Updated intro: When Cassidy and I interviewed Martin three years ago, nobody was expecting this. At the time, the 17-year-old DJ from Amsterdam was listed as an artist to watch for in one of our favourite teen magazines. Fast-forward to 2017 and Martin Garrix is the opening performer for Justin Bieber’s Australian Purpose Tour.
We had a quick chat to Martin about his favourite music, where his career started and what’s to come (note: he did not predict to be performing with Justin Bieber at this time).
Cassidy: What sparked your interest in music and how did your career develop from there?
Martin: DJ Tiesto was my first inspiration. I heard him play at the Olympics in 2004 and from that moment on I knew I wanted to make music and become a DJ. I made a bootleg of a track by Enrique Iglesias called Tonight. This was picked up by a couple of Dutch DJ’s. After that I got discovered by Spinnin Records – I produced Animals and that’s where it all exploded! I also released Wizard together with Jay Hardway, which turned out huge too! I got signed by Scooter Braun for their new EDM (electric dance music) project. I just announced my US tour dates playing at Coachella; it feels unreal sometimes.
Ellie: Who and what inspires the music you produce?
MG: I get inspired by a lot, not jut one type of music or so. I listen to a lot of different music, and love a lot of artists. So, I can get inspired by anything.
CW: Who is your idol and why?
MG: That, still, is Tiesto. He became a good friend of mine, but I still have a lot of respect for him! Of course there are a lot more artists I look up to – DJ’s like Hardwell, Porter Robinson and Alesso.
ES: Do you feel there’s competition around the globe with artists such as Flume and Avicii beaming their way up the charts?
MG: There’s always competition, especially in the EDM scene, but that keeps me motivated and focused. Everybody is really friendly though. I always enjoy seeing other guys at gigs or festivals. So yeah, there is competition but there are also lots of good vibes.
CW: You’re still at a young age, but what has been the best moment in your career so far?
MG: That’s really hard to say, but I guess that has to be the great success of Animals, and everything that this track brought me. As well as all the amazing venues I played last year alongside my favourite DJ colleagues. My first time in Ibizia was really memorable too.
ES: What’s your favourite song so far that you have produced and what can we see from you in the upcoming months?
MG: For now that’s Animals, but there’s a lot to come! 6 collaborations are on their way, so stay tuned!
