Last weekend, Martin Garrix took to the sky with a livestreamed set broadcast at sunset from the roof of Amsterdam’s A’Dam Tower. But in case you missed it, the performance is now available for you to play back on your own time. Garrix’s stream was facilitated by “Freqways,” an online event series launched this year by MDL BEAST, a global entertainment brand. So far, the series has also hosted Nora En Pure, Malaa and Eagles & Butterflies, all playing from scenic locations across the world, including on the coastline of Croatia’s Brac Island and on a boat in Paris’ River Seine. Each artists’ sets are available on demand for a limited time via Freqways’ website, which you can find here. The “Freqways...
In a recent interview shared by Festival Season, Martin Garrix revealed the impending return of his side project, AREA21. Garrix unveiled AREA21 back in 2016, when he joined forces with prolific record producer and singer-songwriter Maejor to reveal the duo’s debut single “Spaceships.” The track was markedly less heavy than his popular big room house flair at the time, blending future bass and hip-hop sounds under a melodic umbrella. Ever since, AREA21 releases have been intermittent, with the latest, “HELP,” arriving in March 2019. In the new interview, Garrix revealed that he and Maejor have recorded enough new material to drop a full album. He also offered up a few hints as to what fans can expect when the new music drops in March 2021. “The...
The 2020 edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event was fully virtual this year. Adapting to the new normal of the Zoom age, organizers opted to broadcast an expansive slate of programming via video conference and brought in a bevy of dance music industry vets to offer courses, workshops, and more. A highlight, however, was “The Evolution Of Our Sounds,” a discussion between Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Timbaland. Moderated by BBC Radio 1‘s Danny Howard, the chat featured an exclusive and rare glimpse into how each of the panelist’s respective artistries have grown throughout the years from their humble beginnings. It’s interesting to hear the perspectives of Timbaland—who remains one of the most prolific producers in the contemporary scene—since ...
Martin Garrix has officially cut ties with The Media Nanny, his longtime PR firm whom he has worked with since 2012. In the future, Garrix’s team will be handing all public relations matters in house. Announced October 22nd via a press statement, the news has not been circulated on his social media platforms, keeping the split fairly quiet. Clear and concise, the statement thanked The Media Nanny for “pleasant cooperation over the past 8 years,” but didn’t offer any details regarding the end of their relationship. The Media Nanny, an all-female PR firm based in The Netherlands, where Garrix is from, continues to represent other high-profile dance artists such as Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta and Disclosure. Garrix has so far been removed from thei...
One fact you may not know about Martin Garrix is that he has a special affinity towards stamps. While he’s referenced it in the past by naming his label STMPD RCRDS, the connection actually comes from his youth, when he grew up with a father who owned a stamp auction house. In a true full-circle moment, the world-renowned electronic music artist has now been honored with his very own stamp through PostNL. WOPA+ Stamps & Coins Many DJs and producers strive for global success, but for someone who has reached that level and beyond, the honor of having a stamp named after you is next level kind of glory, especially when your family has such deep ties to it. While some may think, “Who uses stamps anymore?” PostNL is looking to alter that mindset by bringing the littl...
While the 2020 Amsterdam Dance Event will look much different than previous iterations due to COVID-19, organizers are still bringing out some giants for this year’s programming. One particular program that has turned heads is the upcoming “Evolution of Our Sounds” panel discussion. The hourlong talk is set to feature insights from Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Timbaland and will be moderated by BBC Radio 1‘s Danny Howard. ADE The event description states that attendees will get to learn more about the artists’ backgrounds and what it’s like collaborating remotely, among other topics. “The three will be discussing the artists and recordings that formed their musical universe as they were growing up, the events and personalities that contrib...
The list of the 2020 MTV Europe Music Awards nominations has arrived. In addition to the usual suspects, like Lady Gaga, who led the field with seven nods, and BTS and Justin Bieber, each of whom received five nominations, a number of EDM artists were also chosen. Nominated in the category of “Best Electronic” were Calvin Harris, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Marshmello, and Martin Garrix, the latter of whom took home the trophy last year. It’s a bit disappointing to see MTV Europe basically nominate the most popular and safe artists in EDM without giving a nod or two to more unheralded and deserving artists, but that’s to be expected. Notable snubs include Duke Dumont, who unveiled his critically acclaimed debut album Duality&n...
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a number of large-scale music festivals are looking to the future through rose-colored glasses. One of those is Polish music fest Open’er, who have announced the first phase of performers for its 2021 event. The event’s 2020 iteration was shelved back in April 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 after initially being slated for July 1st through 4th this year. Scheduled to take place in Gdynia, Poland from June 30th to July 3rd, 2021, the 2021 edition of Open’er Festival has already confirmed iconic hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar as its headliner. Open’er also made sure to dip into the dance music talent pool to flesh out its lineup, recruiting young superstar Martin Garrix, Grammy Award-nominated electronica trio ...
Back in July, Martin Garrix graced the virtual stage for an enormous set for Tomorrowland Around The World, the famous festival brand’s virtual edition. To no surprise, he went on to offer up a monster performance to tie a bow on the wildly successful digital festival. His full set has been made available to Apple Music subscribers, who can now immerse themselves in one of the prodigious producer’s most unique performances. Garrix played almost 30 songs in his hourlong set, including music from his Ytram alias as well as his highly anticipated remix of Lewis Capaldi‘s chart-topping single “Someone You Loved.” He also dropped a staggering eight unreleased tracks during his set, leaving his ardent fanbase scrambling to identify them. Impatient lis...
Martin Garrix is simply unstoppable. Earlier this year, he debuted his first single under his Ytram alias, “Make You Mine” with Bleu Clair and RA. For his latest release, he’s partnered with Elderbrook for their catchy new single “Fire.” “Fire” is an excellent blend of both artist’s sounds, further refining what we heard on Ytram’s previous release and adding yet another classic to Elderbrook’s phenomenal discography. Subtle synths paired with Elderbrook’s flawless vocals heat things up, eventually leading to an intoxicating, groovy drop. Those who were enamored by “Make You Mine” or Elderbrook’s previous singles “Cola” with CamelPhat and “Something About You”...
Martin Garrix has revealed that the next release from his tech house alias Ytram is a collaboration with Elderbrook titled “Fire.” Over the weekend, the Dutch dance music superstar took to Twitter to share a mysterious 7-second video with a few keys and the lyrics, “I can see it coming.” While the preview doesn’t reveal much, fans identified it as one of his IDs from the virtual edition of Tomorrowland. Naturally, his fans lost their minds and began speculating what was to come. Fortunately, Garrix didn’t make them wait very long. Soon after, he revealed the title of the song, his collaborator Elderbrook, and the track’s cover art and release date. “Fire” by Ytram and Elderbrook is set to release this Friday, Septemb...
Dawn is equipped to deliver the house remix this song was born to have. Martin Garrix had fans on the edge of their seats when he announced he would be collaborating with John Martin on the single “Higher Ground.” The track was a callback to the mainstage progressive house sound that helped to establish Garrix as the global superstar he is today. He has now passed the production torch to Ferreck Dawn, a gifted Dutch producer who is equipped to deliver the house remix this song was born to have. Dawn’s production stays true to the emotive aspects of the lyrics while transforming the track into a club-ready jam. He amps up the groove on the beat, with vocal chops that echo the inescapable and repetitive mental confines that Martin touches upon in the message of the tr...