Martin Garrix Was Devastated After Ultra And What Happened Next Shocked Everyone

In a recent interview, Martin Garrix, one of the most prominent names in modern electronic dance music (EDM), opened up about some of the most defining moments in his musical journey. While fans know him for massive festival anthems and high-energy performances, Garrix revealed a vulnerable, unexpected story behind one of his most famous tracks — “In The Name of Love.”

What started as a night of disappointment turned into a career-defining breakthrough. The story behind “In The Name of Love” is not just about music; it’s a lesson in perseverance, emotional honesty, and the unpredictable path to creating an iconic EDM track.

A Quiet Crowd at Ultra: The Unexpected Debut of “In The Name of Love”

The first time Martin Garrix played “In The Name of Love” was at the world-renowned Ultra Music Festival in Miami — a stage known for explosive reactions, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments. Garrix had just finished the track and decided to test it out live, eager to see how the crowd would respond to this emotional new sound.

But to his surprise — and dismay — the reaction was nearly nonexistent.

“I remember it so clearly,” Garrix said. “I played ‘In The Name of Love’ for the first time at Ultra, and nothing happened. People didn’t move. No one jumped. It was just… quiet. I came off stage thinking I had made a huge mistake.”

This wasn’t just any song for Garrix — it was a deeply personal, melodic departure from his usual high-octane festival bangers. It blended emotional vocals, future bass, and a slower, more cinematic build. The silence from the crowd stung.

Thinking It Was a Flop: The Aftermath

After the set, Martin Garrix walked off stage believing he had just introduced a flop to one of the biggest audiences in dance music. For any artist, especially one performing in front of thousands at Ultra, that kind of uncertainty can shake your confidence.

“I thought maybe I went too soft,” Garrix admitted. “That maybe I was trying too hard to evolve my sound and it just didn’t land.”

For someone who had already conquered global charts with “Animals”, and played alongside titans of the genre, this felt like a major setback. But as we all know, first impressions can be misleading — especially in music.

From Misunderstood to Massive: The Rise of a Global Hit

Despite the lukewarm live debut, Martin Garrix decided not to abandon the track. A few months later, “In The Name of Love”, featuring pop powerhouse Bebe Rexha, was officially released — and everything changed.

The song quickly climbed global charts, amassing hundreds of millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. It broke into the Billboard Hot 100, dominated international radio, and soon became one of the biggest hits in Garrix’s career.

From clubs in Ibiza to festival stages in Europe and Asia, “In The Name of Love” turned into a sing-along anthem, proving that the emotional resonance of a song can outlast a quiet first impression.

A Turning Point in Martin Garrix’s Musical Identity

“In The Name of Love” marked a significant shift in the sound and style of Martin Garrix. Known for his aggressive big room house drops, this track showed a softer, more mature side of his production abilities.

Instead of relying on thumping kicks and heavy synths, Garrix leaned into emotive chord progressions, melodic builds, and pop sensibilities — a risk for any artist associated with the high-energy core of EDM.

The result? A more expansive and versatile musical identity.

“This song was different,” Garrix said. “It wasn’t about making people jump. It was about making people feel something.”

And that’s exactly what happened. The emotional depth of “In The Name of Love” opened new doors for Garrix, allowing him to collaborate with artists from across genres and explore new sonic territories.

The Role of Bebe Rexha in Crafting the Hit

A massive part of the song’s success can be credited to the vocal performance of Bebe Rexha. Her raw, heartfelt delivery brought vulnerability to the track, perfectly complementing Garrix’s cinematic production.

Together, they created a crossover masterpiece — one that lived comfortably on both Top 40 radio and EDM festival stages. Their collaboration bridged the gap between pop and electronic music, setting a precedent for many future cross-genre tracks in the dance scene.

Legacy and Long-Term Impact of “In The Name of Love”

Years after its release, “In The Name of Love” is still recognized as one of the most influential songs in modern electronic music. It helped normalize the blend of pop vocals with future bass and EDM drops, influencing countless producers and songwriters.

More importantly, it taught a valuable lesson: emotional vulnerability has a place in dance music. Not every song needs to be a hands-in-the-air, firework-blasting banger. Sometimes, it’s the quieter, heartfelt songs that stand the test of time.

Performing It Live Today: From Silence to Singalongs

Today, when Martin Garrix plays “In The Name of Love” at festivals, the reaction is completely different from that first awkward moment at Ultra. Now, thousands of voices join in the chorus. The crowd sways, phones light up the sky, and the song creates a collective emotional moment — one that transcends language and geography.

“Now it’s one of the best parts of my set,” Garrix shared. “Hearing people sing every word… it’s insane to think it all started with silence.”

What We Can Learn from Martin Garrix’s Experience

The journey of “In The Name of Love” serves as a reminder for artists — and anyone taking creative risks — that initial rejection doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes, the audience just needs time to catch up. True art isn’t always immediately understood.

Martin Garrix’s decision to trust his instincts, release the song, and allow it to find its audience was pivotal. It’s an inspiring story for any young producer or creative soul wondering if their work matters.

Spoiler: it probably does — just not always in the way you expect.

Conclusion: From Doubt to Dance Anthem

What began as a moment of doubt turned into one of the most powerful chapters in Martin Garrix’s story. “In The Name of Love” didn’t just become a hit — it became a symbol of growth, resilience, and the evolving nature of dance music itself.

Today, the track stands tall among the greats, not just for its chart performance but for its emotional depth and its impact on the evolution of modern EDM. And as Garrix continues to experiment, collaborate, and push boundaries, one thing is certain: sometimes, the songs you doubt the most become the ones the world loves the loudest.