Cristoph’s deep and melodic house is making an Impact

You’re fresh off a big US tour. It's been your longest in the States, right?

Yeah, it was really good. It was about three and a half weeks and was filled with firsts for me. I started in Miami - my first time there - so it took me by surprise, how crazy that place actually is.

Here in Europe and in the UK, there's a perception of the US that it’s a bit behind the times or too involved in the EDM scene, but I’ve had different experiences. Whenever I’ve been across, I’ve enjoyed it and have played to really knowledgeable crowds that are clued up on the music. I don’t know if that’s because the more progressive music was outplayed while the melodic material fits in with what the US are into, I don’t quite know. But I really enjoyed playing across the country.

You've been tapped to be a recurring fixture for Eric Prydz’s first Ibiza residency. What's it like, being given that honor?

It’s pretty surreal. Eric is one of my heroes within the industry. He’s someone who I’ve always looked up to, I’ve been a massive fan of his since I first got into dance music, so for him to ask me to play five of his eight shows is a dream come true. It’s really an honor to be asked that. I’m also looking forward to being able to see him perform as well.

You also have a release coming out on his label soon, right?

That’s right, I’ve got a track called ‘Feel’ which features vocals from Jem Cooke, who I’ve also worked with on an older track of mine called ‘Slowly Burning’. Although the track is an instrumental, I knew I needed a vocal on it and she fit perfectly. I sat on the track for quite awhile and a few labels were sniffing around it for a bit, but I wanted it to go to the right home. Then after I played the Miami shows and the two LA shows, Eric messaged me and asked if I could send over some of my new music. It took me by surprise that Eric wanted that track, but he loved the raw feel of it. He thought it was perfect for Pryda and of course, I was going to give it to him. Now, he's set up a whole new Pryda Presents sublabel around it too.

Your music definitely possesses a melodic feel, but also with a raw rhythm-focused approach. How would you describe your music to someone that’s never heard it before?

I like melodies, but I also like dark sounds and eerie synths. I’ve been banging to the Stranger Things soundtrack recently with its 80s sounds and synths. I’ve been using some plugins on my new material to give it that type of texture and feeling. I also like my music to have this driving nature paired with an emotional breakdown to build up and come out of. It’s what I remember classic progressive house was like with regards to artists like Sasha and Digweed. I was just a young kid listening to their stuff and that’s exactly what I’m trying to deliver with my work.

That’s taking it back to the foundations of dance music. How did you first get involved in the scene and when did you realize this was a passion you want to follow?

I’ve been in and around music since I was born. My dad was a DJ, but my older brother was the one who got me into the electronic scene. He was into the underground and there’s a club here called Shindig. Him and my sister used to sneak me in when I was 14 or 15. I used to see all the DJs then, but well before that I knew this was what I wanted to do. That said, my brother wouldn’t let me anywhere near his set of Technics, his pride possessions. I’d just watch him play in his room.

Once I was old enough and my dad recognized dance music was my passion, he bought me some belt-drive decks and said that if I could learn how to mix on them, he would get me direct-drive decks. It’s not easy trying to teach yourself to mix vinyl on belt drives. It was the long and hard way to learn, which turned out to be good.

I also remember I used to have an old cassette of electronic music when I was 8 or 9. I would constantly listen to it over and over. Back then, it was more of the progressive stuff, but also the melodic piano house stuff like Masters At Work. I remember MK’s remix of ‘I Can’t Get No Sleep’ really had an impression on me. The piano drop on that track is unbelievable and it used to always get me hooked, I’d start getting goosebumps and the hairs on my arms would stand on ends listening to this type of music. I just knew I had a serious passion for it.