Over its four edition journey, SXM Festival has hand-crafted one of international underground electronic music’s most celebrated events.
Its unique sense of magic comes from a fusion of world-class music curation, a deep sense of unity with its stunning host island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, an inspirational artistic aesthetic and a commitment to luxury-driven comfort. Today SXM Festival has revealed its phase two lineup of globally renowned selectors for the March 11-15, 2020 edition.
It is with the constantly evolving taste of the international dance music community in mind that SXM Festival crafts its scene-leading musical offerings. The result is a mixing pot of industry titans and emerging acts sourced from all corners of the world with the united purpose of pushing the sounds of the underground to their absolute limit.
Staying true to its nature of finely curated music programming, phase two of SXM‘s carefully polished lineup includes forward-thinking electronic legend Bonobo, Spanish techno giants Audiofly, renowned house music legend Danny Tenaglia, international tastemaker John Acquaviva, Moroccan ambassador Amine K, Do Not Sit curator Behrouz, and Get Physical founder M.A.N.D.Y.
The roster extends further with the addition of Parisian underground mainstay DJ W!LD, legendary progressive icon Hernan Cattaneo, and Cirque Du Soleil founder turned DJ marvel Guy Laliberté.
Also gracing the coveted SXM stage will be Life and Death co-founder Thugfucker, French 4/4 kingpin OXIA, one-third of the [a:rpia:r] trio Raresh, Maya Records powerhouse Joeski, Ibiza party mastermind tINI, and live electronic-trio WhoMadeWho.
These acts will be joining an already standout list of performers, featuring leaders from all walks of the international house and techno industry. This melting pot of talent includes the likes of the inimitable Ricardo Villalobos, the spellbinding sonics of Bedouin, Music On! boss Marco Carola, and SXM favorites Chaim, Blond:Ish, Enzo Siragusa, and Sonja Moonear to name a few.
The means by which these performances are spread across five days of peaks and valleys remains the true magic of the SXM Festival experience. Each set is thought of as part of an emotional odyssey taking travelers on a rhythmic journey through the natural beauty of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.
Attendees may find themselves dancing on the idyllic shores of Happy Bay at sunset, partying at a premiere nightclub until dawn, then being swept away for a Boat Party at or a blissful sunrise soirée at Boho’s Beachclub.
The ebb and flow of the event is what retains its uniqueness, with each bespoke performance just a quick trip away from luxury villas and world-class hotels in which to rest for the day ahead. Each aspect of the programming aims to build towards its infamous emotional crescendos like the exclusive clifftop Villa Party and iconic Sunday morning Sunrise over Happy Bay. More info on schedule flow and venues here.
Since the devastating impact on the island by a series of 2017 hurricanes, SXM Festival sought to further its devotion to the support of the local people of the island and the protection of the natural resources that make it one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Its famed stages and decor are crafted from natural materials sourced from the island itself, while its world-leading low-energy LED lighting design is powered by solar technology.
In partnership with SXM mainstay artist Blond:ish‘s organization BYE BYE PLASTIC, the event has committed to the near complete reduction of single use plastics in its bars and use of 100% biodegradable products across all its famed venues.
In partnership with the Martinique non-profit organization Les Connections, SXM Festival‘s waste management and recycling principles will continue to be a the forefront of the event’s infrastructure in a two-fold process to both its minimize environmental impact and educate fans in the hopes of integrating these principles into the wider, global community. Attendees will also continue to be treated to a convenient official-SXM Festival shuttle system that helps reduce carbon emissions.
Furthering this ethos, fans are encouraged to work alongside SXM artists in a series of activities including mid-event beach cleanups as well as a pre-event garbage collection for local St Martin residendents. This year round partnership, The Get Up Clean Up! Lead by Mystraw Company and Dauphin Telecom offers local participants a chance to earn free tickets to the event, adding a truly multicultural attendee-base felt in few other global events.
In 2019 organizers, artists, and attendees bound together through the SXM Festival created Two Bunch Palms Foundation to donate school equipment and rebuilt recreation centers on the island. Further resources and involvement were supplied to SXM Doet, the largest volunteer program in Sint Maarten and the Dutch Kingdom, which sees thousands of participants giving back across the island. This year these efforts will be furthered, offering festival-goers the chance to give back while in the midst of their five day journey throughout this culturally rich destination experience.
While these cornerstones of showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the island remain at the forefront of the SXM mantra, attendees will also be treated to an utmost sense of luxury that can be experienced at very few events around the world.
VIP packages allow special access to the exclusive clifftop villa party, lounge areas, bars, and other onsite venue amenities. Those seeking a truly premiere journey can secure convenient all-inclusive hotel rooms and a bevy of luxury villa options spread throughout the island. More info here.
It is under the spotlight of the global dance music community that SXM Festival charts its course towards creating the perfect destination experience defined by the pivotal balance of music, cultural adventure, and higher connection.
