ADE Martin Garrix & Friends

Inside the Minds of Top DJs: Collaboration, Passion, and the Key to Success

In an exclusive sit-down, some of today’s leading DJs and producers took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on their journey through the music industry. They shared stories of their first collaborations, lessons learned, and advice for the next generation of artists. From humble beginnings to headlining festivals, their experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring musicians.

The Spark of Collaboration

The conversation kicked off with Mesto reminiscing about the early days. “I first connected with Martin back when he was still in a band,” he shared. “It wasn’t until later that we reconnected and worked on a track called Bouncy Ball. It was a lot of fun!” That sense of creative spark seemed to set the tone for the entire discussion.

As they reminisced about their initial collaborations, one of the most memorable moments came up: the time when, after just meeting, the group found themselves in a dressing room sharing voice notes of the tunes they were working on. "It was great to see how tight they all were from the start," one of them remarked, showing how quickly creativity flowed between them.

Learning from Each Other

Collaborating has been a significant learning curve for all involved. Justin spoke about how much he picked up from working with Martin in the studio. “I taught myself most of what I know, but seeing Martin produce so quickly made me realize I was doing something wrong. It was a wake-up call,” Justin laughed.

Julian also stressed the importance of dedication to perfecting their craft. “We once spent six hours trying to find the right three words for a song,” he said, underlining the idea that success comes from refining every detail. “It’s that kind of commitment that sets you apart.”

A Balance of Hard Work and Humor

Even though hard work is at the heart of what they do, humor is never far behind. At one point, the group broke into laughter when someone mentioned Martin’s extreme organization skills. Compared to the chaos of their own project files, it became a running joke in the conversation. “He always hates me for it,” one of them admitted, sparking even more laughter among the group.

A Frustration-Free Zone

When discussing their experiences with music labels, Martin shared what drove him to create his own platform. Frustrated by how much of an artist's earnings were going to the industry, he wanted to build something that prioritized the artist. “It’s almost philanthropic,” another producer added, praising Martin’s dedication to putting the artist first.

Persistence is key, they all agreed. “You’re gonna send out countless DMs and emails, and most probably won’t reply,” Justin admitted. “But you can’t let that stop you.” Martin added, “You can’t get frustrated. Frustration is the enemy of success.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists: Authenticity and Community

As the conversation shifted toward advice for up-and-coming DJs and producers, Mesto shared some golden nuggets on the importance of being resourceful. “It’s not just about posting and waiting for likes,” he emphasized. “It’s about building a community.” With social media now being such a vital tool for artists, the group urged the next generation to engage meaningfully with their audience rather than passively waiting for attention.

Another key takeaway was the importance of staying true to yourself rather than chasing the latest trend. “It’s tempting to jump on whatever genre is hot at the moment,” one of them noted. “But staying true to your own sound is far more important.” Justin echoed this, saying, “I just keep doing my thing and let the music speak for itself.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

For these DJs, the next big thrill lies in mentoring young artists. They find joy in watching new talent rise to the stage. “If I can bring a young artist on stage with me and see their track go crazy, that’s the most magical feeling,” Martin said, his passion for nurturing fresh talent evident.

The Power of Perseverance

One clear message rang through the entire conversation: perseverance is essential. Whether it’s staying true to your sound, putting in the hours, or pushing through rejection, their stories highlight the importance of patience and resilience.

“Frustration is your biggest enemy,” Martin repeated, reinforcing that the road to success isn’t smooth—but with hard work and the right mindset, the rewards are immeasurable.

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As these top DJs continue to evolve and innovate, their advice offers inspiration to anyone trying to break into the music scene. Their journeys may have started in different places, but what they share is a love for music, a relentless work ethic, and a belief in the power of collaboration.

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