Birth name: Martijn Gerard Garritsen
Date of birth: May 14, 1996
Place of birth: Amersfoort, Netherlands
Stage name: Martin Garrix
Childhood and Early Years
Martin Garrix was born into a musical family in Amersfoort, Netherlands. His father played guitar, and his mother supported his musical education from an early age. By the age of eight, Martin had mastered the guitar and started composing his first melodies.
The turning point came after Tiësto’s performance at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Inspired by that show — especially by the track "Traffic" — Garrix decided to become a DJ.
At 14, he enrolled in the prestigious Herman Brood Academy in Utrecht, where he studied electronic music production.
Career Beginnings (2012–2013)
In 2012, Martin signed with the label Spinnin’ Records. Just a year later, the world heard his breakout single "Animals" (2013), which became an international sensation, topping charts in more than 10 countries. The track brought him worldwide fame and made him the youngest artist to reach #1 on both Beatport and Billboard dance charts.
Breakthrough and Global Recognition (2014–2016)
After Animals came hits like "Wizard", "Helicopter" (with Firebeatz), and remixes for Project T and Tremor. In 2014, he collaborated with Afrojack and Usher, while also drawing inspiration from Avicii.
In 2015, Garrix left Spinnin’ Records and launched his own label, STMPD RCRDS, which became a platform for dozens of young talents. Since then, STMPD has evolved into one of the leading independent EDM labels worldwide.
In 2016, his single "In the Name of Love" featuring Bebe Rexha went platinum, solidifying Garrix’s presence on the global pop scene.
International Success (2017–2020)
- 2017: Collaboration with Dua Lipa — "Scared to Be Lonely".
- 2017: "There for You" with Troye Sivan.
- 2018: "High on Life" (feat. Bonn) and "Ocean" (feat. Khalid).
- 2019: Tracks with Dean Lewis and Matisse & Sadko.
During these years, Martin became a regular headliner at major festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Coachella, and EDC. He also launched his own branded stage — STMPD RCRDS Stage — at Tomorrowland and ADE.
Recent Years (2021–2025)
After the pandemic, Garrix made a strong comeback with a series of major releases:
- 2021: "We Are the People" (feat. Bono & The Edge) — the official anthem of UEFA Euro 2020.
- 2022: Collaborations "Follow" (with Zedd) and "Reboot" (with Matisse & Sadko).
- 2023: Single "Hero" (with JVKE) — soundtrack for League of Legends.
- 2024: Hits "Limitless" and "Carry You" (feat. Lloyiso); return to DJ Mag #1.
- 2025: Announcement of a new studio album and a global tour — Garrix Live 2025.
STMPD RCRDS continues to be a creative hub for rising stars such as Julian Jordan, Brooks, Matisse & Sadko, Justin Mylo, and many others.
Musical Style
Garrix blends progressive house, future bass, big room house, and elements of pop music. His tracks are known for emotional melodies, clean production, and a strong focus on vocals. Martin often co-writes and records vocal parts, emphasizing the lyrical and emotional depth of EDM.
Achievements
- DJ Mag #1 DJ: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2024.
- Awards: MTV EMA, Billboard Music Awards, NRJ DJ Awards, Buma Awards.
- Grammy Nominee: for the single "Hero" (2023).
- Festivals: Tomorrowland, Ultra, Coachella, Creamfields, Lollapalooza.
- Hit Tracks: "Animals", "Scared to Be Lonely", "There for You", "In the Name of Love", "High on Life", "We Are the People", "Follow", "Hero", "Limitless".
Philanthropy and Social Work
Martin actively collaborates with UNICEF and foundations supporting children’s music education. He advocates for eco-friendly festivals and sustainability within the music industry, while mentoring young DJs and producers.
Personal Life
Garrix prefers to keep his private life out of the spotlight, emphasizing the importance of family and close friends. He divides his time between Amsterdam and Ibiza, where he owns the state-of-the-art STMPD Studios.
Conclusion
Today, Martin Garrix stands among the most influential DJs and producers on the planet. His music unites generations of listeners, and his career exemplifies the fusion of talent, hard work, and a genuine love for art. In 2025, he continues shaping the sound and future of the global electronic scene.
