‘Never expected Animals to become so popular’

By Geoffrey Rowlands

Most 17-year-olds are either still in school and looking forward to five more years of education or struggling to find what would probably be a poorly paid job.

Martin Garrix is rather different. The Dutch DJ/ producer has been celebrating his number one spot on the UK singles chart with the electronic dance track Animals.

“I understand why people make a big thing about my age,” smiled Amsterdam-born Martin, real name Martijn Garritsen. “But many DJs start even younger than me. I was 13 when I did my first show. I’ll never forget it; I played to about 400 people at what was basically my own party. I’d invited all of my friends and said they should ask their friends to come. It was fantastic.”

Martin has known what he wanted to do since watching Tiesto present a DJ set during the closing ceremony of the 2004 Olympics.

“That was the first time I’d seen a DJ perform and my first experience of the atmosphere which can be created with electronic dance music. I wanted to be like Tiesto so saved my money to buy a DJ set-up and installed a programme on my computer which allowed me to produce my own music.

“The difference between me and other young DJs/ producers is that I’ve had a big mainstream hit. There have been many successful youngsters on the dance music scene but their tracks have not become popular in the mainstream charts so they are only known to dance music fans.”

Martin modestly neglected to mention he is the youngest person to be named among the world’s top 100 DJs by DJ magazine. He is also the youngest DJ to have a number one hit on the Beatport chart.

“I’m obviously very proud of these achievements but I recognise how much I owe to the people who have helped me along the way. My parents first and foremost. They have always encouraged my musical ambitions. Without their love and support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.

“Famous names from the Dutch DJ and production scene such as Tiesto, Hardwell and Vato Gonzalez have helped me enormously. Vato started playing my tracks in his sets about two years ago. This brought me to the attention of other producers and dance music labels.”

His deal with Dutch dance giant Spinnin Records came about after he produced a track which was credited to another artist. Although he is contractually forbidden to reveal the name, Spinnin executives discovered the smash hit song was actually created by Martin. He was invited to play some of his other tunes for the label bosses who were impressed enough to sign him immediately.

After gaining a raised profile from his own songs and remixing tracks by other artists, Martin has reached an entirely new level through the success of Animals. The song is based around a melody he created in 2011.

“I was listening to my old tracks last January and heard this music which I hadn’t used for anything. It stuck in my mind so I thought I should do something with the tune. I eventually decided to rip a weird sound from a hip hop track by Busta Rhymes called What It Is and combine it with my music. An MC friend added a few words of lyric and everything was done really quickly.

“I create my music for club and festival audiences so never expected Animals to become so popular with mainstream music fans. It’s amazing how the song has taken off. Many people come to my shows wearing animal masks.”

His next single, Wizard, is a collaboration with Jay Hardway. The track follows the same formula as Animals so does Martin expect similar mainstream success?

“You never know what will happen. My tunes are aimed at dance fans but I’d be delighted if all the mainstream fans who bought Animals get just as much enjoyment from Wizard.”

IN BRIEF

Nickleback

Canadian rock quartet Nickleback have released their greatest hits album, The Best of Nickleback, Volume 1.

The 19-track album contains all their major mainstream hits though some fans may be disappointed by the absence of early singles which were specialist chart hits without ever reaching the Billboard Hot 100.

Official videos for 17 of the 19 songs have been compiled and posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB0DU4DoPP4&list=PLFMns86uumjgt6kgSNaCzJamPSKVuRgtQ.

Pharrell Williams

Do you have 24 hours to spare? If the answer is yes, you might care to watch the first day-long music video which Pharrell Williams has created for his new single, Happy.

The video can be found at (no www.) 24hoursofhappy.com. In addition to Pharrell, famous names such as Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Foxx, Kelly Osbourne, Steve Martin and numerous others put in cameo appearances. But the real stars are unknown members of the public filmed dancing to the song which plays on a continuous loop.

The video can be joined at any time, fast-forwarded or rewound. There are even P-points for those who only want to watch Pharrell’s appearances.

An official song video features clips from 24 Hours of Happy. This can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Songs for the Philippines

The destruction wrought by Typhoon Haiyan left thousands dead and millions homeless in the Philippines. Aid has been pouring into the country but pop fans now have the opportunity to make their financial contribution and receive something in return.

Some 37 artists have donated one track, The Beatles have given two, for the iTunes charity album, Songs for the Philippines. It features a host of stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Kings of Leon, P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Muse and many more. The price is just 9.99 USD.

Arcade fire

Some Arcade Fire fans are not too happy with the band. In preparation for a world tour promoting their new album, Reflektor, they played a number of small club shows at which fans were asked to wear either formal attire or some kind of fancy dress costume.

This dress code was not appreciated and fans made their feelings clear in an online backlash. Frontman Win Butler was initially non-conciliatory even telling an audience he would not apologise to anyone who felt uncomfortable about dressing up.

But the band’s stance has softened suggesting all those who were upset by the dress code should relax as it was not mandatory. This is not apparent in what would seem to be clear instructions on dress but fans can now feel free to wear their usual apparel.

The official promo for Arcade Fire’s new single, Afterlife, is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcKinnMXuKg. The song does not begin until 90 seconds into the video.

Gino black

Miami rapper Gino Black has just issued Another Moment, the latest track from his forthcoming debut EP, The Assassination of Gino Black.

The song, along with his previous releases, can be heard at (no www.) soundcloud.com/ginoblackmusic. She Loves No One provides guest vocals on Another Moment. Some of her own songs are also posted on Gino’s SoundCloud webpage.

His earlier singles, Almost Famous and Liquor Free, can be downloaded for free at (no www.) ginoblack.bandcamp.com/