Montreal native Julian Prince, with French and North African heritage, has been making sound waves in the electronic music scene since 1997. As a DJ and the founder of the SXM Festival, he's been an active force in fostering and shaping the community, bringing people together through his love for electronic music.
Prince's DJ journey began long before the creation of SXM Festival, with notable performances at iconic venues like Stereo in Montreal and others across North America. His eclectic and immersive sets have left a lasting impact at these electronic music temples.
As a producer, Julian has put out tracks on labels like Kindisch, Abracadabra, Sublevel, Loot, and Mile End Records, with upcoming projects lined up on 01FRBL and Diversions. His releases reflect a genuine love for house and techno, shaped by years spent as both a DJ and an active participant in underground culture. He stays true to the sound, drawing on his experiences in the booth and on the dancefloor to create music that resonates with the community. Whether in the studio or behind the decks, Julian’s presence in the global electronic music culture remains undeniable.
It's Not Called a Rave, It's Called a Party
The early rave scene in Montreal, Canada, emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its clandestine and hedonistic underground parties. Legendary venues like Playground, Stereo, and Sona became synonymous with raves that drew large dancefloors while maintaining a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
Evolving in one of the most active rave scenes in the world definitely had an impact on my life
These events were more than just parties; they were immersive experiences blending music, art, and community, playing a crucial role in shaping global electronic music culture.
At its peak, Montreal's scene had six licensed after-hours clubs, along with many unregistered spots spread across the province. We called them "after-hours" because these venues ran from 2 AM to 10 AM. Without alcohol licenses, they could stay open all night, creating a space entirely focused on music, sound systems, lights, and visuals—a concept that’s remained strong over the years. Take Stereo, for example. Over 25 years later, it's still going strong, thriving without relying on alcohol sales.
together ravers from across the province, as well as from nearby provinces and states like New York. These parties had iconic 90s rave names like Cream, Bulb, Connected, Swirl, Celebration, and Smooth. Major yearly events like Bal en Blanc, Black and Blue, and Arrival were also key moments for the community to come together.
Julian adds, "Evolving in one of the most active rave scenes in the world definitely had an impact on my life, influencing not only my career but also my understanding of how music can unite people."
Inspiration Behind SXM Festival
Julian explains, "The idea for SXM Festival came to me on New Year’s Eve in 2004 when I first visited St. Martin. Captivated by the island’s beauty and atmosphere.
“I envisioned a festival that showcased both the charm of ST-Martin and the depth of underground electronic music”
The first SXM Festival in 2016 faced challenges but exceeded my expectations, blending top-tier production with the island’s natural beauty.
Julian's goal is to enhance the festival's quality each year while maintaining its intimate, family-like atmosphere. SXM Festival’s focus on underground house and techno attracts a discerning global audience looking for a soulful, immersive experience away from mainstream EDM.
Supporting the Local Community
Beyond the music, SXM Festival is committed to supporting the local community and environment. Julian has partnered with local music schools and recycling initiatives to ensure the festival has a positive impact on the island. This commitment to both philanthropy and environmental responsibility is integral to the SXM Festival experience.
Frequencies: In Conversation with Julian Prince
C. What inspired you to create SXM Festival, and how did the unique location of Saint Martin influence your vision?
J. My inspiration for creating the SXM Festival came from a combination of life experiences and the unique qualities of Saint Martin. Growing up in the hospitality industry and being deeply involved in music and event production, I had acquired a diverse set of skills that felt almost innate. The island of Saint Martin, with its European flair, international airport, and natural beauty, seemed like the perfect location for an international event. My experiences at festivals like Burning Man, Ibiza, Coachella, and BPM solidified my vision, making it clear that Saint Martin could host a world-class music festival that leveraged its distinctive cultural and geographical strengths.
C. How do you curate the lineup for SXM Festival, and what do you look for in the artists you choose to feature?
J. Our approach to curating the lineup for SXM Festival evolves each year, reflecting the rapid changes in the music industry. We start by booking music that resonates with us, ensuring that the artists' profiles are not only interesting but also compatible with each other. We aim to create a balance by featuring a mix of emerging talent, current acts we believe will grow significantly between booking and performance, and legendary artists who have inspired the industry for decades. We also use tools to measure artists' growth, decline, and presence, considering new platforms that influence their reach. This dynamic approach allows us to craft a lineup that feels fresh and relevant each year.
C. Can you share some challenges you’ve faced in organizing a festival on a remote island or in general, and how you overcame them?
J. Organizing a festival on a remote island like Saint Martin presents unique challenges, and overcoming them requires meticulous organization. The island is divided between two governments, each with its own laws, power systems, and communication networks, which complicates logistics. For example, there’s only one main road, which can cause significant traffic issues, and resources are limited, so everything needs to be ordered well in advance. Additionally, we produce the festival on a secluded beach, meaning everything runs on generators, and we must build the infrastructure from the ground up, from sewage systems to electricity.
We've faced many challenges over the years. In our first year, we encountered torrential rain, which is rare for the island, forcing us to move events indoors and secure sites as decorations were falling apart. It was an intense week for the entire production crew, but we managed to keep the festival going without attendees noticing the behind-the-scenes chaos. The second year, a major snowstorm on the East Coast grounded planes, causing delays for festival-goers, so we worked quickly to help them find alternative travel solutions. In our third year, we had to cancel due to Hurricane Irma, which devastated the island. However, this allowed us to raise funds and strengthen our connection with the local community. Each year brings its own set of challenges, but with determination and adaptability, we’ve managed to keep the festival alive and thriving.
C. How do you envision the future of SXM Festival, and what new experiences can attendees look forward to in upcoming editions?
J: The future of SXM Festival is as bright, sunny, and beautiful as Saint Martin itself! Each year, we introduce new experiences, venues, artists, and decorations while maintaining the core adventure that attendees have come to love. We're incredibly proud of the event and its positive impact on both the island and our guests. Given the island’s size and hosting capacity, the festival will never outgrow its intimate vibe—there will always be space to dance, and we’re committed to preserving its unique character. Our focus is on growing the festival in quality, not in size, ensuring that each edition offers an elevated experience without losing its essence. That’s our plan for the future!
C. What advice would you give to aspiring festival/event organizers who want to create immersive and memorable music experiences?
J: My advice to aspiring festival and event organizers is to start with a clear vision and stay true to it. Understand your audience and what kind of experience you want to create for them—every detail should serve that vision. Immersive and memorable events are built on a strong foundation of organization and attention to detail. Focus on curating a unique atmosphere, from the music lineup to the venue, decor, and overall vibe. Always be adaptable; things will go wrong, but how you handle those challenges can make or break your event. Collaboration is also key—work with a team that shares your passion and values, and be open to learning from others in the industry. Finally, never lose sight of the impact your event has on the local community and environment; respect the space you’re in and strive to leave a positive legacy. Creating a memorable experience is about more than just the music; it’s about crafting a journey that people will remember long after the event is over.
C. What’s coming up for you as an artist in the near future (touring dates, releases, etc)?
J. I have an exciting year ahead with six releases lined up on labels like Diversions, Sublevel, Loot Recordings, and 01FRBL. This summer, I held a residency at Akasha in Ibiza, which was an incredible experience. Looking forward, I'll be playing in North America, including the States, and in Tulum this fall. I'll also be at ADE, which is always a highlight. This winter, I'll be performing around the Caribbean to keep the SXM vibes alive!
Also, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be making my debut as an artist. I've designed an interactive art piece called "PLAY," and I'm really excited to share this new artistic expression with everyone next March at the festival!
