Feature
Behind the aliases
Using multiple aliases has been a practical creative choice for Martin Garrix since his early years. Each name corresponds to a specific context, time period, or musical direction, allowing him to separate personal life from public exposure, experiment without expectations, and collaborate more freely when needed. These aliases are not marketing gimmicks but functional tools that reflect how his career has evolved.
Martijn, the person behind the names
Martijn Garritsen is the private individual behind every alias. This is the name used offstage, outside the studio, and away from the industry. Keeping a clear boundary between Martijn and his public identities has been essential to maintaining balance as his career scaled rapidly from local shows to global tours. All creative decisions ultimately come from this same person, regardless of the name attached to the project.
DJ Marty, the beginning
Before international stages and festival headlines, Martijn performed under the nickname DJ Marty. As a child and early teenager, this name was used for small DJ sets at friends’ parties, school events, and weddings. It reflects a formative period focused on learning how to read a crowd, mix records, and enjoy DJing without pressure or visibility.
Martin Garrix, the global identity
The name Martin Garrix emerged during his teenage years, around the time he was studying and performing at venues such as P60 in Amstelveen. This alias became globally recognized after the 2013 breakthrough single Animals, followed by a string of chart-topping releases and major festival appearances. It represents his main discography, headline performances, and long-term artistic vision as a leading figure in electronic music.
YTRAM, the darker outlet
YTRAM, which is “Marty” spelled backwards, was introduced as a separate outlet for club-focused, darker, and more underground productions. Under this alias, Martijn releases tracks that differ from the high-energy, festival-driven sound associated with Martin Garrix. YTRAM allows him to test ideas in a more intimate club environment, without the expectations tied to his main name.
AREA21, the collaborative project
AREA21 is a duo formed with Maejor. In this project, Maejor handles vocals while Martijn focuses on production. AREA21 explores a crossover between electronic music, pop, and hip-hop influences, with a strong emphasis on songwriting and storytelling, distinct from Garrix’s solo releases.
GRX, stepping back from the spotlight
The GRX alias is used more sporadically, mainly for collaborations with other producers. It serves as a way for Martijn to participate in joint projects while intentionally lowering the focus on his superstar status. GRX releases often highlight the collaborative process itself, rather than a single dominant name, allowing the music to stand on equal footing between artists.