ‘Midnight City’, his ‘Proper Education’ remake of Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in The Wall’, and so many more. It was just banger after banger, big songs that just take over the body and make you dance.
With all the big names that come through New York City on a weekly basis, the rarity of a Prydz appearance truly made this one feel special. Special notice should be made to Fehrplay, who is a protege of Prydz and completely rocked the house prior to Prydz’s set. Most in the crowd hadn’t heard of the young producer yet, but I think he’s earned himself a return date due to crowd response alone. Hopefully, this is a new turn in the career of Eric Prydz, where he can safely embrace the American fans who crave more sets like the ones past week. It’s always great to see the maestro at work.
Photos By Menbarphotos
Eric Prydz @ Roseland Ballroom (11.24.12)
