| Full Name | Martijn Gerard Garritsen |
| Stage Name | Martin Garrix |
| Birthday | May 14, 1996 (age 27) |
| Birthplace | Amstelveen, Netherlands |
| Biggest Hit | "Animals" (2013) |
| Record Label | STMPD RCRDS |
| Website | martingarrix.com |
| Martin Garrix | |
| @MartinGarrix | |
| @martingarrix |
Martin Garrix has risen from bedroom producer to global EDM sensation in just a few short years. With his smash hit "Animals" and three consecutive #1 rankings on DJ Mag‘s Top 100 DJs, Garrix has taken the electronic music world by storm. Let‘s take a closer look at his journey to superstardom.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Martin Garrix was born Martijn Garritsen in Amstelveen, Netherlands on May 14, 1996. He first learned about DJing at age 8 when he saw Tiësto perform at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Garrix got his start DJing at parties around Amsterdam, learning the ropes as a teenager.
By 2012, he was releasing original tracks under the name GRX. His breakthrough came with "BFAM", a booming electro house anthem that foreshadowed the success to come. Garrix spent countless hours honing his craft, studying music production and teaching himself to play multiple instruments.
Rise to Fame with "Animals" (2013)
Martin Garrix cemented his name in the EDM world with the release of his seminal track "Animals" in June 2013. The dark, driving instrumental combined a relentless buildup with a drop that featured an insanely catchy vocal cut. It rocketed to the #1 spot on Beatport‘s charts.
Some key stats on "Animals":
- Reached #1 on UK Singles Chart
- Became a top 10 hit in over 10 countries
- Certified platinum and gold in several markets
- Over 1.5 billion YouTube views as of 2023
At just 17 years old, Garrix became the youngest artist ever to reach #1 on Beatport. "Animals" propelled him to headliner status at festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival.
Global Superstardom and Continued Hits
Martin Garrix‘s star has only risen since the breakout success of "Animals". He has consistently ranked among the top DJs on DJ Mag‘s annual Top 100 list, landing the #1 spot an impressive three consecutive years from 2016-2018.
Some other career highlights:
- 2 Grammy nominations for "Animals" and "In The Name Of Love"
- Coachella performance with Justin Bieber in 2017
- Launched own label STMPD RCRDS in 2016
- Headlined Ultra Music Festival Miami 4 times
- Produced official 2018 World Cup anthem "We Are The People"
Garrix has also collaborated with top artists like Dua Lipa, Troye Sivan, and Tiësto. He continues releasing festival anthems like "Scared to be Lonely" along with experimenting across genres. At just 27, his future looks incredibly bright.
Musical Style and Influences
Martin Garrix produces a versatile yet distinctive sound that incorporates:
- Driving, energetic buildups and drops
- Euphoric melodies and hooks
- Elements of progressive house, future bass, and pop
- Intricate layering and textures
- Expert DJ transitions and flow
He has cited Tiësto, Hardwell, and Avicii as major influences. Garrix also draws inspiration from his training in classical music and his ability to play multiple instruments like guitar and piano.
While his early hits fell into the "future house" style, Garrix has proven he cannot be pigeonholed into one genre. He expertly evolves his sound while retaining the melodic and rhythmic qualities his fans love.
Giving Back: Philanthropy and Causes
Despite his massive success, Garrix remains dedicated to giving back. He supports multiple philanthropic organizations through donations and raising awareness.
- Works with dance4life to promote self-awareness and empowerment
- Partnered with Fuck Cancer to release benefit single
- Auctioned private performance for Saving An Angel animal charity
Garrix also takes time to meet and mentor up-and-coming producers. He recognizes his influential position in EDM culture.
Conclusion
At just 27 years old, Martin Garrix has already carved out an undeniable place in EDM history. With his chart-topping hits, pressed play on iconic anthems like "Animals" and "In The Name of Love." He has headlined the world‘s biggest festivals and collaborated with elite artists.
Yet Garrix displays a tireless work ethic by constantly expanding his sound. His electric live shows and down-to-earth personality have endeared him to millions of fans. Despite his massive success, he stays true to his love of music. Martin Garrix represents both the past and future of electronic dance music. His journey shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.