
A Dutch dance music prodigy who conquered global festivals and topped DJ rankings before he was even old enough to legally enter many of his own venues.
Martin Garrix released 'Animals' in 2013 at age 17, a track defined by its snarling, minimalist synth drop. The song became an instant electronic music anthem. Garrix founded STMPD RCRDS label to control his creative direction. He collaborated across pop with Bebe Rexha and Dua Lipa, showing versatility beyond his early hit. Multiple polls ranked him the world's number-one DJ. He commands main stages at Tomorrowland and Coachella, blending melodic heart with explosive energy.
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Martin was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
The world at every milestone
Dolly the sheep cloned
September 11 attacks transform the world
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
He graduated from the Herman Brood Academy, a prestigious music production school in the Netherlands.
He played guitar in a band before transitioning to electronic music production.
His stage name 'Ytram' is his first name, Martijn, spelled backwards.
He was named the official ambassador for the Dutch electronic music scene by his country's government.
“The only thing that matters is the music. If the music is good, everything else will follow.”