EDM's youngest superstar, Martin Garrix, has achieved stratospheric success in just a few, short years - climbing the ladder to become known as one of the biggest artists in the world. The Dutch native is currently ranked number three on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs, he's launched his own record label, STMPD RCRDS, and his breakout track from 2013, 'Animals' has been viewed on YouTube a mind-bendingly massive 845 million times - all of this in just 20 years on the earth. Makes you question your productivity, doesn't it? Anyway, this year, he'll be touching down in Ibiza to host a residency at Ushuaïa for the second year running. Multiply takes the Friday slot at the Playa d'en Bossa venue for another five dates this summer (15 July, 22 July, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August), so we caught up with the man himself before he took to the stage to talk Ibiza, biggest achievements and what we can expect from him in the future.
Between your residencies in Ibiza and Las Vegas, as well as all the festivals and gigs you play at, it must feel like you're at the centre of a whirlwind. How do you manage it all?
Yes, I travel a lot - I did three flights just to get here today! But For me planning is the most important thing. I have an amazing team around me who helps me with that. For every show we work a lot in advance - I think balancing it out and working hard is key.
How does it feel to be back here in Ibiza, as a resident of Ushuaïa for a second time?
I have had some of the best moments of my life here in Ibiza and to be able to do it again is amazing. I've been looking forward to this show for a very long time.
How will Multiply be different compared to last year?
I like the stage design this year much better than last year. And I'm going to use Ushuaïa as a testing ground for new music. Last year I had a lot of surprise guests and this year is going to be the same. What I like best about this year is the line-up - we put a lot of time and effort in finding cool, dope artists who are going to be support acts. We have Marshmello, A-trak and a bunch of really cool names.
You mentioned the stage design - how involved do you get in that aspect of things yourself?
I am definitely part of the design but I do not do it all myself. I have an amazing team and we all work together. I was here this morning as soon as I got of the plane with the team, already going through small changes. It is very important and fun to get involved in everything in the show because there is so much more than just the music to it - the surprise elements are what make it.
What inspires you when you're making a new track?
My friends and family inspire me. I love to be surrounded with positive energy and people - I take that with me in the studio and make music. And I'm making music all the time - I always have my laptop so I can make raw ideas and then I will go to the studio to finish them.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have a new single coming out soon with Bebe Rexha, ‘In The Name Of Love', which I'm really excited about - I'm going to play it tonight. I'm currently working on an album, which is very diverse and a little different to what people are used to with Martin Garrix. I want to show the world there is so much more to Martin Garrix than just electronic house music. I've been in the studio just having fun with new ideas. I have my residency here and in Vegas and I am doing a lot of festivals in Europe and America.
If you have spare time when you're on the White Isle, how do you like to spend it?
My favourite thing to do in Ibiza - aside from DJing - is definitely chilling and enjoying the beauty of the island. People only think about partying in Ibiza but there are so many beautiful beaches they don't know about.
As you have already achieved so much so young, what else is on your list? Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the next five years I see myself making music and still doing shows and having fun with it. But I definitely still have a lot of dreams left - I want to focus more on being a producer.
And what's your greatest achievement to date?
One of the things I am most proud of is the concert I did in partnership with 7UP for the deaf last year. We made it possible for the deaf to be able to feel the music instead of hearing it by putting triggers on them and making the music into visuals. I was playing a full-on DJ set and they were either partially or completely deaf and everyone was going crazy. That's been a big highlight for me - seeing how happy you can make someone with something that is so normal to me.
WORDS | Caoimhe Harkin
