Martijn was inspired to create music from a very early age. Born on 14th May 1996 in the outskirts of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, if wasn’t long before he started guitar lessons. However, his first major inspiration came aged just eight when he watched the opening ceremony of 2004 Olympic Games on television. This event featured a set by DJ Tiësto, an experience which transformed the way Martijn thought about music.
“I was struck by the energy, and it turned me instantly towards electronic music” Martin Garrix
Then, he downloaded the FL Studio mixing software to which he has remained faithful ever since.
Given his artistic nature, Martijn was drawn to study fine art, but he always returned to music, which he knew was more than a hobby to him. Aged just 14 he enrolled with the Herman Brood Academie music production school to work on his artistic and technical ability, and to make personal contacts. He became a “ghost producer” creating work for other artists while remaining anonymous. Then his fist big break came in 2012 when he was signed by Spinnin’ Records. Martijn became Martin Garrix.
“I sent tracks to dozens of labels, most of which never replied. So if I have a piece of advice for new artists it is that they should go all-out and that one day they will be noticed” said Martin a few years later.
NL's biggest hits of 1996
When Martin was born...
#1 Lors del Rio : Macarena
#2 Spice Girls : Wanabee
#3 Celine Dion : Because you loved me
#4 Oasis : Wonderwall
#5 Robert Miles : Children