Behind the glass doors of STMPD RCRDS lies a creative ecosystem changing the way electronic music is born

In a quiet corner of Amsterdam, high above the city’s industrial skyline, a discreet studio hums with energy. It belongs to Martin Garrix, one of the youngest and most influential DJs in the world. But this is no ordinary producer’s hideaway. Inside his STMPD RCRDS headquarters, Garrix has built something closer to a music startup incubator — a space where young producers, songwriters, and engineers are invited to experiment, collaborate, and learn under his guidance.

A Studio with a Mission

When Garrix purchased and rebuilt the studio complex in Amsterdam, his goal wasn’t just to create a luxury workspace for his own hits. He envisioned a creative hub — a place where new ideas could flourish. Spread across multiple soundproof rooms, each studio is designed for a different stage of the creative process: production, mixing, vocal recording, and immersive sound design. From cutting-edge digital consoles to hand-picked analog equipment, every detail reflects Garrix’s obsession with sound perfection.

Yet the real secret isn’t the technology — it’s the access. Garrix regularly opens the studio’s doors to young, unsigned artists. Many of them come from small towns or online music communities, eager to find mentorship and feedback. Inside these walls, newcomers are treated not as interns or assistants, but as peers. They share space, trade samples, and sometimes walk out with a track co-produced by Garrix himself.

The “Startup” Mindset in Music

To understand what makes Garrix’s approach unique, think of how a tech startup incubator works. Entrepreneurs gather in one space, share tools, bounce ideas off each other, and receive guidance from seasoned mentors. Garrix’s studio functions in the same way — only the product here is music.

The structure is simple but effective:

Shared Infrastructure: Artists use the same high-end equipment and studio rooms that Garrix does. There’s no hierarchy between “rookie” and “superstar.”

Mentorship: Garrix and his engineers regularly sit in on sessions, giving feedback and sharing production techniques.

Collaboration Over Competition: Instead of guarding their ideas, producers collaborate openly, blending genres from house to pop to indie.

Low Barriers to Entry: Some artists are invited to record or mix without paying traditional studio fees — a gesture Garrix calls “investing in creativity.”

This model transforms the studio into a living laboratory where new sounds are constantly being tested, re-imagined, and pushed forward.

Growing the Next Generation of Sound

Garrix often recalls how, as a teenager producing from his bedroom, he wished for a place like this — somewhere to learn and connect. Now, he’s built that dream for others. The results speak for themselves: several young producers who started out in his studio have gone on to release tracks under the STMPD label, gaining millions of streams and landing spots at major festivals.

Unlike traditional labels that scout finished tracks, STMPD focuses on developing the artist first. Garrix’s team helps refine their sound, connects them with vocalists, and even pairs them with visual artists to design their branding. It’s a full-circle model that feels less like a record label and more like a startup accelerator — one that funds ideas, not just products.

Inside the “Secret” Studio

For those lucky enough to enter, the vibe is unlike any commercial studio. There’s no corporate atmosphere, no stiff professionalism — just a sense of creative chaos. Laptops, synths, and cables spill across sleek desks. One room hums with deep basslines, another echoes with vocal takes.

The crown jewel of the facility sits on the top floor: Garrix’s personal studio. From this room, framed by a panoramic view of Amsterdam, he produces his own global hits — but also spends hours helping others fine-tune their sound design, rearrange drops, or balance mixes. Artists describe the atmosphere as both intense and liberating: a rare space where experimentation is encouraged, and perfection is never rushed.

A Hub Beyond EDM

Although Garrix is one of the biggest names in electronic dance music, he refuses to limit his studio to a single genre. The rooms have hosted rappers, indie bands, film composers, and even classical musicians experimenting with electronic textures. Garrix believes that genre-blending is the future of music, and the studio reflects that philosophy.

This openness attracts diverse voices — a rapper from London might collaborate with a trance producer from Berlin, or a Dutch pop singer might co-write with a Brazilian DJ. The collisions between these styles create unexpected results, sometimes leading to chart-ready songs that sound like nothing else on the radio.

Why It Works

The success of Garrix’s studio isn’t about money or fame — it’s about community. In an industry often driven by competition and ego, he has built a space that thrives on collaboration. The “incubator” approach works because it mirrors how innovation happens in the modern world: people from different backgrounds combining their skills to create something new.

There’s also a clear strategic layer. By nurturing young talent, Garrix ensures his label stays ahead of trends. Fresh ideas feed into his own work, while his experience shapes the next generation. It’s a symbiotic relationship that keeps both sides growing.

Challenges in Building a Music Ecosystem

Running a creative hub like this isn’t simple. High-end studios are expensive to maintain, and giving free access means balancing passion with sustainability. To keep the operation running, the complex also handles post-production for commercials, films, and game soundtracks. This revenue helps fund the artist sessions and community projects.

Another challenge lies in staying authentic. As more artists join the STMPD circle, Garrix’s team carefully selects who gets access — prioritizing creativity and dedication over online fame. The goal is not mass production, but meaningful growth.

A New Blueprint for the Music Industry

In many ways, what Garrix is building represents a new blueprint for the music industry. Rather than waiting for talent to emerge fully formed, he’s helping shape it. His model proves that big stars can use their success to elevate others — not through flashy sponsorships or talent shows, but through real collaboration.

It also signals a broader shift in electronic music. For years, EDM was dominated by individual superstars performing solo behind massive DJ booths. Now, the future seems to belong to collectives, communities, and shared creativity — and Garrix’s studio stands as the prototype for this evolution.

The Personal Payoff

For Garrix, the rewards go far beyond commercial success. Immersed daily in an environment of fresh sounds and fearless experimentation, he continues to evolve as an artist. Collaborating with younger producers pushes him to explore new directions — to break out of patterns and rediscover the excitement that first drew him to music.

Friends close to the DJ say that this studio is his “second home.” When not touring the world, he spends countless nights here, producing, mentoring, or simply listening. The line between teacher and student often disappears — in the best sessions, everyone learns from everyone.

The Future of Garrix’s “Incubator”

There are rumors that Garrix plans to expand the concept, possibly opening smaller creative spaces in other cities. Whether or not that happens, the Amsterdam studio has already proven what’s possible when technology, talent, and generosity intersect.

In an age where digital distribution has leveled the playing field, access to physical spaces like STMPD remains one of the last frontiers of opportunity. By opening that door, Garrix isn’t just helping individuals — he’s reshaping the culture of electronic music itself.

A Quiet Revolution in Sound

From the outside, it may look like just another modern studio in Amsterdam. But inside, beats are being born that could define the next era of EDM. Martin Garrix’s “secret studio” is more than a workplace; it’s a movement — one that treats creativity like a startup, collaboration like capital, and passion as the ultimate investment.

In this hidden corner of the city, surrounded by blinking lights and endless soundwaves, Garrix is cultivating the future — one track, one dream, one artist at a time.