SXM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF NAMES FOR 9TH EDITION

Carl Cox, Deep Dish, Elderbrook (DJ set), Lee Burridge, Andhim, Layton Giordani and more will all perform at the 2026 edition

Tickets & travel Information: www.sxmfestival.com

The world’s most idyllic dancefloor calls once again as SXM Festival returns for a five-day music, art, and cultural odyssey in Saint Martin, the Caribbean, from March 18 – 22, 2026.

 The ninth edition of this globally renowned gathering returns to the breathtaking island for deep immersion on one of the Caribbean’s most naturally stunning islands. With its Phase One lineup now revealed, the countdown begins for a week of unforgettable sunrises, oceanfront dancefloors, secret jungle stages and world-class music.

Whether you're drawn to the Sunrise Party, where golden light bathes the beach in rhythm, or the legendary Panorama Party, set atop the island’s highest peak with 360° views of the island, SXM Festival is an unforgettable escape perfectly framed by hot sun, twinkling stars, white sand, lush jungle, and handcrafted design.

Over five curated days, SXM offers an experience unlike any other. It is a unique chance to explore a magical world of beach parties where the sand turns to dancefloor, sunrise sessions that start your day with deep, emotional energy, jungle raves hidden among palm trees and lush foliage, exclusive villa parties that redefine private luxury,  The Panorama Party - an iconic SXM highlight atop the island’s highest point, plus pop-up food and culture experiences from local legends and visiting chefs and art installations and decor curated to blend beautifully into the island's environment. 

From bohemian hideaways to architectural marvels, each location is carefully chosen to complement Saint Martin’s raw natural beauty—a core ethos of SXM since its inception in 2016.

SXM Festival’s first wave of talent for 2026 brings a masterful blend of house and techno legends, live innovators and underground risers. Carl Cox, one of the most influential DJs of all time, will make his long-awaited SXM Festival debut after over a decade of performing in the Caribbean. Deep Dish, the Grammy-winning duo, return to the global stage and reunite for a tropical performance. Elderbrook, celebrated for his chart-topping hits and genre-bending live shows, brings a special DJ set to the island. Lee Burridge, pioneer of All Day I Dream, will once again deliver his signature sunrise sounds and claim back his crown at one of the most anticipated events of the week. Germany’s Andhim, known for their playful and melodic approach to house, join the bill, alongside Layton Giordani, one of tech-house’s brightest rising stars.

The lineup also features Spencer Brown, beloved for his progressive journeys, Natascha Polké with a full live performance, and Eli Fola, presenting his unique hybrid DJ set of Afro sounds and live saxophone and drums. Fresh talent includes Marten Lou, Maxi Meraki, Nimino, Rafael, Sistek, Yet More, Lumia, and the return of the charismatic &Friends, rounding out a first wave that embodies the festival’s balance of established icons and boundary-pushing new voices.

“SXM Festival was born to unite people from all over the world in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Phase One gives just a glimpse of the journey we’re creating for 2026 - a celebration of music, art, and community alongside the Caribbean’s magical backdrop” said festival founder Julian Prince.

SXM Festival is deeply committed to sustainability, local culture and elevated travel. Guests are encouraged to explore the island from culinary adventures and catamaran cruises to guided hikes, and eco-tourism experiences. Throughout the week, the festival works in harmony with the local community, investing in eco-conscious infrastructure, supporting local artists and artisans, and creating economic opportunities for residents.

LINEUP A-Z

&Friends

Andhim

Carl Cox

Deep Dish

Elderbrook (DJ Set)

Eli Fola (Hybrid)

Kadosh

Layton Giordani

Lee Burridge

Lumia

Marten Lou

Maxi Meraki

Natascha Polké (Live)

Nimino (DJ Set)

Rafael

Sistek

Spencer Brown

Tripolism

Yamagucci

Yet More

MATADOR LINKS UP WITH KYOZO FOR THEIR 'EASY UP' EP ON RUKUS

Matador is back on his RUKUS label, this time with Kyozo for one new collaboration and one solo track.

Irishman Matador is an underground mainstay who has constantly innovated in the studio and always serves up scintillating soundtracks in the club. From early minimal techno to his more recent explorations of rich melodies, prog synths and cinematic grooves, he always leads from the front. Here he works with London based Kyozo, who has recently made waves on Drumcode collaborating with Adam Beyer.

'Easy Up' is an atmospheric and deep roller with soft but firmly rooted kicks and wispy synths. There's a sense of suspense as it unfolds, with vulnerable male vocals adding to the fragile motions while the bassline adds real weight. It's a great trip that makes a lasting impact. 'Another Level' is more edgy and direct. Searching, sonar-like blips pulse over the progressive drums while more stark chords light things up with a futuristic twist.

These are two well crafted tracks that blend immersive sound designs with real club-ready energy.

Tracklist:

1) Matador, Kyozo - Easy Up (Extended Mix)

2) Matador - Another Level (Extended Mix)

3) Matador, Kyozo - Easy Up (Radio Edit)

4) Matador - Another Level (Radio Edit)

NICHOLS+ROARK RELEASE “MELODICA” ON ALL DAY I DREAM’S END OF SUMMER SAMPLER!

London-based DJ-producer duo Nichols+Roark return with their latest single ‘Melodica’, released on All Day I Dream as part of the label’s End of Summer Sampler. 

Known for blending progressive house, melodic techno, and organic textures with a cinematic, emotional edge, the duo’s new track is inspired by their travels to music meccas such as Burning Man and South American beach festivals, experiencing unique environments where connection, community, and music dissolve all barriers.

‘Melodica’ is built around haunting male and female chants, exploring harmony between masculine and feminine energies, breath, and movement. Hypnotic and tribal, the track layers nostalgic chord progressions and deep percussion, with each build representing a meeting point, a harmonic climax where energies converge. The production invites listeners to pause, breathe intentionally, and connect with themselves, others, and the collective energy of the dancefloor.

The track was recorded over two inspired weekend sessions in Nichols+Roark’s London studio. The duo crafted ‘Melodica’ organically, allowing the vocals to guide rhythmic structure and chord progression. “We wanted it to feel like a dance that could only happen then and there—the kind of moment you remember long after the music stops,” they explain. The result is a track that feels alive, hypnotic, and deeply human.

‘Melodica’ features in Nichols+Roark’s performances, including Gospel (NYC) last weekend, ADE in October, Art Basel (Miami),) as well as at their own SHIFT events - an immersive music and arts concept blending performance, environment, and connection. Early support comes from All Day I Dream founder Lee Burridge, who supported the track with its first spin at Burning Man this year.

With legacy releases on the likes of The Soundgarden, Selador, Mango Alley, Stripped, Balance Music and Manual, this new single stands as a testament to Nichols+Roark’s ongoing exploration of music as a unifying force, capturing moments of harmony and collective energy. ‘Melodica’ is available 26th September on All Day I Dream, inviting listeners to breathe, move, and connect with the music in ways that transcend time and place.

Nichols+Roark socials:

https://soundcloud.com/nicholsandroark 

https://www.instagram.com/nicholsandroark/