Meet Julian Prince, the visionary behind SXM Festival—a world-renowned celebration of music, culture, and island magic on Saint Martin. As the founder of this iconic event, now gearing up for its March 12-16, 2025 edition. Julian has transformed his passion for electronic music and breathtaking destinations into an unforgettable experience that draws thousands to its beaches, jungles, and hilltops each year. He’s a creative force dedicated to blending art with purpose, making SXM more than just a festival – it’s a movement.
Julian, you’ve turned SXM Festival into a bucket-list experience for music lovers worldwide—what sparked the vision to create this magical escape on Saint Martin, and how does it feel to see it thrive as a must-visit event?
The idea for SXM Festival started with a simple but powerful vision: to create an experience that blends world-class electronic music with the beauty of an untouched Caribbean island. Saint Martin had all the ingredients, a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming energy but it was missing a global event that could bring people together in an immersive way. What drives me is the idea that music isn’t just entertainment, it’s a catalyst for connection, for discovery, for elevating a place and its people. Seeing SXM evolve into a must-visit festival, with thousands of people flying in from all over the world, is beyond rewarding. It’s proof that when you create something with passion, a strong purpose, and the right team, it resonates deeply.
SXM Festival is famous for its stunning venues—beaches, jungles, hilltops—and a lineup that blends legends with fresh talent. What are values when curating artists, and what surprises can first-timers expect in 2025?
Curation is everything. It’s not just about booking big names, it’s about crafting a journey. SXM Festival is built on a foundation of discovery, so every lineup is designed to strike a balance between pioneers of the scene, the cutting-edge names defining the future, and emerging artists who bring fresh energy. We want artists who don’t just play music but create moments. DJs who understand the magic of playing at sunrise on a beach or deep in the jungle under the stars. For 2025, expect surprises, expect to be transported. We’re always raising the bar, not just with the lineup but with new experiences, stage designs, and the feeling that anything can happen.
You’ve called Saint Martin a ‘paradise within a paradise.’ What is it about this island—from its culture to its nightlife—that makes it the perfect home for SXM?
Saint Martin is special because it’s more than just a beautiful island, it’s a cultural crossroads. It’s where European and Caribbean influences blend perfectly, where you have French cuisine next to local Creole flavours, and where the people bring this incredible warmth and energy. Beyond that, the landscapes are breathtaking. We have everything from white sand beaches to dense jungle, from hidden coves to hilltops with panoramic views of the ocean. The island naturally creates a sense of adventure, and that’s what makes it the perfect home for SXM Festival. You’re not just going to a festival, you’re stepping into a dreamlike escape where music and nature collide.
Beyond the music, SXM has a heart—supporting the local community and sustainability. How does it feel to know that every ticket sold helps make a difference, and what impact do you hope attendees take home with them?
From the very beginning, SXM Festival was never just about throwing a party. We wanted to create something that gives back to the island, to its people, and to the environment. Every edition of the festival creates jobs, supports local businesses, and brings a significant economic impact. Sustainability is another key focus. We’ve planted trees, restored natural spaces, and implemented eco-friendly initiatives to ensure that our presence benefits the island rather than harms it. But beyond that, we want attendees to leave with a new perspective, a feeling of connection, of appreciation for the island and its culture, and maybe even a desire to give back in their own way.
Montreal’s creative energy shines beyond its borders. How has that city’s unique spirit shaped your vision for SXM Festival?
Montreal is in my DNA. It’s a city that breeds creativity, where people are always pushing artistic boundaries, and where electronic music has a deep and passionate following. Growing up in that scene, I learned that music isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about community, about building something bigger than yourself. That mentality shaped SXM Festival. I wanted to bring that same sense of creative energy to an international stage but in a completely unique environment. The underground roots of Montreal, the diversity of its artists, and the way the city embraces culture and music all played a role in how SXM was designed. In many ways, SXM is an extension of that Montreal spirit, just under palm trees instead of snowflakes.
Looking ahead to March 2025, what’s got you most excited about this edition? Any hints about the lineup, new experiences, or personal highlights you’re dying to share with future SXMers?
Every edition of SXM Festival is an evolution. For 2025, we’re bringing back everything that people love; iconic stages, sunrise and sunset magic, and that sense of freedom that only exists on this island. We’ve always invested a lot of efforts to create a line up that was compelling but also that made sure that the music would fit every moment. I feel that this tailored soundtrack is what makes a huge difference in the adventure. Beyond the music, we’re introducing new experiences spaces to disconnect and reconnect, to celebrate life in a way that feels deeper than just dancing. Personally, what excites me most is seeing that moment when people arrive, take their first deep breath of the ocean air, and realize they’re about to experience something they’ll never forget. That’s what SXM is about. Looking forward to seeing you on the island!
Big love , Julian
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