Title: Martin Garrix And MOTi Mark 12 Years Of ‘Virus (How About Now)’
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since Martin Garrix and MOTi joined forces to create the iconic track ‘Virus (How About Now)’. First released in 2014, this collaboration quickly became synonymous with the big room sound that dominated the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Before the official release, the track garnered attention within the festival circuit, often played by major DJs, sparking intrigue about its origin. Once Spinnin’ Records finally confirmed Garrix and MOTi as the masterminds behind the pulsating anthem, the track exploded into mainstream consciousness, earning admiration and support from EDM titans such as Hardwell, Avicii, Tiësto, David Guetta, Afrojack, W&W, and Nicky Romero.
How ‘Virus (How About Now)’ Came Together
The inception of ‘Virus’ is a testament to creative collaboration. The journey began when MOTi shared an early demo of the track with Martin Garrix after years of friendship. MOTi recalled how Garrix was instantly drawn to the catchy melody of the drop, leading him to contribute his own ideas, particularly the memorable breakdown. Their synergy proved fruitful, resulting in a polished track that also featured the enchanting vocals of Jenny Wahlström, credited for her songwriting alongside Garrix, MOTi, Niclas Lundin, and Leon Paul Palmen.
In a rapidly evolving electronic landscape, both artists were at the forefront of the big room and electro house genres, which had begun to define festivals worldwide. Garrix had recently skyrocketed to fame with hits like ‘Animals’ and ‘Wizard’, while MOTi was already making waves with tracks released through Musical Freedom, including collaborations like ‘Zeus’ with Kenneth G and ‘This Is Dirty’ with DVBBS. Their collective stylistic elements naturally fused in ‘Virus (How About Now)’, which ultimately soared to the No. 1 spot on the Beatport Top 100.
‘Virus’ Became A Major 2014 Festival Record
When ‘Virus (How About Now)’ finally dropped, it had already been endorsed by heavyweights in the industry, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into the festival scene. The official music video premiered on October 13, 2014, coinciding with the single’s release across various platforms. Its popularity transcended borders, making it a hit in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.
The music video for ‘Virus’ was a narrative-driven visual journey, depicting the titular virus as it spread from person to person, juxtaposed with a computer game running parallel to the storyline. Released alongside the track, the video achieved remarkable success, amassing over 22 million views on the official Spinnin’ Records upload. This merging of audio and visual storytelling contributed to the single’s appeal, establishing a complete sensory experience for listeners and viewers alike.
Fast forward more than a decade, and ‘Virus (How About Now)’ remains a lasting relic from an era when big room house ruled the festival scene. Its infectious energy continues to resonate, often featured in nostalgia-filled DJ sets that pay homage to the genre’s peak years. For both Garrix and MOTi, this collaboration isn’t just a milestone in their careers but a marker of a significant moment in the evolution of electronic music as a whole.
