Martin Garrix, born Martijn Gerard Garritsen on May 14, 1996, in Amstelveen, Netherlands, is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and musician who has become a global icon in electronic dance music (EDM).
Known for his infectious tracks like Animals and Scared to Be Lonely, Garrix rose to fame at a remarkably young age, becoming the youngest artist to top the Beatport charts with his breakout single Animals in 2013.
His music, which blends progressive house, electro house, big room, and future bass, has resonated with millions, earning him a massive following and performances at major festivals like Coachella, Tomorrowland, and Ultra Music Festival.
Beyond his artistry, Garrix is also a philanthropist, supporting causes like children’s education and cancer prevention, and a savvy entrepreneur, founding his own label, STMPD RCRDS, in 2016.
Siblings
Martin has one sibling, a younger sister named Laura Garritsen.
Laura, a high school student during Garrix’s early rise to fame, is described as his biggest fan and shares a close bond with her brother.
The siblings have a playful relationship, often engaging in lighthearted pranks, such as when Martin jokingly pranked Laura during a dinner date.
Laura frequently joins Martin on his music tours during her school holidays, showcasing their strong connection and her enthusiasm for his career.
Despite Martin’s global stardom, Laura remains a grounding presence in his life, with Martin himself acknowledging the importance of his family, including his sister, in keeping him humble and focused.
Career
Garrix’s career began in his early teens, sparked by watching DJ Tiësto perform at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Inspired, he taught himself music production using digital audio workstations like FL Studio, starting with remixes and original tracks.
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At 14, he was already DJing at school events and small gatherings, and by 2012, he caught the attention of Tiësto, who mentored him.
His 2013 single “Animals” became a game-changer, topping charts in multiple countries and establishing him as a prodigy in the EDM scene.
Garrix signed with Spinnin’ Records initially but later parted ways in 2015 due to disputes over music ownership, leading him to launch STMPD RCRDS.
Through his label, he released hits like “Now That I’ve Found You” and collaborated with artists like Dua Lipa, Troye Sivan, and David Guetta.
His performances at iconic venues like Hï Ibiza and festivals worldwide have solidified his reputation as a dynamic live act.
Garrix has also ventured into modeling, serving as the face of Armani Exchange’s 2017 and 2018 campaigns, and continues to innovate, experimenting with aliases like YTRAM for deeper house sounds.
Accolades
Garrix’s topped DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, and 2018), becoming the youngest DJ to achieve this feat in 2016 at age 20.
His breakthrough track “Animals” earned him the 2013 Dance Music Award for Best Electro/Progressive Track and the 2014 Buma Award for Best International Song.
In 2016, he won two MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Electronic Act and Best World Stage Performance, and the MTV Millennial Award for Beat Guru.
The following year, his collaboration “Scared to Be Lonely” with Dua Lipa was nominated for Single of the Year at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards and won Best Bass Track at the 2018 WDM Radio Awards.
Garrix also received the NRJ Music Awards for Best International DJ and Best Live Performance in 2016.
Beyond music, his philanthropy earned him recognition as an “international friend” by SOS Children’s Village in South Africa in 2017.
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