Why is Martin Garrix Honored as a Modern EDM Icon?

Few names in the world of electronic dance music (EDM) carry the same weight as Martin Garrix. From his meteoric rise as a teenage prodigy to becoming a global superstar and label boss, Garrix has helped shape the very landscape of modern EDM. But what makes Martin Garrix an icon, rather than just a successful DJ or producer?

The answer lies in a perfect combination of musical innovation, cultural influence, business savvy, and a relentless passion for connecting with fans. Here’s an in-depth look at why Martin Garrix is honored as a modern EDM icon—and why his legacy continues to grow.

He Redefined the Global Potential of a Teen DJ

Martin Garrix, born Martijn Garritsen in the Netherlands, exploded onto the scene in 2013 with the release of his hit track “Animals”. At just 17 years old, Garrix stunned the industry by becoming the youngest producer ever to have a track reach the top of the Beatport charts.

“Animals” wasn’t just a song—it was a seismic shift. The track became a festival anthem, dominated global charts, and introduced the world to a new kind of artist: a teenager who could produce stadium-shaking tracks from his bedroom.

“Animals” now boasts over 1.5 billion views on YouTube, and is still widely considered a defining moment in EDM history.

From that point on, Martin Garrix became the face of a new era—one where age didn’t limit artistic power.

Martin Garrix Helped Shape the Festival Era of EDM

During the early-to-mid 2010s, EDM festivals exploded in popularity across the globe. Events like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella became cultural meccas, and Martin Garrix was front and center.

His energetic sets, impeccable transitions, and euphoric stage presence made him a must-see headliner. He didn’t just perform—he delivered experiences. Garrix’s ability to control massive crowds and curate journeys through music helped define the golden era of EDM festivals.

Whether opening with a remix of his own hits or debuting unreleased bangers, Garrix earned a reputation for crowd-pleasing brilliance.

Today, his festival presence is legendary, and young DJs worldwide model their performance style after his.

He’s Collaborated with the Biggest Artists in the World

Part of what makes Martin Garrix a modern icon is his versatility and openness to genre-crossing collaborations. He’s not afraid to step outside the EDM bubble and has worked with a diverse list of major artists, including:

• Dua Lipa (“Scared to Be Lonely”)

• Bebe Rexha (“In the Name of Love”)

• Usher (“Don’t Look Down”)

• Bono and The Edge of U2 (“We Are the People” – Euro 2020 anthem)

• Khalid (“Ocean”)

Each of these tracks showcases a different side of Garrix—whether it’s emotional vulnerability, pop crossover appeal, or politically themed anthems. These collaborations helped expand EDM’s reach far beyond traditional festival circuits and dance clubs.

Martin Garrix Built His Own Empire with STMPD RCRDS

In 2016, Garrix made a bold move: he left Spinnin’ Records, the label that first signed him, due to disputes over creative control and master rights. Rather than find another major label, Garrix founded his own—STMPD RCRDS.

With this decision, Garrix showed that he wasn’t just a musical genius—he was also a savvy entrepreneur. STMPD RCRDS has since become a respected platform for rising EDM artists and an incubator for fresh electronic talent.

Through his label, Garrix has empowered a new generation of producers and proven that artists can succeed on their own terms.

He Champions Innovation in Sound and Visual Storytelling

One of the hallmarks of Martin Garrix’s artistry is his constant push to innovate the EDM sound. He blends elements of progressive house, future bass, melodic techno, and even cinematic orchestration to create tracks that are uniquely his own.

He’s also known for visually stunning music videos and concert visuals. From multi-story LED screens to laser-synchronized beats, Garrix transforms his performances into multi-sensory experiences.

Tracks like “Higher Ground,” “No Sleep,” and “Now That I’ve Found You” all feature film-quality storytelling, helping cement Garrix as more than just a DJ—but a complete audiovisual artist.

A Consistent Leader in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Rankings

Martin Garrix has consistently ranked at the top of DJ Mag’s annual Top 100 DJs list, including holding the #1 spot three years in a row (2016–2018). This isn’t just a popularity contest—it reflects the massive global fanbase that supports him, as well as his consistent touring schedule, releases, and collaborations.

Garrix’s dominance in this poll, year after year, speaks volumes about his staying power in a notoriously fickle industry.

An Ambassador of Youth, Energy, and Positivity

What sets Martin Garrix apart is not just his music or success—it’s his image and personality. He’s widely viewed as one of the most humble, grounded, and kind-hearted figures in the industry. He avoids controversy and chooses to let his work speak for itself.

He has also become a symbol of youth empowerment, proving that age is no barrier to creativity, leadership, or ambition.

“I just want to make people happy with my music,” Garrix once said. “That’s all that matters to me.”

This positive message resonates deeply, especially with younger audiences who see him as a role model.

He Represents the Modern Evolution of the DJ

In the early 2000s, DJs were often anonymous figures behind the decks. But Martin Garrix helped evolve the role into something closer to that of a rock star—with charisma, creative control, global recognition, and entrepreneurial vision.

In doing so, he has paved the way for artists like:

• Alan Walker

• Kygo

• Illenium

• Madeon

These artists have benefited from the framework Garrix helped create: a space where DJs can be songwriters, headliners, mentors, and moguls.

Social Media, Livestreams, and Digital Culture Mastery

Garrix also understood the power of digital platforms from the beginning. He was one of the first big-name DJs to use YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch to connect directly with fans, premiere music, and stream performances live from home during the pandemic.

In doing so, he maintained relevance even during global shutdowns and continued to expand his influence across digital spaces. His behind-the-scenes vlogs and studio diaries offer transparency and authenticity—qualities fans love.

He’s Still Evolving: Enter YTRAM and Beyond

Never content to stick to one lane, Martin Garrix introduced an alias, YTRAM, a reversed version of his name, to experiment with tech-house and darker sounds. This showed his artistic curiosity and desire to continue evolving even after reaching the top.

YTRAM represents Garrix’s way of exploring underground sounds without the commercial pressure of his main stage identity. It proves that even with global fame, he still craves growth as a musician.

Conclusion: Why Martin Garrix Will Always Be an EDM Icon

So, why is Martin Garrix honored as a modern EDM icon?

Because he is more than a DJ. More than a hitmaker. Martin Garrix is a visionary who redefined what it means to be an electronic artist in the 21st century. He broke records as a teenager, topped charts across genres, built his own label, mentored others, embraced innovation, and never lost sight of the joy that music can bring.

In an ever-changing musical landscape, Garrix remains a beacon of creativity, consistency, and connection.

As long as electronic music lives on, so will the legacy of Martin Garrix—one of EDM’s most cherished icons.