Martin Garrix: “Tiësto is the reason I make music”

Martin Garrix has revealed that he owes everything in his career to one man; fellow Dutchman, and DJ superstar, Tiësto. Martin added that he was influenced to make dance music after watching his hero perform an iconic set during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, when Martin himself was just 8 years old.

Back in the early ‘00s when he was still very much a trance DJ, the ‘Adagio For Strings’ producer became the first ever DJ to play the Olympic Games, and remained so, until Martin himself  followed in his mentor’s footsteps and performed a 15-minute set during the Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea. 

Speaking about the performance, Martin said:

“Playing the Olympic Closing Ceremony was extra special to me. I got inspired to get started with electronic music because I saw Tiësto play the 2004 Olympics. I can only hope and dream that my performance will inspire others like Tiësto’s inspired me.”

Since helping Garrix launch his career in 2013 with ‘Animals’, Tiësto teamed up with the youngster on 2015 track ‘The Only Way Is Up’, with Garrix since releasing a flurry of hits to earn himself the #1 spot in DJ Mag‘s Top 100 poll.

His latest production, a funky synth-led collaboration with Brooks and David Guetta, is out now, and can be heard below!