Superstar DJ is a label that gets thrown about a lot on Ibiza. Whilst not every DJ on this island is a superstar, a select few truly deserve the title. No doubt, Eric Prydz at Hï Ibiza is one those.
As one the most anticipated opening parties of the season, thousands turned up at Hï Ibiza to see dance music legend cut the red tape on what's set to be one of the leading residencies on the island this summer.
Here are three reasons why you need to see Eric Prydz at Hï Ibiza.
the Music
First things first, Prydz knows his music. As an industry icon for the past decade, the Swedish production genius has innovated that quintessential Pryda sound.
This party paid homage to that. Slotted in-between the classics were songs that carried the distinctive traits of the night's soundtrack. Each had energy and created an immensely eclectic atmosphere possibly only found at the world's biggest festivals.
Epoch by Cristoph, released on Eric Prydz's Pryda label, for example, lifted the Theatre off its hinges. It was played by Prydz at the peak of the set, which reinforced the superstar's support for other DJs on his label.
Just hours before, Cristoph himself opened the night in style.
Another music highlight came towards the end of the night. Battle Tapes' Dreamboat was a conclusive high point that sent the Hï Ibiza faithful into a trance.
But it was, of course, the three-for-one of Prydz delights that made the most impact. The headlining set exemplified all three of his aliases: Eric Prydz, Pryda and Cirez D, all with their own unique brilliance.
Cirez D's In The Reds almost broke the sound system.
Annexet by Pryda also sent a few members of the crowd awestruck. I saw at least three people with hands in their face in disbelief. It was a shared sentiment.
However, the night was owned by one Eric Prydz creation that was saved right until the end. His Pjanoo masterpiece was a more than suitable selection to top off a sensational night.
the Production
An obvious one but for all the right reasons. You know exactly what you're going to get at an Eric Prydz show. Hï Ibiza's opening season last summer gave the Swedish artist a blank canvas to project his vision for spectacular party visuals – and it was the same on this occasion.
In the queue outside, you could hear the appreciation of the production levels Prydz had set being echoed from front to back. The anticipation to see what was behind the doors of the super-club was immense. Immediately after stepping in, it was no surprise why.
Similarly to last season, three hanging LED structures were a fixture in Theatre. During the set, they shifted, descended and enveloped the dance floor. It was a dedication to technical brilliance which emphasised Eric Prydz's understanding of what turns a party into a performance.
If you haven't experienced a Prydz production epic at Hï yet, then it's definitely one for the Ibiza bucket list.
the Support
In the Club room, Manchester was being represented in full force. As someone born and raised in the North of England, it was great to see that part of the country's incredible music talent showcased at one of the world's best clubs.
House duo Solardo were ripping it up before handing over the decks to Mason Maynard, also from Manchester, who has seen support from the likes of Jamie Jones, Green Velvet and Skream. Get ready to see more of Maynard in the future.
Liverpool double-act Camelphat had the pleasure of playing before the main man took to the booth after Newcastle-based Cristoph opened the proceedings in fine fashion. It was a superb set that moved between melodic deep house and thumping techno.
The North of England has a proud musical heritage. On this night at Hï, that heritage was exhibited to an international crowd that appreciated every aspect of it.
Eric Prydz never has to prove his superstar DJ label worthiness. Everything about his night was right. It was a presentation on how to own a residency in Ibiza. Eric, we salute you.
You can immerse yourself in Eric Prydz's production brilliance every Tuesday until 25 September at Hï Ibiza. See below for full details.
