Title: Martin Garrix And MOTi Mark 12 Years Of ‘Virus (How About Now)’
It’s hard to believe that it has already been 12 years since Martin Garrix and MOTi first unleashed their electrifying collaboration, ‘Virus (How About Now)’. This landmark track burst onto the electronic dance music scene in 2014, quickly establishing itself as an anthem of the big room sound that defined festival lineups that year. Even before its official release, the track was gaining traction in DJ sets worldwide, with eager fans speculating about the identity of the artists behind this pulsating gem. The secret was finally revealed when Spinnin’ Records took the lid off, officially crediting these two talented producers for the infectious tune.
Notable DJs like Hardwell, Avicii, Tiësto, David Guetta, Afrojack, W&W, and Nicky Romero were quick to show their support, adding weight to the track’s credibility even before it was made widely available. That early buzz was crucial in propelling ‘Virus’ into the echelons of festival favorites and club anthems.
How ‘Virus (How About Now)’ Came Together
The genesis of ‘Virus’ is a tale of artistic collaboration and friendship. MOTi had shared an initial version of the track with Martin Garrix several years after they first met. According to MOTi, Garrix was immediately captivated by the melody of the drop. This inspired him to contribute his own flair by adding a breakdown, showcasing the synergy that these two artists share. The final product emerged as a co-creation featuring not just groundbreaking electronic elements but also the soulful vocals of Jenny Wahlström, who earned a songwriting credit alongside Martin Garrix, MOTi, Niclas Lundin, and Leon Paul Palmen.
During this period, both producers were deeply rooted in the booming big room and electro house scenes that captivated festival crowds. Garrix had already reached remarkable heights with tracks like ‘Animals’ and ‘Wizard’, while MOTi was forging his path with impressive releases under the Musical Freedom label, such as ‘Zeus’ and ‘This Is Dirty’. This convergence of their musical styles is what made ‘Virus (How About Now)’ a natural and infectious hit, ultimately climbing to the coveted No. 1 spot on the Beatport Top 100.
‘Virus’ Became A Major 2014 Festival Record
As fate would have it, by the time ‘Virus’ officially dropped, it was already a mainstay in DJ sets at some of the world’s largest festivals. Spinnin’ Records released the official music video on October 13, 2014, with the commercial single hitting major streaming platforms shortly thereafter. The song didn’t just stop at electronic dance music; it topped charts across countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany, marking a worldly acceptance that few tracks ever achieve.
The music video that accompanied the release cleverly illustrated the song’s theme. It depicted a ‘virus’ traveling between people, set to the backdrop of a lively computer game, creating a visual narrative that resonated with the energetic essence of the track. The music video became a hit in its own right, garnering over 22 million views on the official Spinnin’ Records channel, further cementing its place in the electronic music hall of fame.
Years down the line, ‘Virus (How About Now)’ still serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when the big room sound dominated festival stages. For Martin Garrix and MOTi, this collaboration encapsulated a pivotal moment in their careers—when they were defining the sound for massive crowds. Its ongoing presence in throwback sets ensures that the allure of ‘Virus’ remains relevant, capturing the hearts of both veterans and newcomers to the scene long beyond 2014.
