Exclusive Interview: Kryder discusses Steve Angello collaboration, Kryteria Records, and more

Kryder – the man who single-handedly crafted an entire genre of house music with his legacy and contagiously energetic spirit. Boasting millions of fans across the globe, the acclaimed British DJ and producer has risen to the level akin to that of a superstar, filling every venue and billing with his name on it to max capacity. His tracks are characterized by the same infectious groove that propel his DJ sets, and with continued support from legends such as Swedish House Mafia, Tiësto, Nicky Romero, and Hardwell, the rise of Kryder is has been a truly remarkable story.

His first breakout hit on Axtone titled “Aphrodite”, took the young Kryder towards international success in 2013, and led to the birth of the famous “groove house” genre. Adding to that, he was also commissioned by Swedish House Mafia to remix their chart-topping hit “Don’t You Worry Child” and by Afrojack & Shermanology for “Can’t Stop Me” the year before, both of which remain a fixture among DJ sets today. The years that followed led to the release fan favorites such as “PYRMD” on Protocol Recordings, “Crocodile Tears” on Axtone, and “Waves” with Eric Morillo on his legendary Subliminal imprint, among others. These prime years additionally led to the birth of Sosumi Records and Cartel Recordings, both of which have played a key role in developing talented acts today among which are the likes of Corey James, Will K, and many more.

We caught up with Kryder during Miami Music Week this year and discussed his upcoming collaboration with Steve Angello, the launch of the brand new Kryteria Records in conjunction with Spinnin’ Records, and the impact Swedish House Mafia has had on his career, among other things.

Kryder! So good to catch you during Miami Music Week this year, what were some of your favorite highlights of the week?

I love Miami – this year’s music week was filled with hanging with old friends, making new ones, testing fresh productions, scouting up and coming artists & throwing wild parties.

So you recently announced the end of Sosumi Records and the birth of a brand new venture with Spinnin’ called Kryteria Records. What are your plans for the new label?

Kryteria really is about taking a step forward. The label will focus on song writing and pushing up & coming artists I have found on my travels as well as collaborating with some of the biggest names in the scene.

Your massive collaboration with Steve Angello, “Romani”, has been quite a hot topic recently, can you tell us a little more of how the track came to be and when we can expect it to see the light of day? 

I’m really excited about this one, Steve & I have been working on it for a while now, road testing various versions of it and fine tuning. It’s been a huge success in both of our sets around the world and now it’s time to release it.

Your remix of ‘Bingo Bango’ with Tom Staar has been another massive weapon we’re dying to get our hands on as well, what can you tell us about that?

Tom and I were asked by Basement Jaxx to remix their classic track over a year ago and it’s been a massive club smasher in both of our DJ sets. Management are currently dealing with the original label in a licensing deal so fingers crossed it will be ready for release some time this summer!

What else can we be expecting from you this year? Any major festivals and tours planned?

2018 is shaping up to be the craziest year yet – new management, new label, some epic collaborations, original Kryder material and my tour diary is full of international dates.

You’ve certainly come a long way since the days of tracks like “K2”, your remix for Afrojack & Shermanology’s “Can’t Stop Me”, and “Aphrodite”, essentially shaping an entire genre of dance music over the years. How has the overall scene, in your opinion, changed since then?

The scene just naturally evolves, more & more sub genres come & go but house music in general has stood the test of time.

Obviously, the Swedish House Mafia have played a big influence in your career, not only by individually signing your music but commissioning you and Tom to remix their biggest commercial hit “Don’t You Worry Child”. How did it feel to witness their comeback during Ultra this year, and how do you think their return will affect dance music as it is today?

I owe a lot to the Swedish House Mafia for my career, from signing my music to their individual labels  to inviting me to tour with them and supporting my music and giving me remix opportunities. They have collectively & individually been a huge inspiration to me and their reunion this year only cemented my belief in the dance music scene and the possibilities of what the future can hold.

Finally, any piece of advice you’d like to give to young producers looking to get their foot in the door?

One of the truest pieces of advice I live by is to just do what you love, have fun & be original.

Listen to Kryder’s latest remix for Robin Schulz – Unforgettable below: