From the cold winds of Montreal to the gentle breeze of Saint Maarten, Julian Prince is the visionary behind one of the most unique destination events in the world, the SXM Festival. This March 9th, the SXM Festival will once again bring together many of the top names in the European scene, including Ricardo Villalobos, Âme, Jan Blomqvist, DJ Tennis, Steve Bug, Chloé Caillet, WhoMadeWho, Dubfire, Blond:ish, Chaim, Danny Tenaglia, Carlita, Behrouz, Sonja Moonear, Hoj, YokoO, Amine K, Raresh, Emanuel Satie, and more, in an absolute haven of a destination where guests will be able to experience their favorite house and techno artists at a variety of unique venues filled with mesmerizing decor overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
EG caught up with SXM Festival Founder Julian Prince to learn more about the festival, its ethos, evolution, hopes for the future, and much more.
EG: Hi Julian! Welcome to EG. It’s a true pleasure to have you with us. Where are you right now? How’s your year going so far?
Julian Prince: Hello all. I’ve been on the island, escaping the cold Canadian winter. We have been doing amazing since we’re isolated from the rest of the world here. We feel free.
EG: You are the founder of Saint Martin’s SXM Festival, but you’re also a DJ and promoter with over two decades of experience. When and how did you first get started? What was it about the scene that drew you in?
Julian Prince: For a small and cold city, Montreal had an incredible scene in the 1990s. With totally proper underground raves, clubs, and pride, we never missed a beat. I’m outgoing and very social. I love people. The openness, inclusivity, and exuberance of the early movement, well before it became an industry, is what made me so passionate about it. It was always my intention that the festival would be based on this ideal. That perfect amount of crazy and beautiful that makes a moment genuine & memorable.
EG: When and where was the idea for SXM Festival born?
Julian Prince: The second I landed in SXM on NYE 2004 I began to imagine it. That night was amazing. The whole trip was incredible. From the beach club to open sky nightclubs and a boat party to St. Barths, we were out every night for 2 weeks. I fell in love with this beautiful place. The people are so welcoming and cool. I naturally wanted to share this experience with as many people as I could. Back then, not enough people traveled for events so we needed a destination with an existing body of locals to support the event until there would be some behavior change in the way people travel for events. BPM, Coachella, Burning Man, and Ibiza caught the American eye. It was all of these events that, actually, made the destination festival possible.
EG: What was that first SXM Festival experience like?
Julian Prince: I probably aged a year every day. It was incredibly difficult. We had roadblocks and monsoons. The logistics and technical were difficult but we pulled it off. The result was actually more beautiful than I had ever imagined it could be. Although it is the biggest challenge of our lives every year, SXM Festival always surpasses my dreams. I look at the whole thing from the stage and from the many viewpoints on-site and I feel beyond grateful just to be part of it.
“We know that the island is truly the highlight of the festival and we work to complement the abundant natural beauty here”
EG: How has it improved or changed since then? What can attendees expect this year?
Julian Prince: Every great product is consistent. Yes, we want to improve every year and we up the technical game. We refine and go deeper in the details, for sure, but our recipe works and we don’t want to change it. We know that the island is truly the highlight of the festival and we work to complement the abundant natural beauty here. The aim is not to grow it in size but in quality. We have everything a huge festival has to offer: top production and talent. Happy Bay is arguably one the most beautiful venues of any festival in the world and we are constantly blessed by the best attendees. The average age is 34 years old, traveling from 80 cities and with common interests. I mean, SXM Festival is a Paradise within a Paradise. We are really proud of it.
EG: Do you think that the pandemic changed what fans expected from these experiences and how they ‘consume’ them?
Julian Prince: People are eager and excited for the cherished human experience of dancing in unity, expressing a love of community as a means to balance our energy and to decompress from the stresses of daily life. For many, this is long overdue.
A commitment to the environment has become more important than ever to the community and to the artists who demand the accountability we endeavour to provide. The reverence for our natural world is an integral part of the SXM experience for which our guests are in alignment.
EG: SXM supports locals and the island community, and the international community. Could you tell us more about the donations, philanthropy, and different efforts you lead?
Julian Prince: This year we are working with Verde SXM recycling to “close the loop” and respect the land which brings us so much joy. We continue our community philanthropy by collaborating with a local music school. We’re revisiting house and techno anthems. We’ll record the songs and sell them on music platforms and use all the profits to buy instruments or anything that the school will need.
EG: Why do you think attendees choose the island over other similar destinations? What sets Saint Martin apart from the rest?
Julian Prince: The Island is culturally unique. Its Euro-Caribbean vibe is unmatched. The proximity of varied activities and excursions and the surrounding islands allow for adventures beyond the festival. The culinary experience and villa life of the island is renowned. Guests enjoy downtime sitting poolside with family and friends, enjoying the breathtaking views, sun, or star-filled skies in complete privacy. The beaches are stunning not least of which is Happy Bay, our main venue. The island is a breathtaking setting for SXM Festival.
“We continue our community philanthropy by collaborating with a local music school. We’re revisiting house and techno anthems. We’ll record the songs and sell them on music platforms and use all the profits to buy instruments or anything that the school will need”
EG: What do you want party-goers to leave the island with? What would be your end goal?
Julian Prince: A huge smile, great memories, and a lot of sand.
EG: What else can we expect from Julian Prince in the future? What new milestones are you looking forward to?
Julian Prince: We plan on founding SMX Recordings and finding new talent. But I do get interested in anything that has to do with music, culture, and bringing people together so let’s see where the adventure will go!
EG: Thank you for your time Julain! We wish you all the best for the future!
Julian Prince: Thank you for your interest and for your time!
Tickets for the SXM Festival are now on sale. You can learn more about the festival, and purchase your passes here.
