It seems strange to consider that, in the overall scheme of progressive house, Cristoph is a relatively recent arrival. The Newcastle native has been all but ubiquitous in the scene over the past two years, and his well-honed arrangements indicate the experience of a seasoned veteran producer. Stunningly, however, less than four years have passed since Christopher (CJ) Costigan released his debut record, The Harry K EP, near the end of 2013.

Costigan’s evolution in the years since is apparent through the esteemed labels which have invited him to contribute EPs. His stylistic trajectory is apparent from his deeper releases for Tube & Berger’s Kittball Records in 2014 and 2015 to his widely-celebrated debut on the coveted 8-Track series for Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep in Sound last year.

After beginning 2017 in the techno realm with The Sign EP on Coyu’s Suara imprint, Cristoph has been welcomed into the pantheon of progressive house’s most venerated legends. The iconic pair of Sasha and John Digweed have both recognized the British producer’s talents: in the past year, he’s released EPs on Last Night On Earth and Bedrock, the latter in conjunction with fellow burgeoning talent Jeremy Olander.

 

Yet, none of Cristoph’s achievements in the progressive house realm have solidified his reputation as momentously as his alignment with Eric Prydz. One of electronic music’s most revered figures, the Swedish juggernaut is discerning with who he deems worthy of his mentorship. And, if the events of the past several months are any indication, Prydz has proudly taken CJ Costigan under his wing.

2017 has thus far proven to be yet another banner year for Prydz, and Cristoph has been present for almost every significant moment along the way. When the progressive hero debuted his unprecedented, holograph-laden EPIC 5.0, he selected Cristoph as his opener (it’s worth noting that, as of this writing, there has yet to be a second performance of this show, so no other DJs have taken this mantle). Throughout the summer, Cristoph performed on the main stage ahead of the most critical nights of Eric’s Hï Ibiza residency, including the closing and opening parties and both of its deadmau5 b2b sets.

Most notably, Eric Prydz chose Cristoph to provide the first release on his newly-minted Pryda Presents imprint. Launching the anticipated brand in June, the British artist’s Balearic-primed “Feel” preceded the label’s yet-unreleased sophomore single, “Trippleton,” composed by Prydz under his Tonja Holma alias. Once again, Costigan laid the groundwork for the Swedish artist in a pivotal moment.

Now, Cristoph has received yet another honor in this vein by becoming the first-ever artist to take over Prydz’s EPIC Radio series with his own mix.

Detailing each of Cristoph’s accomplishments of the past year can become exhaustive — even just those which are related to his revered Swedish ally. However, for those who devotedly follow progressive house in its truest form, his story is an important one to watch. Though CJ Costigan’s success in the realm has skyrocketed in an incredibly short timeframe, he’s anything but a flash in the pan.

Cristoph is being groomed by the genre’s most well-respected veterans with an unprecedented ardor. The artist’s acceptance among the progressive pantheon comes from skills that he’s demonstrated on his own, and across less than half a decade. With the support and mentorship of artists like Eric Prydz, Sasha, and John Digweed, Cristoph isn’t just primed to become a superstar. Rather, wheels are being set in motion for CJ Costigan to bring progressive house to new, unforeseen heights.

Read our interview with Cristoph below.

 

Tags: Cristoph, eric prydz, Pryda Presents

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