For this article, we want to take a trip down memory lane and go back to June 17, 2013, the day Martin Garrix released Animals. At the time, nobody could have imagined that a 17-year-old Dutch producer would change the electronic music landscape forever.
Back then, EDM was experiencing its global explosion, and Animals hit the scene like a lightning bolt. The track received plenty of criticism: some called it “fairground music,” others thought it was too simple, and many believed it was just another passing trend. Yet that very record opened the doors to the Big Room era, becoming one of the defining anthems of an entire generation of festivals.
As the years went by, musical tastes evolved, and so did Martin Garrix. He refined his sound, gradually moved away from Big Room, and embraced the progressive style that Animals had, in some ways, pushed into the background. From there, another success story began: sold-out shows around the world, increasingly sophisticated productions, and five DJ Mag Top 100 DJs titles.
Why this introduction? Simply to remind ourselves how easy it is to judge an artist at the beginning of their career without knowing where their journey will lead.
Fast forward to today. Martin Garrix is coming off several incredible years, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of his label STMPD RCRDS, and has begun teasing a brand-new album that, based on what we’ve heard so far, seems ready to explore new directions beyond his signature progressive sound, featuring some truly unexpected collaborations.
In just a few weeks, two announcements arrived that would have seemed impossible not long ago. First came Repeat It with Ed Sheeran, a collaboration fans had been waiting for over a decade after the famous teaser that never saw the light of day. Then came Bizarre with Madonna, previewed through social media snippets and premiered live during Garrix’s show at the Barclays Center in New York.
Yes, it really happened: Martin Garrix and Madonna have released a song together. And this isn’t just a production credit—it’s a full-fledged collaboration, something many fans never expected to see.
If anyone had doubts back in 2013 about the future of the young producer who shook the scene with Animals, today the answer is crystal clear. Martin Garrix has become one of the most influential producers of his generation, and collaborating with an icon like Madonna is yet another milestone in a career built on talent, evolution, and determination.
Now all that’s left to do is hit play on Bizarre and enjoy this exciting new chapter in Martin Garrix’s career, featured on Madonna’s new album CONFESSIONS II.
Release Date: July 3, 2026 » Warner Records | Spotify | Apple Music |
