Welcome to STMPD

Hola everyone.


Guys, you know that I love talking about music more than anything. But as I guess that all these music lists are getting a little bit boring, I thought I’d change it up a bit. So, today I have the honor of introducing you to one of the coolest music labels on this planet.

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But before I begin I wanted to give you guys a little update on my last post and party a little bit, because it seems like Trump stopped working against the ban for elephant trophies. He stated that he stopped it because he wants to investigate further on how the conservation works, but I’m pretty sure that he stopped because the whole world was literally screaming at him and his administration. So yey and congratulations to all of us. Seems like we just helped to save this planet – at least for some time. Well done guys and whoever got active – thank you so much. You’re awesome.

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Okay, there’s that. Now let’s get back to this very special music label. The EDM fans among you will probably already know this supercool label called STMPD RCRDS. It was founded in May last year by the one and only Martijn Garristen – also known as Martin Garrix. And before any of you guys question my opinion about this label, no I’m not just interested in it because it’s his label. I mean, I was at first, but now that I’ve actually taken time to get to know it, it’s like Martijn introduced me to this amazing thing that I am now exploring on my own while being so damn thankful for the introduction.

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So yeah, it all started in May 2016, so you could say that the label is still pretty young. Martijn founded it after having some severe arguments and a disagreement about the ownership rights of his music with his older label Spinnin’ Records. And as the genius he is, instead of signing to another label, he just created his own, which now gives him complete freedom when it comes to his music and pretty much everything else. If I’m right the label now “belongs” to Sony Music and it seems like Martijn himself couldn’t be happier. Until today there are about 15 or so artists signed to the label, including Martijn himself (unfortunately I couldn’t find a complete list) and I have to say, all of them are freaking amazing.

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What I think is especially cool is that the label mostly consists of pretty much still unknown DJs and artists – I mean, at least I didn’t know them before. And also, like I said, Martijn is totally free when it comes to his own music and productions and so on, but of course he has his portfolio and type of music that people expect him to release and stick to, so he can’t just release anything. That’s why – another genius move – he just created side projects like GRX or Area 21, so he can release other music he enjoys to produce too. And I think that’s so damn amazing, because that way he’s able to show the world even more of his talent.

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STMPD is based in Amsterdam (like Martijn, of course) and just about a few months ago he and his team took over one of Amsterdams coolest recording studios called FC Walvisch, a spot used by international superstars like Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga and of course Martijn. Actually, in the last of his videos YouTube series “The Martin Garrix Show”, you could see him and his team celebrating the official opening of their new headquarters. You can now find the studio under the new name STMPD Recording Studios – here’s a link to their website.

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I have to say that I am incredibly proud of Martijn for bringing this whole thing to life and making his dream come true. It makes me kind of speechless too. And let’s not forget the fact that all the signed artists are seriously so damn good. I mean, how perfect can a label get? Cool headquarters, fresh young vibes, the most amazing boss ever and freaking good artists and breathtakingly good music. That’s all anyone in the music business could wish for. Oh, and if you’re wondering why the label is called STMPD – the name was actually inspired by Martijns father’s stamp auctioning company. So it’s basically just another cute tribute and link to his family.

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Okay, so, that’s pretty much all the most important information about this amazing label that I can provide you with. And now let’s get to the most fun part, which is getting to know some of the artists. I actually highly recommend following the label on Spotify (if you do have Spotify), their playlists are amazing and also quite addictive. I’ve been listening to them on repeat the past weeks. So, without further ado, let me present you some of my favorite song releases:

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As you can see it’s pretty hard for me to not just add every single song the label ever released. I of course had to put Area 21 on the list, because I just love this side of Martijn so freaking much, and also CMC$ as his song features the one and only Conor Maynard. Like, can you believe it? Two of my favorite guys are working with and for the same label. That’s so damn crazy.

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And yeah, that’s pretty much it. There you go guys. Welcome to STMPD RCRDS. I have to say that I’m truly so thankful to Martijn for founding and introducing me to this amazing label and awesome kind of music and awesome artists. And it would actually make me so happy if some of you enjoy it too. So please don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below, I’m really curious. And yeah, I really hope you enjoyed this post and I wish you all an amazing week. And, as always, thanks for reading. x

New Music Friday

Hola everyone.


Another beginning of the month, another music list, right? And as it’s just the beginning of November, I thought we’d start this one off together with some amazing music. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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For this month – and this won’t come as a surprise – my music is pretty heavy on the EDM side right now, due to Martijns show and my longing to relive the show over and over again. But of course there’s something for everyone on there – at least I hope so. So, let’s get right to it, shall we?

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Area 21 – Girls

The EDM fans among you will probably know this – Area 21 may not sound like Martijn, but it actually is Martijn together with the singer Maejor. And I don’t know about you but I’m literally addicted to this side of him, no joke. I usually don’t listen to this kind of music, but I could bury myself in this. And don’t even get me started on how amazing this is live. Holy moly.

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Saint Raymond – Nightcrawling

He is back. FINALLY. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that Callum is finally back with awesome new music. And I’m still so thankful to Ed for taking Callum on tour with him and introducing me to him in 2014. Thank god.

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Hippo Campus – Monsoon / Tuesday

I found this band through another Spotify list and I’m so happy that I did. Just another reason for me for being so deeply in love with Spotify. And this band, oh my god. And this song. I have to say, when I found this song as a live version, I nearly fell off my chair. Seriously. Like, how is it possible to sound this good live? And there is that part when the upbeat part starts and it always feels like a spark of light lit up in my soul. I love it so much. Goosebumps guaranteed, every single time.

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And as one song is far too less for this amazing band, I have of course got another song of theirs to show you. This one is called Tuesday and it’s literally such a calming song. I can’t really tell why, but it just is. And it’s literally the most perfect song to listen to while cooking. Actually all of their songs make the most perfect cooking playlist.

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The 1975 – Milk

Yes, that really is the title. I really have no idea why, but somehow The 1975 thought they’d just upload this song again, as it is actually pretty old. But that doesn’t make it any less amazing. And that’s how I found it again. I especially love the guitar in this one. And personally I’d say it’s one of their best songs ever.

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Brooks & Grx – Boomerang

And another EDM track – what a surprise. And again Martijn, of course. Yes, he has more than one side projects, here under the name of Grx. I can just say that when I heard this live I freaked out completely and since then I’ve been listening to it every single day and am falling for it more and more. The drop is freaking amazing. What an awesome piece of music.

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BØRNS – 10.000 Emerald Pools

Some of you may know this song from the movie “The Space Between Us” – one of my favorite movies ever, just to mention it. To be honest, the first time I heard the song I thought that Børns was a woman. Really. But the fact that he’s a men doesn’t change the awesomeness of the song. I really really really love it and I think it’s truly a one of a kind song.

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Zuli – follow you

Another song I found through Spotify. Thanks Spotify. It’s the kind of song that perfectly describes my taste in music. Especially the end of it and the guitar part. What can I say? It’s just a great song that puts you instantly in a good mood.

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Tom Rosenthal – Pingu in the Igloo

What other good way to end this list is there then to end it on another amazing piece by Tom Rosenthal. I’ve already introduced my love for this guy and his music to you, so of course I had to include him here too. It’s the perfectly calm song, for a nice evening on the couch, preferably with tea and a comfy blanket.

 

 

So there guys, there you go. Here’s a small selection of the songs and music I’ve been listening to the past weeks. I hope you enjoy it. As always, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below. I’m really curious whether you know or like the songs or not. Oh, and yes, that is indeed Martijn in the cover picture. And, yeah, until then I wish you all an amazing weekend and, as always, thanks for reading. x