The undisputed breakthrough star of 2013 returns with the mighty ‘Wizard’
Martin Garrix is to follow up the unprecedented success of his anthemic, chart-topping club smash ‘Animals’ with the release of new collaborative track ‘Wizard’ on March 23rd. Featuring fellow hotly-tipped Dutch producer Jay Hardway and having already amassed over 14 million YouTube views, as well as a further 4 million plays on Soundcloud, ‘Wizard’ picks up the baton with aplomb, first and foremost showcasing Garrix’ surefire ability to produce hit dance records. Utilising a similar blueprint, the duo toy with razor sharp synths and rugged basslines that come to ahead in the shape of a short, snappy melody-driven break before exploding into life with deep, low-end bass and infectious trademark synth lines. Showcasing serious dance floor credentials and packing plenty of swagger, ‘Wizard’ is certainly an impressive follow up venture. Having already been confirmed to play both Coachella and Ultra Music Festival and having been tipped by Shazam, 2014 looks likely to be the year that confirms Garrix’ status as one of the go-to names for cutting edge dance music. Dan Prince speaks live and direct to the dance music superstar…
Martijn welcome back to DMCWORLD dude, where in the world are you right now?
– “Hey DMC, I am in Amsterdam right now. My homebase.”
Well what a few months you have had, has it all sunk in yet?
– “Not really, it all feels a bit unreal sometimes. But I’m doing fine…”
What has been the most emotional moment for you during all of this, was there a moment when you just thought ‘wow is this really happening to me?’
– “That must be the moment that I was standing at Tomorrowland and some of the biggest DJs played ‘Animals’ and the crowd just went insane! Goosebumps!!!”
We are loving the new ‘Helicopter’ track you did with Firebeatz, did you manage to hook up with the guys to produce the track in the studio or have you just been bouncing versions across studios while on the road.
– “Yeah we had the best studio time together! Very happy with the result!”
The last time we spoke you mentioned that your family were going to start coming to some gigs to see what all the fuss was about! So, what did they make of this crazy dance music spectacle you are rocking?
– “Haha they love it! I bring them to my gigs as much as I can. In the beginning they were overwhelmed but for now everything kind of settled down. I took my mum to Panama recently, that was really nice!”
I interviewed Spinnin’ Records’ Meindert Kennis at Christmas and he obviously was singing your praises…”We’ve worked with loads of big names over the past 14 years but we’ve never ever experienced seeing an artist grow so rapidly as we did with Martin Garrix. Absolutely amazing…”. In our eyes there is no bigger ‘family’ than the Spinnin Records team, how instrumental have they been helping your rise to the very top?
“Spinnin Records is really like my family, they advice me, manage me and always taking care of everything. I know they will always have my back and will support me to get out the best of me.”
He also said that ‘Animals’ caught Spinnin’ by surprise, they expected a top 5 on Beatport but nothing like it spiralled to – especially for a non vocal track. Is that how you felt?
– “Yeah I had the feeling ‘Animals’ had the potential to become a nice clubrecord, but I never expected it to turn out this big!”
With every producer wanting to work with you at the moment is it a bit awkward saying yes or no to the big names?
“We just look at what fits well in my sound and try to see what works in the release schedule…”
This week saw the release of your Remix of the Bassjackers tune ‘Crackin’, a stunning rework where you kept the original theme but went radio rental when the drop comes! Where did you first play this out and what was the reaction like?!?!?
– “That was during my tour with Bassjackers in Asia, the crowd was totally hyped! They loved it Dan.”
How prepared are you for the big year ahead on the DJ and festival circuit? You have the monster Coachella just around the corner which is about as big as it gets…?
– “Yeah that really is like a dream coming true! I am very focused on my next tours and will bring some straight up fire!”
I love one of the reasons you wanted to become a DJ was watching Tiesto at the Olympics. What was it about that spectacle that captured your imagination and encouraged you to buy your own decks?
– “It was the first time I saw such a crowd’s energy and reaction on an artist like Tiesto. I was so impressed by his show!”
Your first ever DJ gig was on January 16th 2010 and a private affair, you invited a load of friends who in turn invited their friends. Now come on Martijn be honest, what was your mixing like that night?
– “Hahaha…uhmmm, ah, I can’t remember haha!”
Did you buy yourself a present at Christmas as a pat on the back for your success in 2013?
“I went on a ski vacation with my family. That was like a Christmas present to me.”
Where are the dates that are already confirmed in your diary that you are REALLY looking forward to?
– “Coachella and Ultra Music Festival definitely!”
Your Facebook site is always littered with you having a ball with other members of the EDM royalty…Nervo, R3hab, DVBBS and Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike have all been in your company these last couple of weeks. Who though are your bessie mates on the DJ circuit?
“”I like to spent time with all of my DJ colleagues , it’s always fun to hang out with Julian Jordan and Jay Hardway!”
Who are some of the young up an coming producers we should be looking out for this year?
– “Oliver Heldens, Jay Hardway and DVBBS!”
There are thousands of aspiring producers reading this who all want to follow in your footsteps. What one piece of advice can you give them?
– “Stay positive, work hard and create your own new sounds. And have an open-minded attitude towards other DJs and collaborations.”
And finally, what is the plan release wise for the year ahead…?
“Well ‘Helicopter’ with Firebeatz will be released very soon and I also have about 5 other tracks ready to release. Stay tuned!”
