Martin Garrix
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.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Dutch DJ and music producer·Birthday: May 14·Millennials
Biography
Martin Garrix exploded onto the electronic music scene not with a whisper, but with the snarling, minimalist synth drop of 'Animals,' a track that became an instant anthem in 2013. What was more shocking than the song's success was the age of its creator: just 17. From that moment, Garrix navigated the pressures of teen stardom with a shrewd business mind and a relentless work ethic, founding his own STMPD RCRDS label to control his creative destiny. He forged collaborations across the pop spectrum, from Bebe Rexha to Dua Lipa, proving his sound was more versatile than his early hit suggested. His repeated coronation as the world's number-one DJ cemented his status as a defining force in modern festival culture, a producer who commands main stages from Tomorrowland to Coachella with a blend of melodic heart and explosive energy.
Millennials
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.
#1 When Martin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Martin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Topped DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs list three consecutive times (2016, 2017, 2018).
- Founded his independent record label, STMPD RCRDS, in 2016, signing and developing numerous artists.
- Performed as the headline act at major festivals worldwide, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella.
- His 2013 single 'Animals' reached the top ten in over ten countries and became a platinum-selling phenomenon.
Did You Know?
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.”
