“I Want to Change EDM” – Martin Garrix Reveals Ambitious Upcoming Music Project

In a bold declaration that has sent shockwaves through the electronic dance music (EDM) community, global superstar Martin Garrix has revealed his next creative chapter: an ambitious music project aimed at transforming the EDM landscape.

Speaking candidly during a recent interview, Garrix didn’t hold back on his intentions:
“I want to change EDM. I want to take it somewhere it hasn’t been before.”

For an artist who has already conquered the festival mainstage, topped global charts, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in pop and dance music, such a statement is both daring and exhilarating.

A Decade of Dominance—and Now, Evolution

Martin Garrix, born Martijn Garritsen, has spent the last decade defining the sound of big-room house and progressive EDM. With early hits like “Animals”, he became the face of a generation of festival-goers. His collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Usher, Bebe Rexha, and David Guetta further solidified his place in both mainstream and electronic music history.

But as the dance music scene matures, so too does Garrix’s vision. Rather than continuing to churn out the same tried-and-true festival anthems, the Dutch DJ is setting his sights on something deeper, more experimental, and perhaps even riskier.

Hints at a Genre-Bending Future

Garrix’s recent sets have subtly hinted at this creative shift. During his Ushuaïa Ibiza residency, he introduced darker techno-inspired breakdowns and more emotional melodic sections—elements not typically associated with his past big-room hits.

In interviews, Garrix has spoken about his admiration for artists like Peggy Gou, Charlotte de Witte, and Fred again.., whose genre-fluid approaches have blurred the lines between house, techno, pop, and electronica.

“I’ve been inspired by people who just create what feels right for them, without worrying about fitting a mold,” Garrix said.
“That’s what I want to do with this next chapter.”

What Is the New Project About?

While full details are still under wraps, Garrix has teased a few key elements of the project:

• New musical styles: Expect less reliance on formulaic EDM drops and more focus on textures, melodies, and live instrumentation.

• Collaborations outside the EDM world: Garrix hinted at working with indie rock bands, jazz musicians, and even orchestras.

• An immersive live show: He’s designing a brand-new stage concept, blending visual art, immersive lighting, and live performance in ways he says will “redefine what a DJ set can be.”

• A conceptual album: For the first time in his career, Garrix is working on a full-length album, rather than standalone singles, to tell a cohesive musical story.

The STMPD RCRDS Evolution

Garrix’s record label, STMPD RCRDS, will play a crucial role in this transformation. Founded in 2016, the label has been a home for rising EDM talent but has also started to branch out into experimental house, techno, and ambient sounds.

“STMPD has always been about creative freedom. With this new project, I want to use the label as a platform for artists who feel stuck in a genre box,” Garrix explained.

Industry watchers predict that STMPD could become a more eclectic and innovative label under Garrix’s new direction, attracting artists who might never have considered an EDM label before.

Breaking Free from the EDM Formula

Garrix’s desire to push EDM forward is not without precedent. Artists like Avicii experimented with folk and country influences, while Calvin Harris dabbled in funk and disco. But Garrix’s approach seems less about blending genres for commercial hits and more about rethinking the core structure of electronic music itself.

He spoke openly about the current state of EDM:
“A lot of EDM today feels like it’s made for algorithms, not people. I want to bring back the emotion, the storytelling, the surprise.”

This artistic restlessness comes at a time when much of the mainstream EDM scene has been criticized for being repetitive and creatively stagnant. Garrix’s pivot could signal a broader shift within the genre, encouraging other top-tier artists to take risks.

Fan Reactions: Excitement and Skepticism

Unsurprisingly, fan reactions to Garrix’s announcement have been mixed. Many longtime supporters expressed excitement at the idea of their favorite artist evolving creatively.

On social media, comments included:
“We’ve grown up with Garrix. It’s cool to see his music grow up too.”
“If anyone can push EDM into a new era, it’s Martin.”

However, some fans expressed nervousness:
“I hope he doesn’t forget his roots. We still want those big mainstage bangers!”
“EDM needs innovation, but please don’t go full techno!”

Garrix himself acknowledged the risk:

“I know not everyone will love this at first. But art is about taking chances, not playing it safe.”

Will This Affect His Festival Sets?

A common question among fans is whether Garrix’s new direction will change his high-energy festival performances. According to the DJ, fans can still expect his signature energy, but with new musical layers.

“Tomorrowland, Ultra, they’ll always be part of me. But even in those sets, I want to surprise people. Maybe throw in a track they didn’t expect. Keep the energy but make people feel something deeper too.”

Garrix hinted that his upcoming Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) 2025 set will be the first glimpse into this new world, describing it as “half party, half art installation.”

Who’s He Working With? Possible Collaborators Revealed

Although Garrix has kept most collaborators secret, a few rumored names have leaked:

• RÜFÜS DU SOL – for atmospheric electronic textures

• London Grammar – for haunting vocal collaborations

• Hans Zimmer’s studio team – for cinematic sound design

• Peggy Gou and Charlotte de Witte – for techno-inspired remixes

• Jacob Collier – for innovative harmonic structures

If these collaborations materialize, they would mark a significant departure from his previous pop-EDM partnerships.

Why Now? A Turning Point in Garrix’s Career

At just 29 years old, Garrix has achieved what most artists dream of in a lifetime. But after years of relentless touring and producing, he says he finally feels ready to “create without fear.”

“When you’re starting out, you want hits. You want charts. Now, I just want to make something timeless. Something that makes people feel something five, ten years from now.”

Garrix admitted that the pandemic pause gave him the time to reflect on his artistic goals, realizing he wanted to do more than just headline festivals.

The Bigger Picture: Shaping the Future of EDM

Garrix’s ambition to “change EDM” isn’t just about his own career—it’s about encouraging the whole genre to evolve. He hopes to inspire younger producers to think outside the box.

“If my journey makes one kid in their bedroom think, ‘I don’t have to make a drop like everyone else,’ then it’s worth it.”

Garrix also plans to host workshops and masterclasses through his label, sharing his creative process and inviting collaboration from lesser-known producers worldwide.

A Risky Move, But a Necessary One?

Historically, some of music’s greatest artists—from Daft Punk to David Bowie—have risked alienating fans by pursuing artistic reinvention. Some failed spectacularly before being celebrated in hindsight.

Garrix is aware of the stakes but remains undeterred.
“Art is supposed to evolve. If you stay the same forever, you die creatively.”

The electronic music world will be watching closely to see whether Garrix’s gamble pays off.

What’s Next: Album Release Timeline and Tour Plans

Garrix hinted that the first single from the new project will drop in early 2026, with the full album following in the summer. He’s also planning a world tour in 2026, designed as an “immersive audio-visual experience” rather than a traditional DJ tour.

Venues under consideration include art galleries, theaters, and unconventional outdoor spaces, alongside major festivals. The tour will reportedly feature live musicians and surprise guest appearances.

Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Martin Garrix’s announcement marks a pivotal moment not just in his career, but in the evolution of EDM itself. At a time when the genre risks creative stagnation, Garrix’s bold new project could inspire a much-needed renaissance.

Whether his vision is embraced by the festival masses or only appreciated in niche circles remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Garrix isn’t afraid to lead the charge.

And perhaps that’s exactly what EDM needs right now—an artist unafraid to dream bigger, experiment deeper, and remind the world why electronic music can be one of the most transformative forces in modern culture.

Stay tuned as Martin Garrix prepares to unveil his most daring work yet—and maybe, just maybe, change EDM forever.