Dance Legends Tiefschwarz, Kevin Saunderson, Loco Dice Lead 2024 SXM Festival Lineup
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Some of the world’s top DJs are heading to the Caribbean this March for SXM Festival 2024. Taking place March 11-18 in Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, this will be the seventh edition of the festival, which takes over both the French and Dutch sides of the island for a week of immersive art, music, culture and travel.
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This year’s headliners include German DJ and producer Anja Schneider; British electronic duo Eli & Fur; Italian DJ Ilario Alicante; techo pioneer Kevin Saunderson; and German house superstars Loco Dice and Tiefschwarz. They join more than 30 other performers, who will hit the decks in Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten for the week-long pilgramage.
While there are seemingly countless dance music festivals these days, organizers of SXM Festival say their location adds an extra layer of tourism and culture to the proceedings, versus other festivals that are held in vacant lots or event grounds. The allure of the Caribbean and the variety of open-air spaces on the island, they add, has — quite literally — opened up new possibilities for the performers, who play extended sets on everywhere from a secluded beach to a private boat to a clearing in an old rainforest.
Rolling Stone spoke with SXM Festival founder Julian Prince to find out more about this year’s lineup, the challenges of throwing a massive party on an island and why he hopes the festival can bring dance music to a whole new audience.
It sounds pretty obvious, but in your own words, what makes this festival so different from other festivals and events out there?
Since the festival’s inception, we wanted to create a unique and unforgettable experience for artists and attendees, and we did not forget ourselves in the mix. Organizing a festival on a secluded island was going to be such a huge undertaking it had to result in becoming the most incredible and beautiful journey! The stunning natural tropical backdrop combined with a carefully curated lineup in the most intimate atmosphere sets the event apart. SXM festival offers a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience: it’s actually the only festival in the world to use an entire island for a venue.
Why is Saint Martin the ideal place to host SXM?
Firstly, the island’s natural beauty is unparalleled: pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes; Saint Martin provides a stunning backdrop for the festival. Secondly, Saint Martin has a vibrant local culture. “The Friendly Island” is known for its diverse population (over 100 recorded nationalities), mainly blending French, Dutch, and Caribbean influences. This is outlined during the festival as people from over 50 countries attend.
Furthermore, Saint Martin’s geographical location is advantageous. It is easily accessible from various parts of the world, with direct flights from major European and North American cities. This accessibility makes it convenient for both international and regional attendees to travel to the festival. Lastly, the local community of Saint Martin is welcoming and supportive. By hosting the SXM Festival on the island, we can collaborate with local businesses, artisans, and organizations, fostering a positive impact on the local economy and community. This partnership creates a sense of shared pride and ownership, making the festival a true collaboration between visitors and locals.
Speaking of that, what has the festival done to give back to the local community or promote the island?
I am proud to say that from year one, our festival has made significant efforts to give back to the local community in various ways. We actively engage with the local community by sourcing supplies, services, and talent locally whenever possible. From event staff and security to vendors and production teams, we prioritize hiring local talent, enabling them to gain valuable experience and earn income during the festival. We partner with local businesses and establishments, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers.
We saw our organization contributing even more following the unfortunate Category 6 Hurricane Irma in 2017. We’ve raised money to purchase sports equipment for kids, we cleaned beaches, we donated towels and ping-pong tables. We’ve also made a plan to buy back the carbon footprint of our attendees, we do not use any single-serve plastic in our event, we have a zero-trace policy for our event such as Burning Man, so we try to leave every venue cleaner then we found it.
How did you decide on the lineup of artists for 2024?
First of all, our vision and concept are clear, which is to build a precise soundscape year after year. House music and its declinations work best in the environment we’ve created. Organic house, minimal, tech house, classic house, disco, and every groovy type of beat is what we usually go for. Our lineup consists of today’s most influential music pioneers, the most established acts touring on the festival circuit, and the emergent acts pushing the boundaries of these musical genres that are on the verge of becoming internationally known. We consistently conduct thorough research on the latest trends and developments in the electronic music industry. We attend events such as ADE and Burning Man and visit Ibiza every summer. These are vital to witness which artists have hype and deliver the best sets.
What role does social media play in booking or finding artists?
Social media used to be a great indicator, but not anymore; lots of artists’ pages have inflated numbers with fake followers, so nothing beats the truth of showing up at gigs themselves. We also analyze feedback from collaborative promoters, review industry charts, and closely monitor the global electronic music scene to identify artists who are truly making waves. We prioritize diversity and inclusivity when curating the lineup, aiming to feature artists from different backgrounds, genres, and regions. This includes showcasing many up-and-coming artists who deserve recognition.
We are very sensitive to building a lineup that is also well-balanced in gender, making sure that the female acts are well-represented and also making sure that multiculturalism is expressed. The lineup needs to resemble the island and attendees’ cultural landscape.
What makes this year’s artists stand out in your mind?
The artists selected possess exceptional musical talent and skill and have honed and demonstrated mastery of their craft. But at a festival, stage presence is also very important. Artists who interact with the crowd get our attention. What all artists booked at SXM have in common is that they demonstrate a commitment to artistic innovation and evolution. They push boundaries, experiment with new sounds, and constantly evolve their musical expression. They are not afraid to take risks and explore uncharted territories, contributing to the advancement of electronic music as an art form.
Dance and DJ culture has seen a resurgence in recent years — why do you think this genre of music is resonating so much with people right now?
Dance music has a unique ability to evoke emotions and create a deep connection with listeners. In a world where people crave emotional release and connection, dance music provides an outlet for self-expression and a shared experience with others. This is like a form of escapism from the challenges and stresses of everyday life. It provides a space where people can let go, be themselves, and immerse themselves in the present moment. The high-energy nature of dance music, combined with the communal atmosphere of festivals and club events, creates an environment of celebration and pure freedom.
I would say the dance music genre has evolved and diversified by incorporating various sub-genres and influences from different cultures. This evolution has allowed dance music to continuously adapt and stay relevant. With new sounds, styles, and production techniques, there is something for everyone within the dance music spectrum, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The widespread availability of streaming platforms, online communities, and social media has made dance music more accessible than ever before. People can easily discover new artists, tracks, and mixes, expanding their musical horizons.
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