From Bedroom Ideas to Big Stages

Most DJs start small, experimenting at home with mixes and bootlegs. But behind every festival anthem lies hours of production. While the live sets are what fans see, the unseen side is often more technical and time-consuming. Producing a track involves layering sounds, structuring arrangements, tweaking effects, and mastering the final audio. Martin Garrix, like many artists today, began this journey in his bedroom, turning curiosity into skill, then into global success.

FL Studio: The Digital Playground

FL Studio is the software Martin Garrix has used since his early days. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, it allows producers to create full songs using samples, virtual instruments, and effects. Even if you’re not an expert, FL Studio makes it easier to turn musical ideas into polished tracks. Many EDM artists, from beginners to headliners, rely on it for its flexibility and creative workflow.

Other production tools like Ableton Live or Logic Pro are also widely used in the industry, especially for live performance setups or more complex audio arrangements. But for melodic electronic music, FL Studio remains one of the top choices.

DJ Software and Gear

Being a DJ also means mastering the gear. Software like rekordbox, Traktor, and Serato lets you prepare your sets, organize tracks, and perform live. Most club DJs today use Pioneer CDJs or similar controllers, which integrate with these platforms. For beginners, all-in-one controllers like the Pioneer DDJ series are a great starting point, offering a professional feel without a huge investment.

Getting Heard: SoundCloud, Collabs, and Social Media

Once you start producing, the next step is getting your music out there. Platforms like SoundCloud are essential for sharing your work and connecting with listeners. That’s how Martin Garrix first caught attention, uploading early tracks that showed both skill and potential.

Social media also plays a key role. Engaging with fans, teasing new tracks, and collaborating with other artists can open doors. Many DJs build their audience by remixing known songs or joining online challenges, before eventually releasing original music.

Collaboration is another path. Working with singers, producers, or even fellow DJs can help boost your visibility and sharpen your skills. Garrix himself has often said how much he learned through working with others.

Where to Learn: From YouTube to Pro Academies

Learning how to DJ and produce music has never been more accessible. Thousands of tutorials are available for free on YouTube, covering everything from basic mixing to advanced sound design. But for those who want to take things further, specialized schools offer more structured training.

One of the best-known institutions is the Herman Brood Academie (see page 16) in Utrecht, Netherlands. Martin Garrix studied there, and the school has become a hub for young talent in the music industry. It offers professional programs in music production, DJing, and artist development, all within a creative and forward-thinking environment. Garrix is also involved in the JBL Academy (see page 17), a mentorship initiative he co-created to give young artists real-world opportunities. Through this program, selected DJs get to perform, receive guidance, and network with professionals in the industry.

Final Drop

Becoming a DJ today means being versatile, creative, and connected. It’s about putting in the hours, staying curious, and building a sound that reflects who you are. Martin Garrix’s journey, from bedroom producer to global headliner, shows what’s possible when talent meets passion and the right tools. For any Garrixer dreaming of the stage, the path is wide open. All you have to do is press play.

This article was first published in Garrixers Mag 06 – Summer 2025
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