Few dance tracks can claim the timeless appeal of Pjanoo by Eric Prydz. Released in 2008, this piano-driven anthem became an instant classic, dominating clubs, festivals, and charts alike. But beneath its infectious melody lies a mystery that still sparks debate among electronic music fans: Did Prydz take inspiration from an earlier track? Let’s dive into the origins of Pjanoo, explore Prydz’s career, and uncover the truth about its possible influences.
Eric Prydz is a Swedish DJ and producer who has cemented himself as one of the most respected figures in electronic music. Known for his meticulous production style, he first gained global recognition with his 2004 hit Call on Me, which famously sampled Steve Winwood’s Valerie and became a commercial success. However, Prydz quickly distanced himself from the mainstream sound, choosing instead to craft deeper, more progressive house under his own name and aliases like Pryda and Cirez D.
By the mid-2000s, Prydz was already revered within underground and progressive house circles. He was loosely affiliated with what would later become the Swedish House Mafia, though he ultimately followed his own path, avoiding the high-energy EDM sound that his peers would embrace.
The Creation of Pjanoo
The story of Pjanoo is a fascinating one. According to Prydz, he originally produced the track in 2006 but was left unimpressed by its reception when he tested it in a UK club. The track was shelved, sitting in his CD wallet for two years before he decided to give it another shot.
When Prydz played Pjanoo again in 2008, the response was entirely different—the track absolutely exploded. Recognising its potential, he finally released it, and it soared to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, proving that sometimes, a hit just needs the right moment to shine.
Is Pjanoo Inspired by a 1995 Track?
For years, fans and music analysts have speculated whether Pjanoo was inspired by an earlier piece of electronic music. One track that frequently comes up in discussion is the Matt Darey remix of Escrima – Deeper (1995). This lesser-known remix features a strikingly similar piano progression that some believe may have influenced Prydz’s composition.
While the resemblance is undeniable, there is no official confirmation that Pjanoo sampled or directly lifted elements from the Matt Darey remix. Prydz has built a reputation for being a perfectionist in his production process, often constructing his sounds from scratch rather than relying on samples. However, electronic music is built on a foundation of shared influences, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a producer as well-versed as Prydz had been aware of the earlier track.
Side note, Escrima is another alias of Paul Newman AKA Tall Paul.
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