Martin Garrix Shocks Fans with First Drum & Bass Anthem ‘Set Me Free’ – A Bold New Era Begins!

Martin Garrix, one of the most recognizable names in electronic dance music, has once again pushed the boundaries of genre with the release of his new single “Set Me Free.” Dropped on August 22, 2025, this electrifying track marks Garrix’s first official venture into drum & bass, a bold step away from the big room and progressive house anthems that have defined much of his discography.

The track features Arcando, a fellow Dutch producer rapidly rising in the global scene, and Bonn, the Swedish singer-songwriter known for previous Garrix collaborations like “High on Life” and “No Sleep.” Together, they’ve crafted a high-energy, emotionally charged song that represents a pivotal moment in Garrix’s evolving musical journey.

Breaking Free from the Norm

For years, Martin Garrix has dominated festivals and charts with euphoric melodies and thunderous drops, becoming synonymous with the global EDM movement. But “Set Me Free” signals something different. With this track, Garrix enters the world of drum & bass, a genre known for its fast-paced rhythms, syncopated breakbeats, and underground roots.

This genre switch is not merely a novelty move. It’s a calculated artistic decision, showcasing Garrix’s desire to explore new sonic territories. In his own words, this was his “first drum and bass track ever” — and he made sure it delivered.

The song opens with Bonn’s emotionally intense vocals, weaving a sense of urgency and longing:

“When I’m tied up to my hands / And we’re stuck in the same dance / You’re the crime, you’re the witness / Set me free.”

From there, the track explodes into a thrilling drop that combines soaring synths and deep basslines, embracing the raw energy of drum & bass while retaining Garrix’s signature melodic touch.

The Arcando Factor: New Blood Meets Legacy

Arcando, who brings a fresh and modern edge to electronic music, plays a critical role in shaping the sound of “Set Me Free.” Although this is the first official collaboration between the two, Garrix had previously played Arcando’s remix of “Jungle” at Ultra Miami, which generated buzz and set the foundation for this joint project.

Arcando’s influence is apparent in the clean yet aggressive production style that powers the track. His background in remixing and melodic bass allowed him to blend seamlessly with Garrix’s established sound while injecting the high-tempo vitality that drum & bass demands.

The result? A seamless fusion of festival energy and underground edge, positioning “Set Me Free” as a potential summer anthem and a standout moment in both artists’ catalogs.

Bonn’s Vocal Brilliance

No Garrix-Bonn collaboration has ever fallen short, and “Set Me Free” continues this streak. Bonn’s vocals are emotionally compelling, helping to ground the fast-paced instrumental with a human and heartfelt core. His voice provides the balance between tension and release, perfectly complementing the themes of being trapped and yearning for liberation.

Having previously worked on tracks like “Hurricane” and “High on Life,” Bonn’s inclusion adds a sense of familiarity, even as the music ventures into uncharted waters.

A Sneak Peek into ‘ORIGO’

“Set Me Free” is not just a standalone track — it is also the lead single from Martin Garrix’s upcoming EP “ORIGO,” set to release on September 5, 2025. The EP is said to feature a lineup of top-tier collaborators, including Alesso, Armin van Buuren, AFROJACK, David Guetta, Shaun Farrugia, Matisse & Sadko, and more.

“ORIGO” is being touted as the final chapter of a trilogy that began with “Sentio” and continued with “IDEM.” According to Garrix, it represents the “final missing piece” of his recent creative journey — a return to his artistic core, but also a launchpad for new explorations.

By opening this new era with a drum & bass track, Garrix is signaling to fans and the industry alike that he’s no longer confined to the lanes that made him famous. Instead, he’s entering a space where experimentation and evolution take priority.

Why ‘Set Me Free’ Is a Game-Changer

There’s a reason why “Set Me Free” is making waves beyond its initial release. It represents a shift in Garrix’s artistic identity, but it also speaks to a larger trend in the electronic music industry: the revival and reintegration of drum & bass into the mainstream festival circuit.

While genres like house, techno, and trap have maintained dominant positions, drum & bass has long remained a niche genre with a fiercely loyal following. By stepping into this space, Garrix is helping bring DnB to the forefront of global dance music, potentially influencing other producers to explore its dynamic possibilities.

Moreover, this move shows that even superstars like Garrix are willing to take risks in pursuit of artistic growth—a decision that could inspire upcoming producers to follow suit.

Fan Reception and Live Performance Buzz

Reactions from fans and critics alike have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media clips of Garrix debuting the track at Ultra Miami earlier this year went viral, with fans praising the unexpected genre twist.

Listeners noted that the live energy of “Set Me Free” is nothing short of explosive. The track fits perfectly into high-octane festival sets, while also holding its own as a stand-alone streaming hit. The contrast between emotional lyrics and relentless rhythm makes it versatile enough for clubs, headphones, or arena stages.

With his upcoming performances at Creamfields, Ultra Japan, and his long-standing residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza, fans are eagerly anticipating how this track will translate across different stages.

What Comes Next for Martin Garrix?

If “Set Me Free” is the tone-setter, then “ORIGO” is the narrative arc. As Garrix prepares to drop the full EP, expectations are sky-high. Will he continue to explore new genres? Will we see even more unexpected collaborations?

What’s clear is that Martin Garrix is no longer simply the young prodigy who exploded with “Animals.” He has become a multidimensional artist who is just as comfortable experimenting with underground sounds as he is dominating the main stage.

For Arcando, this collaboration solidifies his place in the upper echelon of rising electronic talent. For Bonn, it’s another successful notch in a growing belt of vocal-driven EDM anthems.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for EDM in 2025

“Set Me Free” is more than just a track—it’s a statement. A declaration that the electronic music scene is still evolving, and that even the biggest names can pivot, experiment, and surprise us.

With this release, Martin Garrix, Arcando, and Bonn have delivered a genre-defying collaboration that captures the pulse of 2025. It’s bold, it’s emotional, it’s high-tempo, and most importantly—it’s a clear reminder that freedom in music means never staying still.