1. From Amstelveen to the World – The Early Years
Martin Garrix was born Martijn Gerard Garritsen on 14 May 1996 in Amstelveen, Netherlands. From a young age, he showed tremendous musical talent and curiosity, later attending the Herman Brood Academie in Utrecht, a specialized music production school that has nurtured many Dutch electronic talents.
Breakthrough With “Animals”
The song that changed everything for Garrix was “Animals” — released in 2013 when he was just 17 years old. The track was a phenomenon, topping global charts and setting new records across streaming platforms. It wasn’t just a dance hit; it became a cultural force, defining big-room house for a generation.
From there, Garrix quickly became a fixture on festival lineups and DJ rankings worldwide. “Animals” wasn’t just one song – it became a gateway that ushered in a new wave of electronic talent inspired by Dutch progressive and big-room house styles.
2. The Rise of a Global Superstar
Over the next decade Garrix did something few electronic artists accomplish: he diversified. Rather than sticking to one sound, he experimented with different genres within EDM — collaborating with pop artists, blending styles, and keeping his music fresh.
Major Collaborations and Singles
Garrix’s collaborations span pop and electronic worlds. Some standout tracks from his catalog include:
- “Scared to Be Lonely” with Dua Lipa – emotional and melodic EDM crossover
- “In the Name of Love” with Bebe Rexha – a radio-friendly anthem that expanded his audience beyond festivals
- “High On Life” featuring Bonn – a more uplifting progressive house track
These songs helped bridge mainstream pop and dance music, bringing EDM closer to audiences worldwide.
In addition to his festival and club tracks, Garrix has also explored deeper creative work: his debut album “Sentio” was released in April 2022, marking a new chapter in his artistic expression.
3. Owning the Stage — Live Shows & Performances
Martin Garrix’s live shows are a huge part of his identity. With high-energy sets, new remixes, unreleased IDs, and dazzling production, his performances are crafted to connect emotionally with crowds.
Festivals and Iconic Sets
Garrix has been a staple at major festivals around the world — from Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland to special events like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Notably, he performed at Ultra Europe 2025, a huge moment that showcased his continued draw on festival stages.
In early 2026, he’s also been confirmed for a back-to-back set with Alesso at Ultra Music Festival 2026, fueling excitement among fans and the electronic community alike — collaborations like this point to his continuing relevance and creativity in live performance contexts.
4. 2025 — A Year of Output and Momentum
Music Releases and the ORIGO EP
In mid-October 2025, Martin Garrix released an EP titled ORIGO — a return to the sound that made many fans fall in love with him in the first place while also showcasing collaborations with artists like AFROJACK, David Guetta & Amel, R3HAB & Skytech, Arcando, Armin van Buuren, Alesso, and Matisse & Sadko.
This EP marked a milestone in his ongoing evolution — blending high-energy festival tracks with more nuanced progressive house elements.
DJ Mag Top Rankings
In 2025, Garrix was voted No. 2 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll — an incredible achievement reflecting a decade of dominance where he has consistently ranked in the top three and held the No. 1 spot multiple times.
5. Closing Out 2025 — Brazil and Beyond
To wrap up the year, Garrix announced a special seven-date tour in Brazil that spanned from late December 2025 into early 2026. This series of shows marked his return to the Brazilian scene after some time away, delighting fans with performances in beach clubs and major venues across the country.
This tour bridged 2025 and 2026, bringing new live interpretations of his recent releases and building anticipation for what comes next — including his work on a new studio album slated for early 2026.
6. 2026 — Americas Tour, Ibiza Residency, and New Horizons
As we move deeper into 2026, Martin Garrix’s career is in full motion.
Massive 2026 Americas Tour
Garrix announced his biggest headline tour yet across North and South America in 2026, with 16 cities on the schedule — including major stops like Dallas, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Guatemala City, San José, Bogota, and Medellín.
This extensive run is set to be the most ambitious live tour of his career, showcasing not only his classic favorites but also exclusive new music and groundbreaking production elements.
Ushuaïa Ibiza Summer Residency (2026)
In Ibiza — the spiritual home of modern electronic music — Garrix continues his long-running summer residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza. In 2026, he returns with an all-new concept, hosting weekly Thursday shows from 2 July to 24 September that combine immersive visuals with his signature progressive and big-room house sound.
This residency not only celebrates his roots in dance culture but also highlights his ability to innovate season after season.
7. New Music and Creative Direction
An Album in 2026
In 2025, Garrix confirmed that he was finishing a new full studio album, aiming for a release in early 2026 — his first since the 2022 Sentio LP.
Fans and online communities speculate on the potential collaborators and stylistic direction for this project, with hints of diverse influences and experimental ideas that could expand his musical reach even further.
Whether this album leans into mainstream pop, retains pure EDM energy, or pushes genre boundaries remains one of the most exciting questions of his career’s current phase.
8. Beyond Music — Cultural Impact and Influence
STMPD RCRDS: His Creative Home
In 2016, Garrix founded STMPD RCRDS, his own music label aimed at creative freedom and supporting emerging talent. The label has grown into a platform for innovation, giving Garrix autonomy while nurturing young producers and collaborations that might not otherwise reach the spotlight.
Through this imprint, Garrix has not only broadened his artistic scope but also contributed to the broader EDM ecosystem.
Philanthropy and Personal Values
Beyond chart hits and tours, Garrix also engages in philanthropic work. He has been involved with initiatives supporting music education and various charitable causes, showing that his influence extends beyond just beats and festivals.
9. The Man Behind the Decks — Personal Style & Evolution
Martin Garrix has always balanced musical innovation with emotional resonance. Early in his career, fans fell in love with the kinetic energy of “Animals.” But over time, his work has demonstrated a deeper exploration of melody, emotion, and genre fusion.
Whether in anthemic progressive house, pop cross-over tracks, or experimental collaborations, his personal evolution mirrors the growth of electronic music itself — from festival circuits to mainstream radio and global live tours.
10. Looking Ahead – What’s Next?
As 2026 progresses, the lines between EDM, pop, and mainstream music continue to blur. Garrix is uniquely positioned to thrive in this landscape, blending broad audience appeal with artistic integrity.
Future possibilities include:
- A full-length album that redefines his sound
- Wider ventures into cinematic or cross-genre work
- Collaborations with a new wave of global stars
- New residencies or live performance innovations
- Potential stadium shows and digital experiences
The Knowledge Base 
Leave a comment