We are facing uncertain times around the world as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. As I write this post, the world seems like a scary place.
We’re seeing more nations go into lockdown mode, more travel restrictions, and more appeal around social distancing. People around the globe are facing work and social isolation, financial distress, or they may have a loved one sick and/or hospitalized. And many of us are doing our part by coming together to help those in need by lending a helping hand where we can.
On the bright side of it, people are finding new ways to collaborate, connect and support each other and are becoming more conscious of interdependency and community. Maybe the love for community will be one of the benefits to come out of this uncertainty. One thing we do know is that music definitely brings people closer together.
With new cases of the novel Coronavirus reported hourly all over the world, we were wondering if we should cancel or postpone our SXM travel plans.
Unfortunately, there was no one-size-fits-all answer in early March, so we weighed out our options and decided to continue with our plans. One of the trickier parts of this whole situation is how much we still didn’t (or don’t) know yet. With all the different scenarios in mind, we decided to take all of the precautions while traveling, including taking reusable utensils, hand sanitizer, a thermometer, practice social distancing, and going into self-quarantine right when we return, just to be safe.
A little background on SXM Festival
2016 marked the first year of the event, a destination festival for techno and house music lovers, set in the beautiful Caribbean. Turquoise waters, soft tan sand, and sunny weather were the perfect platform for this picturesque festival in Saint Martin. Since it was founded just over 4 years ago by Julian Prince, SXM Festival has definitely evolved. This edition of the mystifying event was an experience unlike anything else.
SXM Festival was a space for us to escape from the day-to-day grind.
This festival allowed us to temporarily pretend we’re someone else – someone without a care in the world. SXM Festival was five days long and had multiple events going on for each day of it, except for Sunday. Because of the novel Coronavirus, all of the Sunday events, many of the sunrise parties, and boat parties were understandably cancelled. While that did not bother us because we expected it, we were definitely concerned.
Most of the parties were at Happy Bay (our happy place), which was located on the French side in Orient Bay. Upon entering into Happy Bay, there were mandatory temperature checks at the door, and hand sanitizer stations everywhere which we really appreciated. The main stage was designed with an amazing aesthetic, with two lions made of sticks facing one another, and had an overwhelming beautiful production design. Around the corner was an open-air vendor mall featuring clothing, lightweight beach gear, kaftans, cover-ups and various accessories. Right past the main stage was the Ocean Stage (our favorite stage) backdropped with large bamboo sticks that created a halo like effect, located right on the sandy beach. Due to Covid-19 and travel restrictions, many of the artists could not make it. Ricardo Villalobos, Raresh, Sabo, and Bedouin are some examples.
The best music sets of the festival came from diverse artists that brought an assortment of musical talent to the table.
One of the artists that was able to make it was Britta Arnold, child of Berlin, and total sweetheart. We saw Yokoo, and Wild Dark at Boho Beach (formerly Laylas). They were SO SO GOOD. The sunrise party was very intimate and it felt like a private show. We also saw Waff, Serge Devant, Dj Tennis, Bonobo, Blond:ish, MAGA, Audiofly, Jenia Tarsol, Loco Dice, Sonja Moonear, Thugfucker, and the maestro Behrouz. New favorite discovery was definitely Israeli artist, Jenia Tarsol as this was the first time we had seen and heard him play. He mixed some psychedelic beats with a sweet combination of exotic sound vocals, and elements. We could not stop dancing, and we will definitely be keeping a close eye on him.
Other highlights of the festival:
- Taking a swim in the pool with Behrouz
- People watching at the villa party
- Bye-bye Plastic – beach clean up with Blond:ish
- All of the artwork at the event venues
- Periodic rainstorms that cooled us off, and made us closer
- Watching the stars at Happy Bay with the bass pumping in the background
It was also the first time we got to experience Bonobo, WOW just WOW. Waff b2b with DJ Tennis was also a treat, Blond:ish and Audiofly DELIVERED as usual.
Being surrounded by gorgeous luscious gardens, the ocean, and sunset, it all seemed like a dream. There was a sense of uninhibited freedom, of independence and a thirst for excellent music and living life that simply cannot be communicated with words or in writing. There are many different types of music festivals that occur around the globe. They all serve a purpose: to bring like-minded people of all ages and stages of life together and that’s exactly what this festival did for us. We enjoyed the festival the best we could under the current circumstances. Like most people, we are very hopeful that this global pandemic will resolve itself soon. Until then, please stay safe everyone.
Cheers!
T&P
Techno & Pizza 