It’s been eight years for the reason that inaugural SXM Pageant debuted in Saint Martin because the premiere digital music pageant.
Julian Prince, the visionary behind SXM Pageant, has reworked the island into a world hub for digital music lovers.
Because the pageant’s founder and director, he curates an unparalleled expertise that blends cutting-edge music, breathtaking Caribbean surroundings, and immersive inventive expression.
With a deep ardour for home and techno, Julian has created a pageant that not solely showcases world-class deejays but additionally fosters a way of group, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.
His dedication to crafting unforgettable moments has positioned SXM Pageant as one of the crucial sought-after boutique music occasions, drawing festivalgoers from around the globe to paradise.
Vignettes and throwbacks from earlier stagings of the SXM Pageant. (Pictures: Courtesy of SXM Pageant)
Loop Life-style (LL): Stroll us by means of the venue. How has the SXM presentation improved over time?
Julian Prince (JP): Yearly, we intention to raise the pageant expertise. By mixing music, artwork, and the island’s pure magnificence, we guarantee every version feels recent but constant. We recurrently collect suggestions from our group and take each suggestion critically to enhance. The venues are what make the SXM Pageant actually distinctive. From beachside events and villa gatherings to mountaintop units and the secluded predominant website at Joyful Bay Seaside, every location highlights Saint Martin’s beautiful landscapes. For 2025, we’re increasing with new venues and deeper cultural partnerships to additional join attendees to the island’s essence. A significant shift this 12 months is eliminating the VIP program, focusing as an alternative on unity and inclusivity. Whereas we nonetheless supply bottle service, our emphasis is on making a shared expertise centered across the dance flooring.
LL: What native resorts have you ever partnered with, and what’s in retailer for patrons?
JP: We host artists, press, and staff members at Hommage Resort & Residences, our official Artist World Resort. This serene venue options tranquil palm tree gardens, sculptures, and paintings that commemorate each classical and native artistry. It’s centrally situated in Nettle Bay, offering a peaceable retreat with none music occasions to make sure correct relaxation. For attendees, Saint Martin affords a variety of lodging choices, from accommodations to Airbnb’s and villas, catering to each funds.
LL: Why ought to patrons select SXM? What are two stuff you need our readers to know concerning the pageant?
JP: SXM Pageant affords a one-of-a-kind expertise, combining world-class digital music with the breathtaking fantastic thing about Saint Martin. It’s not only a pageant—it’s an journey. From sunlit seashore events to intimate villa gatherings and mountaintop sunsets, each second is crafted to be unforgettable. We’ve created an area the place everybody shares the identical vitality and experiences, fostering an actual sense of group. SXM Pageant is greater than music—it’s a celebration of connection, nature, and tradition in one of many world’s most beautiful places.
LL: In eight years, what are three stuff you’ve realized about producing an occasion that may’ve helped sooner?
JP: First, partaking with the local people from the beginning makes all of the distinction. The island’s tradition, companies, and expertise are usually not simply a part of the pageant—they’re the pageant. True collaboration creates one thing significant for everybody concerned.
Second, defending the setting is crucial. Saint Martin’s magnificence is what attracts folks right here, and sustaining it’s non-negotiable. Steps like decreasing plastic use and organizing seashore clean-ups present our dedication to [nature] and encourage others to observe swimsuit.
Lastly, adaptability is vital. From Hurricane Irma to the pandemic, we’ve confronted challenges that demanded fast, inventive options. Resilience and suppleness have been very important in retaining the pageant alive and rising.
LL: Inform us concerning the line-up. What can patrons look ahead to, musically?
JP: This 12 months’s lineup affords a mix of world icons and rising stars, promising a novel musical journey. Headliners embody Nicole Moudaber, CamelPhat, Âme, and Danny Tenaglia, who’s celebrating 40 years behind the decks with us—a milestone we’re honored to host. The lineup additionally consists of standout skills like SOSA, Tinlicker, Sébastien Léger, Kadosh, and Bora Uzer’s unforgettable dwell set. We’ve curated every thing from deep techno to melodic and afro home, guaranteeing a recent, numerous expertise yearly. For the complete lineup, take a look at the official web site.
LL: Who’re a number of the new faces on the lineup this 12 months?
JP: We’re thrilled to introduce recent expertise; artists like Maz from Brazil, Azzecca, and ANTDOT deliver thrilling new vitality to the combo. Different notable debuts embody Julia Sandstorm, Ferreck Daybreak, Indo Warehouse, Made by Pete, and Sam Divine. We’re additionally honored to welcome a real legend, Sander Kleinenberg, to our lineup this 12 months. Their presence underscores our dedication to showcasing each iconic and rising expertise.
LL: What is without doubt one of the largest misconceptions of SXM, and what’s one factor you want extra folks knew concerning the pageant?
JP: One of many largest misconceptions about SXM Pageant is that it’s only a occasion on the seashore. In actuality, it’s a cultural and financial catalyst for Saint Martin that goes past music—it’s about group, artwork, and celebrating the island’s pure magnificence whereas connecting folks from over 60 international locations. What I want extra folks knew is how a lot effort goes into guaranteeing the pageant positively impacts the native financial system and setting. From partnerships with over 70 native companies and hiring of over 175 locals to initiatives like sea life charity occasions, we work year-round. SXM is not only an occasion; it’s a motion to showcase Saint Martin as a vacation spot for significant cultural experiences.
LL: Has the French and Dutch heritage of Saint Martin influenced the alcohol companions for this iteration? Are there partnerships with native liquor manufacturers?
JP: Completely. The island’s French and Dutch influences are central to every thing we do, together with our partnerships. Many merchandise right here naturally replicate that heritage—Champagne being a main instance. In recent times, we’ve got proudly targeted on celebrating Caribbean craftsmanship by means of our ‘Made within the Caribbean’ drinks menu. This effort has included collaborations with award-winning regional producers resembling Oberi Gin and Rhum Bologne from Guadeloupe, Mutiny Vodka from St Croix, Panama Blue Water, and Carib Beer from Trinidad. By that includes these distinctive merchandise, we not solely spotlight the distinctive flavours of the Caribbean but additionally present a platform to advertise these manufacturers to our worldwide viewers. This method permits us to share the area’s wealthy heritage and create an immersive expertise that resonates with our attendees.
LL: What are three issues within the SXM Pageant starter package?
JP: To benefit from the pageant, all you actually want are good vibes and an open thoughts. However a couple of necessities can improve the expertise:
– A enjoyable inflatable (like a flamingo) makes an ideal dance companion in case your crew disappears.
– A handheld fan with a misting function is a lifesaver below the Caribbean solar.
– A water-resistant cellphone pouch ensures your system stays protected in the course of the water-filled festivities.
For those who overlook something, don’t fear. Our on-site hippy market has every thing you want, from distinctive pageant gear to necessities, it’s a enjoyable place to discover.
To assist festivalgoers, our staff gives personalised help through [email protected], and our web site affords loads of assets for planning your keep.
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