Behind the spotlight: Martin Garrix lives with an unexpected fear

When Martin Garrix steps onto the main stage at Tomorrowland, Ultra, or any other mega-festival around the world, he commands a sea of fans with pure energy, confidence, and joy. But behind those pyrotechnics, beats, and roaring crowds lies a side of him few truly understand — one that grapples with an unexpected fear far removed from the world of music.

This is the untold story of a DJ who seems to have it all, but deep down, Martin Garrix lives with a fear that continues to shape his personal life, career, and mindset — even as he stands at the top of the EDM world.

The Rise of a Superstar

Martin Garrix, born Martijn Garritsen in 1996 in Amstelveen, Netherlands, skyrocketed to fame with his hit single “Animals” at the age of just 17. From that point on, his journey became a whirlwind of global tours, chart-topping releases, and collaborations with the biggest names in the industry — Dua Lipa, Usher, Bebe Rexha, and David Guetta, to name a few.

He became a symbol of youthful success in electronic music. But as his success grew, so did the weight of pressure — a pressure most fans never see.

Fame, Perfectionism, and a Fear No One Expected

So what exactly is this unexpected fear that shadows Martin Garrix?

It’s not fear of failure. Nor is it fear of crowds, criticism, or burnout — although all of those have played roles at times. Martin Garrix lives with a deep fear of losing his authenticity, of becoming someone he no longer recognizes in the pursuit of fame and perfection.

In a rare and raw interview, Garrix once confessed:

“Sometimes, I look in the mirror after a show and ask myself — am I still doing this for the right reasons?”

This question haunts him. As he’s become a global brand, there’s a constant fear of being consumed by the expectations, of always having to deliver hits, sold-out performances, and maintain a public image that may not always reflect who he is offstage.

The Double Life of Martin Garrix

To the world, Martin Garrix is the party starter. But behind closed doors, he’s admitted that solitude is his real escape.

Unlike many of his peers who revel in the non-stop nightlife, Garrix has revealed in multiple interviews that he often prefers staying home, gaming, watching documentaries, or walking by himself, far from the limelight.

This contrast — between the superstar and the solitary man — fuels his fear. What if the world only wants the version of Martin Garrix who’s onstage, not the one who lives quietly behind the scenes?

An Industry That Demands a Mask

The EDM industry is notorious for its demands — relentless touring schedules, social media pressure, and the need to constantly evolve creatively. While Garrix has handled this pressure impressively, it doesn’t come without emotional cost.

He once shared with a close friend, according to a Dutch outlet:

“Every time I say no to a show or a brand deal, I feel like I’m letting someone down. But if I keep saying yes, I let myself down.”

It’s in these moments that the fear creeps in: the fear that he’ll forget who he really is — that the spotlight will slowly erase the person behind the decks.

Friendships That Keep Him Grounded

Garrix is known to be close with fellow DJs like David Guetta and Tiësto, but it’s his inner circle of childhood friends who have played the biggest role in keeping him grounded.

He travels with them, spends off-days back in the Netherlands, and keeps his family close. In an age where artists are often swallowed whole by fame, Martin Garrix insists on maintaining a normalcy that reminds him of where he came from.

This support system is his defense against that creeping fear — a reminder that behind the celebrity is still Martijn, the kid who fell in love with music watching Tiësto at the Olympics in 2004.

Mental Health and the Modern Artist

As the conversation around mental health in the music industry grows, Garrix has slowly opened up about his own experiences. While he hasn’t labeled his emotions with terms like anxiety or depression, he’s been transparent about the mental toll of touring and the need for balance.

In one particularly revealing moment, he admitted:

“There was a time I did 200 shows in a year. I forgot what home looked like.”

It was during this phase that the fear of disconnection from himself became strongest. He’s since taken steps to reduce his schedule, prioritize health, and be intentional with his time — a rare move in a world where “grind” is glorified.

A DJ Who Doesn’t Party?

Here’s another surprising fact: Martin Garrix doesn’t drink or smoke. While the industry is often drenched in alcohol and afterparties, Garrix has made it a point to stay clear-minded — and that’s directly tied to his fear of losing control.

“I’ve seen people change because of this lifestyle, and I never want to become someone I don’t recognize,” he said.

This fear — that fame might morph him into someone he doesn’t want to be — is one reason he sets personal boundaries that others don’t.

Searching for Meaning Beyond Music

Another reason this fear exists is because Garrix is searching for something beyond music. He’s hinted at interest in film scoring, environmental work, and even tech entrepreneurship.

When asked if he sees himself DJing forever, he responded:

“I’ll always love music, but I don’t think I’ll be doing 100 shows a year forever. There’s more I want to do.”

The fear that he may never explore those other sides of life — or that he’ll become trapped in the Martin Garrix identity — is a powerful motivator behind many of his life decisions today.

What His Fans Can Learn From Him

Martin Garrix’s story isn’t one of darkness or despair, but of someone who refuses to lose himself in a world designed to devour identity. His fear, though unexpected, is deeply human — the fear of becoming a version of yourself molded by others, not by your own values.

His journey reminds fans and fellow artists alike that even at the top, staying true to yourself is a daily choice, not a one-time achievement.

Conclusion: The Real Martin Garrix Is Still Searching

Behind every drop, every headlining set, and every chart-topping single is a young man still figuring it out. Martin Garrix lives with an unexpected fear — but it’s that fear that keeps him grounded, humble, and real.

As long as he continues to balance the light of the stage with the stillness of his own mind, he’ll not only stay relevant in music — he’ll stay true to himself.

And in an industry where many lose their way, that might be his greatest success of all.