Dutch DJ Martin Garrix, who has performed at popular music festivals such as Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields, is coming to our nation, and it’s our turn to experience something magical, straight out of a grand rave rendezvous! The DJ speaks to The Pioneer’s Shikha Duggal about his musical journey, life as a famed DJ, and much more.
Don’t we love stories behind music? For example, the Dutch DJ Martin Garrix has worn many different hats so far, especially as a record producer who was ranked number one on the top hundred DJs list for three consecutive years. With each having achieved great success and a desire to keep moving forward, one might wonder what allows Martin to remain such an important figure in contemporary music, both in the DJ booth, the studio, and beyond. Now, the music connoisseur is coming to our nation, and it’s our turn to experience something magical, straight out of a grand rave rendezvous!
“I grew up with music; I started playing guitar when I was eight years old. Watching Tiesto at the Olympics is what inspired me to get into producing electronic music! The energy that just watching his show on television gave me was insane. I wanted to experiment with this type of music myself after that, never knowing where it would lead me.
When he was given the opportunity to work on the official Euro anthem, Martijn Gerard Garritsen was in disbelief. When my contract was confirmed, my feelings turned more towards nervousness. Even today, when I recall that stint, it feels so surreal.
I was playing in my home country, which is Amsterdam, and my family was present at the event. That was just gravy. The brief stated that I should make the audio as euphoric as possible.Indeed, it was an honor, but for the first time, a huge leap of faith was taken with me, which made me feel more confident about myself,” said the musician.
Garrix has performed at popular music festivals such as Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, and Creamfields! What do you think made Martin seem to connect with Martin basically? “I started out by studying the work of other artists that I looked up to. You have to start somewhere to be able to build your own sound and style.
Be it Tomorrowland, Sunburn, or Coachella, to me, they are my holy grounds when I perform. I feel emotional being on stage! During the pandemic, we were going ahead with online streaming of our music, but it can never come close to the “feel” of a live concert. The combination of crowd, fireworks, and celebration is perfect. Tomorrowland stage design will always be my most favourite of all times!”
Garrix also worked with Grammy winner Ed Sheeran on a track that he played at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami! So, everything is done on instinct. More so because: “Playing live shows is all about creating an unforgettable experience. You want to take people on a journey through your music. It also allows you to test the music that you have produced in front of an audience and see their response. That’s what mostly clicks with me as a famed DJ! But there’s a setback to these international tours too. Some of my friends don’t realise how much I miss them! Presently, Shawn Mendes is one of my closest contemporaries who I cannot stop jamming with. We have many unreleased pieces for you in store.”
In 2016, Garrix signed a worldwide contract with Sony Music International. He explained that their forward-thinking approach to streaming and incredible roster of talented artists combined with their passion and understanding for his vision for the future of his music made this a no-brainer! Positives are that he is always inspired by new artists and does not feel it was better in the past, and in respect of negatives: they are there but he never dwells on them; he just keeps moving on. He continued on his upcoming event in our country, “We have been working hard with the team to create an amazing show.
I have an outline of what songs I want to play but will let the energy of the crowd determine which songs I will ultimately play and in what order. I had no idea there would come a time when I’d be playing at the same grounds where I once used to come watch Afrojack play. It’s a mind-blowing turn in my life. Additionally, there is a catch: the relationship that’s shared at the music festivals cannot be found anywhere else.”
Garrix also headlined an event in Los Angeles with all proceeds going to the Fuck Cancer Foundation, dedicated to early detection, prevention, and providing support to those affected by cancer. Then he started his India tour with a special charity show in Mumbai with over 62,000 in attendance.
Hosted at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the charity event’s purpose was to educate children, with the proceeds from the show being donated to Magic Bus. Garrix wasn’t behind in announcing his status as an international friend for SOS Children’s Village in South Africa, which builds families for orphaned, abandoned, and other vulnerable children around the world. Speaking, he said that it is awful that so many children around the world don’t have the support of a caring family. Hence, inspiration is always there in front of him because of who he chooses to work with!
