Martin Garrix returns to the United States after nearly a decade with a new stage name – YTRAM

For fans of Martin Garrix, surprises are nothing new. But his most elusive and enigmatic creation—YTRAM—is finally coming into full view. After years of whispers, minimal appearances, and masked mystique, YTRAM is set to take the spotlight on American soil for the very first time, marking a landmark moment in both Garrix’s career and the electronic music scene at large.

Thanks to Insomniac Events, the legendary promoter behind EDC and countless major EDM festivals, YTRAM will make his U.S. debut on June 29, closing out Garrix’s three-day residency at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The weekender, running from June 27–29, promises not only fireworks in the sky but also in the musical identities Garrix chooses to reveal.

What Is YTRAM? The Mysterious Mirror Image of Martin Garrix

YTRAM, pronounced “why-tram,” is quite literally “Marty” spelled backwards—a clever nod to Martin Garrix’s real name, Martijn. First unveiled at Tomorrowland 2017, YTRAM took the stage wearing a full-face mask, hiding Garrix’s identity as he performed a surprise deep and tech house set. For many in the crowd, it was only after the performance that the true identity of the performer was revealed.

Since then, YTRAM has operated in the shadows—rare performances, selective collaborations, and very few interviews or statements about the project. This creative decision has helped preserve the allure and mystique of YTRAM, turning the alias into something of a legend within Garrix’s fandom.

Unlike the progressive house anthems and pop crossovers that dominate Garrix’s mainstage sound, YTRAM is deeply rooted in tech house and deep house influences. It is stripped-down, groove-centric, and often hypnotic, showing off a different side of the Dutch superstar—a side less about spectacle and more about sonic immersion.

YTRAM’s Musical Style: Deep, Dark, and Designed for Dancefloors

YTRAM’s musical ethos stands in sharp contrast to Garrix’s usual sound. Where Garrix may bring euphoric synth leads and vocal-heavy tracks designed for stadium singalongs, YTRAM delivers pulsing basslines, minimalistic rhythms, and underground club energy.

Notable YTRAM tracks include his 2020 collaboration with Bleu Clair, “Make You Mine”, a crisp and edgy tech-house cut, and “Fire”, a sensual and atmospheric joint effort with Elderbrook. These releases earned YTRAM credibility in the deeper corners of the house music community, proving that the project was no gimmick but a legitimate exploration of genre and vibe.

Why the U.S. Debut Matters

To the casual fan, YTRAM may just be “Martin Garrix in disguise.” But for longtime followers, this U.S. debut marks a major artistic milestone. Live YTRAM performances are extremely rare, and bringing the alias to a country where Garrix already enjoys superstar status feels both daring and strategic.

By introducing YTRAM in Los Angeles, Garrix is tapping into one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse music markets. L.A. is no stranger to underground sounds, and with the rise of tech house on U.S. stages—from Dirtybird to Desert Hearts—YTRAM arrives at the perfect time to ride a cultural wave that’s growing stronger by the day.

This debut also shows Garrix’s evolution as an artist. Rather than resting on his laurels, he’s continuing to challenge himself, experiment, and push boundaries. It’s a move that echoes the actions of other greats—think Eric Prydz with Cirez D, or Calvin Harris with Love Regenerator—each artist creating alter egos to explore less commercial, more niche genres.

The Full Lineup: A Stellar Cast Supporting Garrix and YTRAM

The Sunday night lineup at Los Angeles State Historic Park reads like a celebration of genre fusion and forward-thinking curation. Supporting acts include:

• Tchami – the French future house pioneer and Confession label boss, known for dark, melodic grooves.

• DJ Ruckus – an open-format veteran whose celebrity DJ credentials make him a master at adapting to any crowd.

• Lavern – a rising talent in the deeper house space with a knack for warm, inviting dancefloor cuts.

• Martin Garrix (Headliner) – closing the event with what’s expected to be an epic, high-energy set.

And now, adding YTRAM into the mix, the night takes on a dual identity: one foot in the festival world, the other in the club underground.

Insomniac Events: A Trusted Partner for Bold Moves

It’s no accident that YTRAM’s U.S. debut is taking place under the Insomniac Events banner. Known for pushing artistic boundaries, Insomniac has long championed emerging genres and conceptual experiences.

Events like Factory 93 and Secret Project have already exposed thousands of American fans to sounds beyond the mainstage, from techno to minimal and beyond. Hosting YTRAM fits perfectly into Insomniac’s mission: elevate dance music by highlighting the artistry behind the decks, not just the spectacle in front of them.

The Cultural Shift in EDM: Underground Sounds Are Taking Over

YTRAM’s arrival on the U.S. scene isn’t just a personal step for Garrix—it’s symbolic of a larger shift in the EDM industry. Over the past five years, genres like tech house, melodic techno, and minimal have moved from side stages to center spotlight.

Artists like John Summit, Dom Dolla, and Vintage Culture have helped redefine what “mainstream” means in dance music. Now, Martin Garrix—arguably one of the biggest names in the business—is throwing his hat into the ring with a persona built for head-nodding grooves instead of laser-fueled drops.

This crossover from “EDM superstar” to “underground explorer” signals a cultural evolution, where genre fluidity is no longer just acceptable—it’s celebrated.

Will YTRAM Stay Masked?

A fascinating element of YTRAM’s story is its visual identity. The mask, worn during early performances, gave it a theatrical, almost Daft Punk-esque vibe. But as time goes on, fans wonder: Will Garrix keep YTRAM hidden, or will he eventually allow the two identities to fully merge?

For now, it seems the veil is lifting—just slightly. While Insomniac has confirmed YTRAM’s appearance, it hasn’t revealed whether the set will include a dramatic unmasking, or if Garrix will play two completely separate performances.

What’s certain is that the lines between his identities are beginning to blur. And that’s exactly what makes YTRAM so intriguing—mystery still exists in a scene that so often spills everything upfront.

From Tomorrowland to Los Angeles: A Full-Circle Moment

When YTRAM first debuted at Tomorrowland 2017, it was more than just a surprise set. It was a message: even the most celebrated artists have new stories to tell, if they’re brave enough to go off-script.

Now, nearly eight years later, YTRAM’s journey has come full circle—landing in Los Angeles, a city known for reinvention, artistic duality, and bold creative expression.

For Garrix, this moment is not about outdoing his previous successes—it’s about expanding his identity. For fans, it’s an invitation to look deeper, to listen closer, and to dance to a rhythm that goes beyond the predictable.