Superstar DJ/Producer Martin Garrix returns to Ushuaïa Ibiza this summer for the next chapter in his world-famous Ibiza residency. The king of Thursday nights will present a spectacular new show with an incredible roster of special guests from across the worlds of house, electro and progressive.
Ahead of his Opening Party on Thursday 20th June, we caught up with the Dutch sensation to learn about his Ushuaïa Ibiza journey - from clubber to headliner.
Ushuaïa Ibiza: Hi Martin! Can you tell us about your first time at Ushuaïa Ibiza?
Martin Garrix: The first time I came here was to go to a show. Music has brought me here. Swedish House Mafia were playing and I had to sneak in. It was one of the best nights of my life. I remember the scent of the CO2 jets and being in the crowd by myself. I thought ‘How is this a real place’. Swedish House Mafia played “Don’t You Worry Child”, and “Save The World”, it was surreal. I wasn’t DJing or there or anything at the time, I was just stoked to be at the venue.
UI: When did you first perform here?
MG: My first time playing was doing the warm-up for David Guetta. It was so much fun! I loved the energy, I loved the people, I loved the atmosphere. There's no place like Ushuaïa Ibiza.
UI: Can you remember your first residency show at Ushuaïa Ibiza?
MG: Yes! The first song of the first show of the first residency was “Dragon”. We had a huge + X behind me. This was the first time I used it for stage design after switching from my old logo. I have so many memories of that summer. Some of the best moments of my life happened on that stage. To be there and see a crowd who actually showed up for my music, instead of me being the opener for other artists was very, very surreal.
UI: What role did your Ushuaïa Ibiza residency play in shaping your career and musical output?
MG: My residency has really helped me because it was like a testing ground for new material. Ushuaïa Ibiza even has a studio on site, and I remember once I did a remix for The Weeknd and I had a very strict deadline. I remember finalising it in the Ushuaïa Ibiza studio and then playing it on stage an hour later at the show. It sounded good on the system, it got a great crowd response, I thought, ‘Perfect, I can deliver the master.’ Ushuaïa Ibiza feels like home. I feel so close to the staff and the people who work here. Yann and Romain, I grew up with them, so it’s really special. It’s a very special place.
UI: Do you have any stand-out moments from over the years at Ushuaïa Ibiza?
MG: Every year we celebrate my mom's birthday, on the third of July. So we’ve celebrated her birthday many times at the show. Her birthdays are always very vivid, happy memories. Family, cake, happiness. Her friends are all there, my friends come. It’s really special.
UI: Are there favourite guests that have joined you at Ushuaïa Ibiza?
MG: What I love about Ushuaïa Ibiza, and what I love about the island in general, Is that every week there are different artists on the island. The Ushuaïa Ibiza residents are like a group of friends who support each other and go to each other’s shows. It's really, really fun. So don't be surprised if you see spontaneous B2Bs happen
UI: What’s the key to a great residency?
MG: I think the key to a great residency is teamwork, trust and always growing and building. I'm still learning every show, every week. I don't want to be comfortable, I don't want to sit down and relax. I want to be pushed. This is my 12th year on the island, and this year is one of my favourite stages we've done so far. It’s really exciting that we can still level up each year.
UI: You have been performing at Ushuaïa Ibiza for several years now. What is it about this venue and crowd that keeps you coming back?
MG: For me, it's the venue, the crowd, the energy, the stage designs. It’s really cool because even though it's the same venue every day it's completely different. You can go watch a David Guetta show and then a Calvin Harris show or a Garrix show and every day that stage is completely changed. There’s a different atmosphere, different people. It's magic, and there's no place in the world like Ushuaïa Ibiza.
UI: How do you think Ushuaïa Ibiza contributes to the overall nightlife experience on the island?
MG: I think Ushuaïa Ibiza is the number one place. It's like a day party vibe during the day, everybody's chill, relaxed dancing with their feet in the water, amazing weather. And then the moment it gets dark, the production, the lasers, the lights, the flames, the fireworks, everything. For me, it's like playing a festival in a club setting. It's a huge space, but it somehow still feels intimate. I can see every single person's face and there's just so much joy. Everybody's there to celebrate.
UI: Ushuaïa Ibiza has a unique outdoor setting. Does performing there give you a different vibe compared to indoor venues, and how does it influence your performance?
MG: It is the perfect testing ground as an artist. Because I go every week, I can make small little tweaks to the show. Every visual that we take on tour, we premiere at Ushuaïa Ibiza first. We figure out what looks good and what works. And of course, when the planes fly over It's magic! I had a flight tracker on my phone when I was performing, so I could see the planes approaching and time the perfect build up. I love coming here just to see music too. There are weeks where I’ll go to Ushuaïa Ibiza four times that week, and then do my show!
Martin Garrix’s Ushuaïa Ibiza residency runs every Thursday from 20th June - 26th September. You can view full listings, buy tickets and book VIP tables via the 2024 events calendar below.
